This article is written for Google Workspace for Education Administrators.
Introduction
This blog explains why and how to disable the dictionary in Google Docs to maintain academic integrity and promote independent learning. The dictionary tool in Google Docs helps users look up word meanings, supporting language development. However, during tests or assessments, it can lead students to bypass critical thinking by relying on external aids.
Disabling this feature ensures students focus on improving their language skills and comprehension. This blog provides steps to configure settings or use tools like Safe Doc to block dictionary access in Google Docs. Restricting this feature creates a more authentic learning environment, fostering fair assessments and skill-building.
Why Disable Dictionary in Google Workspace for Education?
In academic environments, fostering critical thinking and independent learning is essential for student development. While the Dictionary feature in Google Docs, Slides, and other tools provides quick access to word definitions, it can sometimes undermine the learning process. Students may over-rely on this tool for assignments, skipping the deeper research and analysis necessary for understanding context, language usage, and complex concepts. Disabling this feature can help encourage students to develop these skills by seeking information through more robust educational resources.
Let’s understand the scenario through a user story:
- Problem: Mr. Rivera, an English teacher at a middle school, observed that students were frequently relying on the Dictionary tool during writing assignments. Many students would insert definitions verbatim into their essays, showing minimal effort to understand or rephrase the meaning. This reliance not only hindered their vocabulary development but also compromised the originality and depth of their work. Mr. Rivera also noticed that some students were using the feature to look up unrelated words during class, leading to distractions.
- Solution: Mr. Rivera collaborated with the school’s IT administrator to disable the Dictionary feature in Google Workspace for Education. He encouraged students to use physical dictionaries or vetted online resources instead, guiding them toward deeper engagement with language and its nuances. Mr. Rivera also provided his students with vocabulary-building exercises to support their learning.
- Result: After disabling the Dictionary, Mr. Rivera saw significant improvements in his students’ vocabulary skills and their ability to articulate ideas independently. By engaging with comprehensive resources, students demonstrated a better understanding of words in context and showed more originality in their writing. The change also reduced classroom distractions, allowing for more focused learning sessions.
What is a xFanatical Safe Doc?
xFanatical Safe Doc is a comprehensive solution for maintaining a focused and secure online environment for Google Workspace admins and users. It provides robust tools to manage and restrict access to various online content, ensuring a safe and productive digital environment. xFanatical Safe Doc integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, offering administrators the ability to customize content filtering policies according to their needs.
Disable Dictionary option in Google Workspace with xFanatical Safe Doc
Remove dictionary option Google Docs
Google Docs includes a dictionary option that allows users to look up definitions directly within the document editor. While this can be a helpful tool for enhancing vocabulary, in educational settings, students may misuse it during assessments or rely on it excessively, reducing their ability to learn independently.
At this point, xFanatical Safe Doc becomes an invaluable tool. By implementing the EnableDictionary policy, you can remove the dictionary feature from Google Docs. Once this policy is set to false, the dictionary option will no longer be accessible, encouraging students to develop their language skills without relying on in-app tools. This helps create a more focused and independent learning environment, promoting genuine understanding and retention of knowledge.
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Dictionary feature in Google Docs
Define option is removed by xFanatical Safe Doc in Google Docs
Inactivate dictionary option for student in Google Slides
Google Slides includes a dictionary option that allows users to look up definitions directly while working on presentations. While this feature can be helpful for general use, in educational settings, students might misuse it during assignments or presentations, reducing their ability to research and learn independently.
At this point, xFanatical Safe Doc becomes an invaluable tool. By implementing the EnableDictionary policy, you can inactivate the dictionary feature for students in Google Slides. Once this policy is set to false, the dictionary option will no longer be available to students, encouraging them to focus on developing their vocabulary and understanding through independent research. This ensures a more disciplined learning environment, promoting critical thinking and self-reliance.
Tools > Dictionary menu is blocked by xFanatical Safe Doc
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Define option in Google Slides
Constrain on the dictionary option in Google Drawings
Google Drawings includes a dictionary option that allows users to look up word definitions directly within the editor. While useful for enhancing vocabulary, in educational settings, unrestricted access to this feature may hinder independent learning or lead to misuse during assignments and projects.
Tools > Dictionary menu is blocked by xFanatical Safe Doc
Define option is hidden by xFanatical Safe Doc in Google Drawings
How to block dictionary option in GWFE using xFanatical Safe Doc
Step 1: Install Safe Doc:
The first step is to install Safe Doc in your Google Workspace environment. Safe Doc is a browser extension that seamlessly integrates with Google workspace, providing enhanced control and security features.
Step 2: Configure Safe Doc settings:
Once Safe Doc is installed, you can configure its settings to disable the dictionary feature in Google Workspace.
Step 3: Access Google Admin Console:
Now, navigate to the Google Admin Console. In the Google Admin Console, click on Devices followed by Chrome. Then, select Apps & Extensions and click on Users & Browsers.
Step 4: Copy the Policy:
Locate the policy that you wish to apply and copy it. The policy will display in a specific format similar to the example provided below:
"EnableDictionary ": {
"Value": false
}
Step 5: Save the Policy:
After applying the policy, click the Save button to apply it.
How to configure Safe Doc?
Ensure the deployment of Safe Doc on your students' Chrome browsers, and review the xFanatical Safe Doc Configuration document for detailed instructions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disabling the dictionary feature in Google Apps is an effective way to promote independent learning and reduce distractions during academic activities. By restricting access to the dictionary, educators can encourage students to rely on their critical thinking and comprehension skills rather than seeking instant answers. This measure helps maintain focus on the task at hand and fosters a deeper engagement with the learning material. With xFanatical Safe Doc, schools can easily enforce this policy, creating a more disciplined and productive educational environment tailored to fostering genuine learning experiences.
To learn more about how xFanatical Safe Doc can help enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website Safe Doc If you have yet to install Safe Doc, please get a 30 days trial.
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