Inspiration Software, Inc.

By Suzanne Sherman

Visual Learning

Inspiration Software is based on the premise that visual learning helps students to improve their reading, writing and organizational skills.

This software allows students to create visual representations of their ideas.

Visual Tools

Inspiration software provides students with the tools to:

Brainstorm Diagram Map Outline Organize Write

Screen Shot

Key Functions

Key functions are easy to access. The diagram tool bar is at the top of the screen.

The format tool bar is at the bottom of the screen.

Helpful Symbols

The symbol pallet is at the left side of the screen.

Diagram View

Inspiration opens in diagram view where students can process, organize and prioritize information visually.

The main idea symbol is highlighted so students may simply start typing.

Helpful Links

The CREATE tool adds linked symbols to a diagram.

The RAPID FIRE link is good for brainstorming and allows students to capture good ideas as they think.

Symbols, cont.

Symbols function to help students remember what they are writing about.

Students may choose a symbol from the pallet, or drag and drop symbols from the internet.

Notes

By clicking on notes, students can begin writing by entering detailed information into their diagrams.

Notes are flexible and can be attached or detached from the symbol.

Links

The link tool links symbols together to illustrate relationships between them.

Adding text to links allows students to clarify and explain their reasoning.

More Links

Click on arrange to change the free form diagram into a more structured layout.

Hyperlinks allows students to integrate documents and other sites into their work.

Outline

Symbols from the diagram also appear in outline form by clicking on the OUTLINE link. Notes text is also visible in outline form.

Outline information, cont.

Once in outline form, click on topics to add new ideas. Subtopics may also be included.

Quick Controls

Using arrow buttons at top, students can manage the information in their outline.

It is easy to organize and rearrange ideas.

Personalize

Students can change the look of their outline to emphasize topic levels.

Color and other formatting can be used to emphasize categories and call attention to concepts.

Interchangeable

Diagram and outline views are integrated, so students may switch between them at any time.

Saving Work

Once finished, students can go to FILE and EXPORT to save in a variety of formats.

Create Website

Material can also be exported as an HTML file because this site allows students to transform their work into a website.

Students may use any web development application.

Educator Options

Teachers have the option to customize the program to match their classroom needs.

Teachers can choose the audio feature by turning on the talking interface and listen tool.

Tools

Students may also record sounds to add to their diagrams. Go to TOOLS>SOUND>RECORD

Templates

Teachers may choose from 50 templates from across the curriculum.

Educators can use the templates to modify or match lesson plans.

Template Wizard

Teachers may also produce their own templates by accessing the TEMPLATE WIZARD under the UTILITY function.

A helpful guide takes you through in a step by step process.

Wrap Up

In closing, Inspiration Software uses “visual learning techniques” to help students “clarify thinking, integrate new knowledge and increase retention.”

Sources

<www.inspiration.com>