Concept Mapping Software

Concept mapping software allows students to organize their thoughts. The best characteristic of concept mapping software is the versatility it provides the user. In class, we explored Inspiration and Kidspiration.
Several key features of Inspiration lend the program to versatility. Both Kidspiration and Inspiration are a drawing program and word processing program combined; other features, like a library of images and map templates related to age appropriate classroom themes, and visual and written organization systems, give the program many applications for teachers and students. For example, students can use the graphics to represent things they are learning about and then organize them according to what they have learned. Then when they have connected all the themes in their diagram they can check their work in the outline mode. Inspiration will have organized their diagram labels into an outline that corresponds to how the student arranged their drawing. These options are a great way for teachers to assess their students' learning, and to differentiate instruction for different learning styles. In addition, for younger children, Kidspiration has a listening mode. Children who are learning to read can use the listening feature to pronounce difficult words for them. Furthermore, Inspiration is a great tool in the art classroom. Much like a written composition, making art requires students to brainstorm ideas, organize those ideas, and then produce a polished finished product. Inspiration could be used to help guide students through the creative process, or to compare and contrast different artworks in order to determine the characteristics of a style of art. I have also used Inspiration as a motivational tool in the art room. The class compared three different artworks in order to create the rubric for their final art product; they documented their ideas in a diagram in Inspiration. Many students have troubles executing their ideas in an efficient manner. Concept mapping software provides students with graphic organizers that help focus their thoughts so they can produce a better end product. The map can also be an end product in itself allowing students to present what they know to the community and teachers to evaluate their students' understanding of a concept.