Week 1: Visual Mapping using Inspiration 8

So here it is, the very first post on my newly created blog. In the first workshop we set up our blog account, and were introduced to the basic concepts of posting, editing posts and attaching image files. We then went on to explore the program Inspiration 8, a software tool used in schools to encourage visual thinking. The final product of my 'play around' session is shown in the next two posts. The 'Printscreen' function was used to capture the image to be uploaded into my blog. Before coming to the workshop I was anaware of the benefits of using this tool so thought I'd quickly summarise the process:

1) Ensure final piece of work or required image is on the screen and there are no function codes or mouse cursors on screen.
2) Press the 'Printscreen' button once, located on the top right of the keyboard.
3) Open the 'Paint' application; Click on the Start menu, then the Accessories menu and then the Paint application.
4) Open the 'Edit' toolbar and click on the 'Paste' function.
5) Using the 'Select' funtion in the main toolbar, set the border for the required image.
6) With the border selected, click on the 'Copy' function in the Edit toolbar.
7) Open a new spreadsheet, and then click on the 'Paste' function.
8) Save file. Once saved the image can be uploaded.

The benefits of using a program like Inspiration 8 were obvious from the start. I found myself thinking conceptually and creatively. In the classroom, visual mapping provides the perfect framework to present major issues like the environment and climate change. In setting 'The Environment' as a topic point and utilising the mind mapping feature of the program, students can explore central issues relating to the environment in such a way that allows them to consider the relationship between each issue. I'll elaborate a bit further in my 'Mind Mapping' post.

The link to the software tool used is provided below:

http://www.inspiration.com/Inspiration

From the website a free 30-day trial of the program is available. There are also range of visual mapping applications available free online. Some of these include:

Webspiration: http://www.mywebspiration.com/
Bubbl.us : http://www.bubbl.us/
Mindomo : http://www.mindomo.com/

Anyway, I have decided in every way to embrace my new blog space and use it to my complete advantage as a resource and means of inspiration in my lifelong journey as an educator. As the age old saying goes ' you only get out of life, what you put into it'.