These days, many students use electronic dictionaries in their English language classes.
I think it is great and it can be a very beneficial way to improve their English language as it helps the students who would like to hear the correct pronunciation of vocabulary words to say it correctly and it teaches them isf it is a noun, verb, or adj?.
Sometimes, the students check the meaning while the teacher explains the lesson and it is a big mistake, as you should wait until the teacher finishes because if you look in your dictionary immediately you will not hear what did he sayid. I advise the students when they hear or find a new word while reading or while the teacher writes it on the board.
If you want to check the meaning in your first language that is ok, just you could copy the word you did not understand it,and then later you can translate it during the break or at home.