Category: Reading, Writing,

Note-making, Organization,

Study Skills

Grade Level: Kidspiration 2 = K – 5

Inspiration 7.5 = Gr. 6 +

  1. What is the purpose of Kidspiration / Inspiration Software?

Inspiration Software allows you to think and learn visually. Kidspiration and Inspiration are computer programs that offer integrated graphic organizer and outlining tools. Both programs help learners to comprehend, organize and explore concepts and information by creating pictures of ideas in the form of a diagram or, if preferred, in a more structured and linear written outline form. Inspiration Software combines visual and linear thinking to help users brainstorm, web, diagram, plan, concept map, think critically, organize and outline information.

2.  What is Visual Learning?

Visual learning is a mode of teaching and learning that employs graphical depictions of ideas and information. Visual learning helps to: clarify thinking and make abstract ideas visible and concrete; reinforce understanding and identify misconceptions; integrate and connect new and prior knowledge; reveal relationships and patterns; and provide structure and focus for thinking. Through the use of visual diagrams, it also stimulates creative thinking. Inspiration Software is built upon the principles of visual learning.

3.  With whom can it be used?

Inspiration Software can be used with K-12 learners across the curriculum, at the post-secondary level, in the workforce, by educators for planning and as assistive

technology for diverse populations, such as students with Learning Disabilities and English language learners. Specifically, Kidspiration 2 is used with K-5 learners and Inspiration is used with Grade 6 students through to adults.

4.  What are the main features of the programs?

Readers and writers use Inspiration Software to combine pictures, text and spoken words to represent their ideas and show relationships.

Kidspiration 2:

A) Kidspiration has two main working environments, Picture View and Writing View, to assist in organizing thoughts and ideas.

Environments:

Picture View:

·  uses pictures to build groups, webs or concept maps of ideas

Writing View:

·  expands user’s ideas into written expression

·  displays pictures next to corresponding words to reinforce the relationship between known language and a meaningful image

B) Within these environments, Kidspiration incorporates features that help students to classify and group ideas, to improve reading and language skills and to easily maneuver through the program. Special features also exist to help teachers and parents.

Classifying and Categorizing Features:

SuperGrouper Shapes (represent a topic or concept) -

·  sort, group, classify and compare by dragging words and symbols into SuperGrouper shapes

·  create Venn Diagrams to show similarities and differences

·  turn any symbol into a SuperGrouper shape, adding more visual meaning to grouping activities

Reading and Language Features:

Symbol Library –

·  helps emerging readers communicate ideas

·  library of 1,200 symbols to convey ideas and relationships

·  can draw personalized symbols to include in graphic organizers

Symbol Maker –

·  express creativity and individuality by drawing and painting symbols

·  integrate personalized symbols into graphic organizers, enhancing the ability to communicate visually

Speech/Listen Tool –

·  hear any text read aloud

·  record your own voice

·  make important literacy connections through the combination of visual and auditory prompts

Navigation Feature:

Starter Screen and Toolbars –

·  facilitates independence

·  easy to begin a new project or open an existing activity

·  utilizes large pictures, writing and friendly icons

Teacher and Parent Features:

·  75 Ready-Made Activities

·  Activity Wizard used to create or modify activities

·  Kidspiration In The Classroom Lesson Plan book - 32 lesson plans in reading, writing, science, social studies, math

·  Teacher Options to Keep Students On Task:

o  Lock Items in Place

o  Limit Symbol Libraries

o  Designate Instructions for Picture View Only

o  Password-Protected Controls

o  Show or Hide Symbol Captions

Inspiration:

A) Inspiration utilizes diagramming and outlining environments to help students comprehend concepts and information.

Environments:

Diagram View –

·  easily create and use concept maps, webs and other graphic organizers

·  capture ideas quickly with the RapidFire tool

·  insert symbols from the web or other applications

·  show relationships between ideas by adding text directly on links

·  differentiate among ideas with colours, shapes, patterns, shadows, fonts and styles

·  begin the writing process while continuing to work in a visual format

Outline View –

·  transform an Inspiration diagram into a written hierarchical outline

·  quickly prioritize, rearrange and organize ideas and topics by dragging

·  plan projects and track ideas using Checklist feature

·  develop topics into a written report using notes text

B) Within these environments, Inspiration incorporates features that help students to classify and group ideas, to improve reading and language skills and to easily maneuver through the program. Special features also exist to help teachers and parents.

