1-800-877-4292
High School
Science
Reviewed by:
Lauren Streifer
Software Description:
Inspirationâ is a program that can be used by teachers and students in any
content area to map and display information. This can be done in two
different modes: diagram or outline. In the outline mode the user
organizes information into a written
outline. The program has several different functions that allow you
to organize your information into an effective, well-organized outline.
For example, once you have written your main idea you can add in other topics
and subtopics by selecting the appropriate icon on the tool bar. In the
diagram mode the user organizes information into a graphic
organizer. In this mode, the toolbar at the top of the screen has
icons that allow the user to create, and link, text boxes. The user
organizes the information into a graphic organizer that shows the connections
between the information being displayed. The user can also switch between
the outline and graphic mode. This allows the user to create, edit, or
modify his/her slide in either of the two modes. For example, an
individual who writes an outline can create a graphic organizer of the information
simply by selecting the graphic icon on the toolbar. The user can then
modify their graphic organizer, which displays the information they outlined,
in the graphic mode.
Inspirationâ also has several
impressive features that allow the user to visually enhance a graphic
organizer. The program has over twenty pages of clipart that is organized
by content and subject areas. A student who is creating slides in
Science, History, English, Art, Foreign Language, or Math could quickly find
clipart relating to their topic. The program also allows the user to
manipulate the color schemata, as well as the location of text boxes in the
graphic organizer.
Accuracy of Content:
This program could be integrated into the high school curriculum of any content
area. The function of the program is to visually map, and organize,
information. Since all high school curricula require students to read and
understand text, Inspirationâ is an
appropriate program to use.
The CT Language Arts
Frameworks K-12 Curricular Goals and Standards states that as a result of
education in Grades K-12, students will:
Created a slide using this program demonstrates your
proficiency in these Curricular Goals. Consequently, this program is
appropriate to use in any content area.
Technical Quality:
Inspirationâ is relatively easy to use
and run. Once the user has a basic understanding of how the toolbar
functions, they can easily create graphic organizers/outlines quickly.
Icons on the toolbar visually show the user the options they have available
make the software easy to navigate. In the classroom, the teacher could give
a short demonstration of how the program works, and then students should have
little problem using the software.
Use of Technology:
Inspiration makes great use of technology by providing teachers with a tool
that students can use to map and display information relevant to their
curriculum. In order to create a slide, students must perform higher
order thinking skills. Furthermore, the product they create is both
visually appealing and well organized. The program uses a
multi-media approach to outline and diagramming, which are imperative skills
for high school graduates. The program fosters the development of these
skills in an appealing multi-media manner.
Furthermore, the program fosters
nonlinear thinking. Students can brainstorm ideas in the graphic mode and
then latter organize their ideas into a graphic organizer by connecting their
ideas. The ability to function in both the graphic and outline mode
allows students of learning styles to excel.
Role of Students:
The role of the students while using Inspirationâ
is to create a visually appealing graphic organizer of information relating to
a topic. Students working in cooperative learning groups or alone
manipulate the program to organize information. Easy to understand icons
and accessories empowers students to use this software to create their
product. Students could easily use this program to display information
from a reading assignment, class discussion, class activity, research
assignment, etc. Consequently, this program has the ability to function
as either a learning or an assessment tool. When
it is used as a learning tool, students gather and organize information from
the text. When it is used as an assessment tool, students use their
pre-existing knowledge to create a graphic organizer. The teacher can
then assess student understanding by looking at what information was
included/excluded and how the student organized the information.
Role of the Teacher:
The role of the teaching is to organize and facilitate the students’ use of
Inspirationâ. Prior to having
students use the program the teacher should give a short presentation
instructing the students on how to use the accessories and icons. In
order for Inspiration to be effective learning and/or assessment tool the
students must be creating an outline/graphic organizer of a specific
topic. It is the teacher’s role to provide guidelines relating to the
topic and the type of information students are required to include in their
product.
Classroom Usage:
Inspiration will be most effective if individual students, or small groups of
students, have access to computers. This way, students can interact with
the knowledge and be directly involved in creating a product displaying this
knowledge. However, the program could be used by the entire class.
The teacher could facilitate the class in either brainstorming or
outlining. The students would generate the ideas while the teacher
manipulated the program. This would work best if the screen were
projected so that all students could see the product as it was developing.
Critical Summary:
Inspiration is a highly effective diagramming/outlining that can easily be
integrated into any high school curricula. Students use higher order
thinking skills to create visually appealing products in a variety of different
modalities.
Overall Rating:
10
Explanation of Rating:
The ability to effectively integrate Inspiration into any curriculum as well as
the program’s accommodations for different learning styles makes it an
invaluable educational learning tool.
Last Modified:
Lauren Streifer