Research
According to research ( learners' process information 39% more effectively if they use graphic representation (I.e. Symbolic Mapping).
Inspiration is a powerful visual learning tool that enables students and teachers to develop their great ideas and graphically organize their thinking.
Story Mapping / WebbingBrainstorming / Planning
Organizing / Outlining
Prewriting / Diagramming
Concept Mapping / Memory Game
Resources
Online
MurrayState's Inspiration Resources Homepage This site has a long list of Inspiration ideas and ways to use the software. Excellent Resource
Inspiration Homepage This site offers a free trial version of Inspiration, examples and resources to incorporate the software.
Paper (Available for loan from Technology)
These resources are good for project ideas.
Inspiration Simple Projects Book, Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Recipes 4 Success, Analyzing a Narrative: Inspiration
Using Inspiration
Open Inspiration
Read the "Tip of the Day" and click Close (Note you can turn off the Tip of the Day by taking off the check)
You are now in Diagram View as shown below
To see the Outline View Click Outline
Start with a Main Idea and build from there
Save your work often
Symbol Palette
Click View and select Symbol Palette if it's not open.
Tips and Tricks
Hide/Show Topics
Double click the red box in the lower left-hand corner of the symbol. If you don't see a red box click on the symbol to select it.
Add a Note
Select a symbol and click "Add Note" in the diagram toolbar. After typing the note close the note window (Click on the X).
View a Note
Select a symbol that has a note. (To tell if a symbol has a note posted to it click on the symbol if the upper left-hand box is filled in red, it has a note.) To view the note Double Click on the red box.
Save An Image
Locate an image on the Internet
Right click on the image
Select Save Image As..
Make sure you know where you're saving it and its name
Click Save
Add a Picture to the Symbol Palette
Click "Utility" in the menu bar
Select "Edit Symbol Libraries"
Select "Import Graphic"
Locate the Graphic and Click "Open"
Select Standard Size and Click "OK"
Click OK again
Your picture is located in the Symbol Palette under "Custom and then the User Number" The user number is usually 1.
Insert a graphic
Click "Edit"
Select "Insert Graphic"
Find the drive (I.e. C: or A:)
Change Background Color
Click "Effect" in the menu bar
Select "Background Color"
Text on lines
Double click on the line and type the relationship between the symbols. Click off of the line when finished.
Hyperlinks
You can create hyperlinks that connect to the Internet. Just type in the address. I.e.
If you want to make a key word or words the link, type the words you want and highlight it. Click Utility--Internet and select URL Hyperlink. In the "Hyperlink Text" box your selected words should be filled in. In the "Hyperlink Address" box type or Paste (¦+ V) the address in the box. Remember you have to copy (¦+ C) before you can paste.
Spell Check
Click "Utility" in the menu bar
Select "Spell Check"
Help
Try Clicking "Help" in the menu bar
Select "Inspiration Help"
Type in what you need help with.
Templates for most subjects
Click "File" and select "Template.."
For Additional Help:
Brian K. Mercer
Instructional Technology Specialist
Campbell County Schools
859-442-3561 ext.229
Fax 859-442-3568
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