Classifying and Categorizing Features:

Templates Archive –

·  60+ graphic organizer templates

Template Wizard –

·  create customized visual learning activities and templates to support any curriculum area

Reading and Language Features:

Symbol Pallette –

·  over 1, 300 colourful, high-resolution symbols, including photographic quality images and animated symbols

·  customize work by re-colourizing existing symbols or by importing images from other applications

Audio Support –

·  hear work read aloud

·  record your own voice

Navigation Features:

Simple Toolbars and Menus –

·  includes all major functions

·  Symbol Libraries, fonts and text sizes are easily accessed

·  offers full range of keyboard shortcuts and other accessibility options

Extra Amenities:

Hyperlinks –

·  set up live connections to the Internet into your diagrams and outlines

·  gather and present information from multiple sources

Web Site Planning –

·  use Site Skeleton to build the bones of a new web site

Common to Both Inspiration and Kidspiration:

Publishing Tool –

·  easily transfer work in Writing/Outline View to Microsoft Word, AppleWorks, or other Windows applications to finish the writing process

Volume Licenses –

·  available in an easy-to-share electronic format

5.  In what types of settings can Kidspiration 2 / Inspiration Software be used?

Inspiration Software can be used by individuals and groups with access to a computer for personal, home, school or office use. It can be adapted for individual or group instruction and can be used singly or throughout a network.

6.  To what extent has the research shown visual learning to be useful and what implications does this have for Inspiration Software?

Research in both educational theory and cognitive psychology indicates that visual learning is one of the best methods for teaching students of all ages how to think, and how to learn. A research base exists to support visual learning for improving student learning and performance in the following areas: note-taking and note-making, reading comprehension, student achievement, organizing and communicating ideas, seeing patterns and relationships, categorizing ideas, and increasing the retention of information.

Research also suggests that graphic organizers and assistive technology aid in the development of literacy skills by helping users: increase vocabulary, assess and share prior knowledge, improve writing skills, improve reading comprehension skills and strategies, guide review and study, encourage higher order thinking and problem solving skills and facilitate group work and collaboration among peers. Graphic organizers and assistive technology have also been found to be beneficial to students with learning disabilities and other specific learning needs.

Thus, as Inspiration software rests on the empirically supported principles of visual learning and assistive technology, the research suggests that Inspiration and Kidspiration programs are highly effective teaching and learning tools.

7.  What is the cost of the programs?

Kidspiration 2: $59.95 USD

Inspiration 7.5: $59.95 USD

References

1.  Anderson-Inman, L. & Horney, M. (1997). Computer-based concept mapping: Enhancing literacy with tools for visual learning. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 40(4), 302-306.

2.  DiCecco, V., & Gleason, M. (2002). Using graphic organizers to attain relational knowledge from expository text. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 35(4), 306-320.

3.  Inspiration Software, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved November 5, 2004, from http://www.inspiration.com

4.  Kim, A.H., Vaughn, S., Wanzek, J., & Wei, S. (2004). Graphic organizers and their effects on the reading comprehension of students with LD: A synthesis of research. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(2), 105-118.

5.  Mastropieri, M., Scruggs, T., & Graetz, J. (2003). Reading comprehension instruction for secondary students: Challenges for struggling students and teachers. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 26(2), 103-116.

6.  Raskind, M. & Higgins, E. (1998). Assistive technology for postsecondary students with learning disabilities: An overview. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31(1), 27.

7.  The Institute for the Advancement of Research in Education (IARE) at AEL. (2003). Graphic organizers: a review of scientifically based research. Retrieved November 5, 2004, from http://www.inspiration.com/vlearning/reserach/index.cfm

Reviewed by: Andrea Regina