Technology Review

What is Inspiration?

Inspiration software is a visual learning tool that allows users, targeted at students in grades 6 and above, to visually develop and organize their ideas, analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Strategies for visual learning include graphic organizers, diagrams and outlines.

Website Address

http://www.inspiration.com/ 

Unique Features

According to Inspiration's website, the software encourages learning in multiple modes. As a result, students gain and retain a better understanding of concepts and demonstrate knowledge, improving their performance across the curriculum. Educators use Inspiration to customize instruction, achieve standards, assess student projects and energize learning. An expanded selection of 120+ cross-curricular templates in language arts, social studies, science, planning and thinking makes starting assignments quick and easy.

Cost/Pricing

While there is a 30 day free-trial available for this software, the different versions of the software itself are only accessible through payment. 

The link for Buying Options can be found here:

• http://www.inspiration.com/buying-options

There are a variety of options to narrow down which software version is best for your personal use. There are also options for an Educators Volume, and for Personal and Business use. Upgrades are featured, as well.

The cost seems very reasonable for the amount of material and resources that are provided.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Windows® : XP, Vista, Windows 7 & Windows 8 & Windows 10

Macintosh®  : OS X 10.6 and later

Recommended:

• Internet connection*

• QuickTime® (for Mac only) 

Optional:

• Interactive electronic whiteboard

• Microphone 

* For downloaded products, the computer on which the downloaded product is installed must be connected to the Internet for the product to be activated.

There are training presentations available for Inspiration ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, and are available for download here:

• http://www.inspiration.com/Resources/Free-Training#Inspiration

Curricular Components

Inspiration offers how-to tutorial videos on many subjects from Atomic Learning. It offers different views, other resources, examples and ideas. 

You can find a list of their cirriculum components here:

• http://www.inspiration.com/Curriculum-Integration/Inspiration

There are detailed lesson plans for teachers available for download here:

• http://www.inspiration.com/lessonplans/inspiration

Target Users

This program targets Teachers and Parents. There are separate directions for using the software for each, and there are lesson plans designed to help either with their students. 

Uses

Educational uses for Inspiration are plentiful, including:

• Brainstorming ideas to capture ideas and begin the writing process

• Create diagrams, outlines, and maps

• Create and share presentations

See a Brainstorming Chart, Flow Chart, Presentation 

and Web Diagram examples below:

Advantages & Disadvantages of Webspiration Classroom

Advantages

• Gives students a view of how to structure an outline. 

• Create images and post them to webpages. 

• Visual way of being able to organize information.

• Gives students the ability to engage in collaborative learning.

• Webspirtation creates, develops and supports different ways of thinking. 

Disadvantages

• Needs proper introduction from instructor and or extra training. 

• There aren't any shortcut key options.

• Difficult to navigate without a mouse when using a Chromebook.  

• Not a free program. 

What is Flowchart?

Flowchart is a flowchart and diagram creation app that is used in conjunction with Google Drive, GitHub, Dropbox, One Drive, Trello, or your own personal device. When used with Google Drive, it is a good collaboration app as it can be edited in real time. 

Web Address

https://www.draw.io/

-VM

Unique Features

What makes Flowchart unique is that it can be used to collaborate in real-time, and if using on the cloud, there is no installation necessary. 

You aren't required to create an account. You just click on the platform you would like to use (ie. Google Drive or Dropbox) and begin working. Seriously. They don't collect any information from you whatsoever.

It is also free, which is unusual for this type of software.