By Ann Cullagh
Name: Kidspiration
Manufacturer: Inspiration Software
Description:
A graphic organizer used across curriculum in all subject areas. Kidspiration is a powerful visual learning tool to help students clarify their thoughts and tap into their creativity. This is done through concept maps, outlines and even math activities.
Platform: Hybrid CD works with either Windows or Mac
Price: Price: $69.00 +S&H for a single computer license
Who needs technology? Why?
Every student can benefit from technology when it is properly and effectively implemented. The Kidspiration Software is an invaluable tool which helps students see, organize and develop their ideas. Through visual learning, students can brainstorm ideas, organize and categorize information, create stories and explore new concepts. This software supports visual and auditory learning through the use of pictures, words, and audio. Kidspiration can be utilized across the curriculum in all subject areas K-5, learning styles and age levels. The software is an effective and valid tool.
Research
What does research say about effectiveness?
While researching the validity of Kidspiration Software, I discovered the company sought the expertise and guidance from the Institute for the Advancement of Research in Education (IARE). IARE is an independent research body that provides research and evaluation in the area of education. The IARE selected 29 scientifically based research (SBR) studies and reported its discoveries on the validity and purpose of graphic organizers in education. The research is undeniable regarding the effectiveness supporting the value of Kidspiration Software as an effective educational tool. There are numerous studies supporting graphic organizers. I selected a few to stress how across the curriculum in all subject areas, learning styles, and age levels the software can be used as an effective and valid tool. For example, upon using graphic organizers for literacy development, two SBR studies focused on the “use of graphic organizers as a part of the writing process for second- and third-grade students. Results of posttests and writing samples revealed that students’ writing skills improved.” Additionally, The National Reading Panel cited “graphic and semantic organizers (including story maps) as one of seven categories of instruction that are the most effective in the improvement of reading comprehension.” Surely, if The National Reading Panel supports and encourages the use of graphic and semantic organizers enable reading comprehension-why not provide all students with as many resources and tools to comprehend. What about students with learning disabilities? How do they fare against their peers when utilizing Kidspiration Software? Several SBR studies remarked on the use of graphic organizers with students with learning disabilities “indicated that graphic organizers are beneficial with this population of students.” The research findings support and encourage Kidspiration Software as a means to engage students and facilitate their learning
Benefits
How will it help learning and participation in inclusion setting?
Today, research enables a greater understanding of how minds learn, memorize, and use information. Understanding and recognizing all the differentiated learning styles allows teachers to tailor their instructions, accordingly. Necessary provisions can be made in the classroom. Thereby creating an optimum learning environment for each student. A teacher who understands how can integrate skills and facilitate knowledge in new and innovative ways. The inclusive classroom should consist of current and best practices in teaching. Being part of an inclusive classroom does not diminish, but rather, enhances its effectiveness. Inclusion should enrich learning for all students. By utilizing the Kidsperation Software, students with various learning styles and abilities can mutually benefit. Many students are visual learners. How often does an educator hear about a student who struggles with putting his or her thoughts on paper? Or another student finds writing to truly be a painful process? Kidspiration is a tool which enables students to convey their thoughts and creativity without their own self-imposed parameters. The software enables students to brainstorm ideas with words also providing a vast selection of pictures which can correspond. Students who have difficulty organizing and categorizing information often have greater success understanding when information is visually presented. Kidspiration allows students to explore, think, and create what they want to convey but do not know how.
Recommendations
Would you recommend use? Why?
Technology is a tool that hooks and is widely used in the classroom to enhance and enrich teaching and learning. Kidspiration Software can be used as a device for presentation and demonstration. The visual representation produced by the program offer visual images for those who cannot create their own. Classroom activities are less centered on the teacher and focus more on the students. Instructional technology encourages a more cooperative learning environment for students and teachers as well. Cooperative groups allow for discussions and dialogues to take place and are therefore crucial to the learning process. One of the most effective ways of learning is when students teach each other. Students soon learn it is fun to come to class when they are going to succeed. Do I recommend Kidspiration? Absolutely, how can I not?
Reference:
http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/kidspiration/index.cfm
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10 comments:
I use Kidspiration in my room and love it. It helps my students brainstorm and organize their ideas. I also use it for the interactive features of the program. It works great with our WhiteBoard. The kids can move information on the screen. I love it!
I love Kidspiration! The kids love the program. They can spend so much time creating beautiful products with ease.
Although I don't have as much experience with KIDSpiration, I just love Inspiration. I have showed many of my colleagues the program as well, and we are amazed at the possibilities of this program for all grade and skill levels. What a simple idea, yet totally effective!
I use Kidspiration at least once a week for creating an outline for our weekly letter home. The children really love how we can use different icons for the various things we've done. I also have found that more children offer answers when we use this compared to just listing the events on chart paper. It engages everyone and I will use it with them or have them use it on their own for specific projects or center work.
For the first time since learning about Inspiration, I have used it with my students this year. I have not used Kidspiration, because the computer TA felt that the children could handle using the Inspiration software for the project that we were doing. He was right, the children had no trouble at all using Inspiration, but, I am curious to see the difference in using Kidspiration vs. Inspiration. Perhaps for our next research project, China, I will use Kidspiration.
It is wonderful that this software is available to educators/students. I am a big believer in graphic organizers and Kidspiration and Inspiration help organize students writing, making it easier for them to see clearly the steps involved in producing a finished writing piece.
I have used the inspiration software with my students to create lab safety posters.The feature I liked best was that I did not hear I hate to draw, or I cannot draw. Even the those students with lower artisitc abilities were engaged.
I am using it now in class to set up a graphic organizer on the blood flow through the circulatory system.
The applications ar limitless.
Ciro
Janet,
I'll be interested in hearing more about how you use Kidspiration/Inspiration in the China unit. I am going to China this summer to a Technology/literacy conference. If you don't mind I may want to report some of your ideas.
Ciro, Great application of Inspiration -- I never thought of using it for making posters. Good idea.
Ann,
Excellent review. I like your approach in finding research of the product. And you are right, how can you not recommend Kidspiration and Inspiration. Those products have become a staple for the classroom that has any technology at all.
I haven't used Kidspiration but I use Inspiration all the time. It is an amazing program which is really simple for the students to use. I teach it in 2nd grade and the kids use it through 5th. This year I am using it with my third graders as a precursor to MSWord. They are using it to brainstorm and outline their paragraphs for a story. I've also had kids use it for research projects and to create ecosystem webs.
I think it is a great way for student who have trouble organizing their ideas when they need to write.
I may try Kidspiration this year with 1st grade
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