Introduction

Inspiration software "allows you to create a picture of your ideas and concepts in the form of a diagram. It also provides an integrated outlining environment for developing your ideas and organized written documents. Inspiration stimulates both visual and linear thinking to deepen understanding of concepts, increase memory, develop organizational skills and tap creativity".

This introduction to the Inspiration software is designed to help you become familar with concept mapping and outlining by using the software. The material presented may be completed in any order but it is strongly suggested that you follow the units listed above in the ordered links.

On each page you will be presented links that will open demonstration movies. There will also be an example project and a demonstration movie to illustrate the use of the information just shown to you.

How to use the materials presented -

You will be shown how to use the items in the menu bars in both the Diagram

View and Outline View of the software. It is suggested that you watch as all the items are presented and demonstrated first and then practice by following along the second time on your own. Watch closely as the example project is presented because you will be asked to duplicate the tools used in that project example. Do not move to the next unit until you have completed the practice /example project for each unit . If you would like a printed copy of the practice / example project there is a link on each unit page and links on the Quick Reference page.

As with most software packages, there is usually more than one way to complete a task. The way you will be shown is simply one way. Once you become more familiar with the program you may find another way to accomplish the same task. Please feel free to use that method and share the shortcut with a friend.

Once you have completed viewing the units and practicing, the instructor will give you an assignment to complete. This assignment will be much like the type of planning and preparation you would normally do for writing a research paper or organizing your thoughts for a presentation.