Using Inspiration
Inspiration is a very popular piece of software that provides tools for making a variety of graphic organizers and outline tools.   It is advertised as appropriate for students in grades 6-12 (and adults); Kidspiration is advertised as appropriate for students in grades K-5.
 
  • Inspiration is available for Windows, Macintosh (both pre-OS X and OS X versions), and even for Palm handhelds.
  • 30-day trial versions of both titles are available
 
The Inspiration interface contains a workspace and a toolbox with a large collection of icons and objects that can be used to create concept maps and similar graphic organizers.  Objects added to the workspace can be connected with lines and variations on lines, and all objects and connectors can be labeled with formatted text.
Once a graphic organizer is complete, it can be transferred to a word processor as an outline.
 
Essential Tasks As you begin working with Inspiration, be sure you understand how to perform these tasks:
  • Create, open, and print documents, as well as convert Inspiration documents to word processors and web sites;
  • Know the different views available for looking at and working on Inspiration documents;
  • Add, edit, and label objects and text as well as connectors.

 

 
Inspiration comes with a number of templates; those pictured below demonstrate the capabilities of the software:
Venn Diagrams
Areas of Influence
Idea Map
Cause and Effect
Biographical Web
Lab Report
Goal Setting
Persuasive Essay
 
created: June 2004
last updated: June 12, 2004
© Gary L. Ackerman
http://www.taconic-learning.net