Inspiration (computer program)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 Example of a Language Arts exercise using Inspiration. These Diagram and Outline Views show the transfer from concept mapping to writing. |
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| Developer: | Inspiration Software, Inc. |
| Latest release: | 8.0 / February 2006 |
| OS: | Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows |
| Use: | Visual learning, Organization |
| License: | Proprietary |
| Website: | Main Inspiration Page |
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The visual learning software tool Inspiration is published by Inspiration Software, Inc. and is used primarily by students for building graphic organizers such as concept maps, diagrams and webs to visually represent concepts and relationships. Compatible with Macintosh and PC operating systems, Inspiration was developed for students grade 6 to adult, to help them better analyze complex topics, brainstorm and explore ideas, increase writing proficiency and develop planning skills across all subjects, including language arts, science and social studies.
Inspiration has two primary interfaces, Diagram View and Outline View. Diagram View allows for the creation and management of graphic organizers. Then, work done in Diagram View can be transferred to Outline View, where a traditional hierarchical outline format eases the transition to writing.
Inspiration is also useful for a variety of tasks including web site planning and project management by educators, administrators, business users and higher-education students.
[edit] Features
Inspiration comes with:
- 65 ready-made templates to help users get started.
- More than 1000 built-in, searchable symbols to represent concepts and ideas.
- A one-click transfer feature for moving work to word processors to continue the writing process.
- A RapidFire tool for getting new ideas down quickly during brainstorming.
- A hyperlinking function for incorporating web sites and files in research and portfolios.
- Video and sound integration, for incorporating multimedia in projects.
- A Site Skeleton function which converts diagrams to HTML.
- Visually integrated notes to help start the writing process in Diagram View.
- Word Guide--an innovative dictionary and thesaurus, and an auto spell checker.
- Inspiration Web Resources, providing users with an Internet connection access to:
- more than 1 million additional symbols via symbol search
- 50+ Curriculum Packets containing supplemental instructional units via templates and exemplars for high-school level language arts, social studies and science
- on-demand training videos covering Inspiration's commonly used features.
- Audio and speech tools to support multiple learning styles and accessibility.
- Support for drawing and writing directly on interactive whiteboards and Tablet PCs.
- Syncing capability with Inspiration for Palm OS and Inspiration for Pocket PC.
Inspiration Software, Inc. also publishes Kidspiration, a visual learning tool aimed at younger students in the kindergarten through 5th grade range, and InspireData, a data collection and analysis software tool aimed at students in grades 4-12.
[edit] See also
- Fault tree analysis (Templates)
- List of concept mapping software
[edit] References
- MacWorld article on Inspiration 7 [1]
- Golden Triangle PC Club review of Inspiration 7 [2]
- University of Wisconsin List of Uses for Inspiration [3]
- SuperKids Software Review of Inspiration [4]
- Learning Village review of Inspiration [5]
- Innovation Tools review of Inspiration [6]
- LD Resources on Inspiration [7]
- From Now On, education technology journal review of Inspiration [8]
- ISTE book about using Inspiration in writing [9]
- School District web sites about using Inspiration:
- Computer-based study strategies using Inspiration [13]
- Awards:
- Recommended software at ASU [17]
- TOOLS FOR THE TEKS: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Article recommending Inspiration in every classroom [18]
- Apple.com education site list of complementary curriculum products [19]
- ERIC (http://eric.ed.gov) paper on Concept Mapping in the Classroom with Inspiration Software [20]
- University of Calgary professor's essay on using Inspiration [21]
- Education Oasis review of Inspiration [22]
- MacWorld review of Inspiration 6 [23]
[edit] External links
- Main Inspiration Page
- Inspiration Software web site
- mindServegroup: - Inspiration Software for Business and Professional Use
- Strategic Transitions: (Higher education template support)
