ETT 429 Spring 2007 Inspiration

Left Brain vs. Right Brain  Left Brain Logical Logical Sequential Sequential Rational Rational Analytical Analytical Objective Objective Looks at parts Looks at parts  Right Brain Random Intuitive Holistic Synthesizing Subjective Looks at wholes Definition This theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other. Source:

Concept Map  Definition - a map-like illustration that shows relationships between concepts.  Reveal the structural pattern in the material  Help provide the big picture

Introduction to Inspiration   Visual tool using graphic organizers to represent concepts and their relationships  Creates outline, hierarchical charts, and notes using images or shapes are representations

Basic Layout  Dropdown Menus  Formatting Toolbar  Main Toolbar  Symbol Palette  Scroll bars/zoom options  Work Area

Moving Around  Using scroll bars  Using zoom feature (it is your friend)  Outline vs. Diagram view

Symbol Palette  Options for object shapes  Covers major subject areas  Use arrows to view other palette options

Formatting Toolbar  Basic text options  Colors left color for inside of object left color for inside of object Right color for outside line of object Right color for outside line of object  t/T – Apply/Set default option  Alternate object button – allows for other objects to be inserted  Hand – grab and move work canvas

Main Toolbar  Outline/Diagram view – hierarchical view of objects  Rapid fire/Create – insert default shape onto canvas either separate (rapid) or linked (create)  Link – link objects togeter  Arrange – auto-arranges objects based on structure chosen (warning – changes are unpredictable)

Inserting Objects  Objects Left click on canvas to indicate object location Left click on canvas to indicate object location Select object shape from symbol palette to insert Select object shape from symbol palette to insert Objects may be resized at any time Objects may be resized at any time  Text Click on object to insert/change text Click on object to insert/change text  Connections Use Link function in Main toolbar to link objects Use Link function in Main toolbar to link objects

Inserting Notes  Select an object you have inserted  Click on the “notes” button in the main menu  Enter text into the note that appears below the object  Notes may be shown or not shown using the toggle button on the note

Dropdown Menus  Standard options such as Font changes Font changes Color changes Color changes View options View options Visual effects to draw attention Visual effects to draw attention Spell check Spell check Find/Replace Find/Replace

Methods to control concept maps  Start with one main idea in the center Use major topics only as sub-points of the center Use major topics only as sub-points of the center  Use different colors  Use different shapes  Use links early and often  Zoom out to get the big picture

Applications  How could you use this program in A language arts/English class? A language arts/English class? A sports management setting? A sports management setting? A health class? A health class? A business setting? A business setting? A marketing setting? A marketing setting?

Downloading Inspiration  Inspiration does offer a free 30 days trial.  Download this program at  This would allow you to work on this from home for future needs

Exporting  You may export an inspiration document three ways: Transfer to Word Processor Transfer to Word Processor Export (as a graphic file) Export (as a graphic file) Transfer to Handheld device Transfer to Handheld device  All three options are available under the File dropdown menu

In Class Activity  Go to Inspiration Website at: ex.cfm ex.cfm ex.cfm  Search website What is Inspiration? What is Inspiration? What is it used for? What is it used for? How easy is it to learn? How easy is it to learn? Would you use it in the classroom or in your profession? Would you use it in the classroom or in your profession?