Inspiration

Inspiration - Concept Maps and Mind Maps

Greg introduced us to the Inspiration Software, a program that allows for the visual representation of concept maps and mind maps. A great concept for bringing student ideas around a topic into a very visual and easily understandable form.

Screen shots are taken from the Inspiration program using the Concept Mapping tool and Mind Mapping tool.

This program has so many options that you can lose yourself in. As you start to use it, you will find yourself spending a lot of time moving things, changing images, clicking everywhere, but once you get the handle of it I believe that it can be a brilliant tool to be utilised in the class room over the year.

Greg discussed when going over concept maps, how you can import and use clip art to visually demonstrate different aspects of concepts. Notes can be attatched to the images if you wish to identify important facts. Arrows that connect information have space to attach connection information, to show the relationship between the images. Words can be hyperlinked to websites that you would like students to visit and explore further. Sound files can be attached to different images. Students could record what they have learned about a specific area identified in the concept map using a microphone and recording advice and upload this onto the concept map as a audio link. I think this is brilliant!

This is a great whole class discussion tool, and could also be further developed into an investigation tool for indiviudal student learning projects. Something to think more about and brainstorm just how many different ways this can be introduced into the classroom.