[Athen] Inspiration Brand Software

[Liza Eldred]

Hi Holly,

1.  We have been using Inspiration for quite a number of years. We
really like the simplicity of it. 
Even though it looks quite elementary in it's graphical interface, our
students really like it. Especially if they are visual learners. It's a
lot more engaging when you can start out creating a mind map with
pictures rather than with a blank document staring back at you. Another
nice feature is that you can transfer the outline you've created
directly into a word document without having to copy and paste.
2.  We have also used Mindview but there is a lot more to learn when you
incorporate the advanced features.
http://www.matchware.com/en/products/mindview/default.htm




Liza



Liza Eldred
Assistive Technology Specialist
Assistive Computer Technology Service
Services to Students with Disabilities
MacEwan University
7-198D-2, 10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB (780) 497-5826
Fax: 780-497-4018
cherniwchanl at macewan.ca
www.MacEwan.ca

 
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>>> "Aldrich, Holly" <haldric2 at lesley.edu> 04/23/15 1:00 PM >>>

        Hello, ATHEN List, 
  
 Our office is currently looking into updates and changes for our
assistive technology and educational software. We are considering
purchasing an Inspiration software package such as WebspirationPRO,
Webspiration Classroom, or Inspiration.  We are hoping that the visual
thinking, organization, and concept mapping aspects are especially
useful for students with various types of disabilities. We also see a
number of students from the College of Art and Design for whom the
creative and aesthetic  aspects might be helpful. If you have any
experience, insight, or recommendations with the Inspiration brand, I
would love to hear from you! Below is an explanation of what we are
considering.
  
 Ideally, the specifications we would like to target are
  
 1.       The Inspiration suite of tools, images, and document formats -
available on WebspirationPRO, Webspiration Classroom, or Inspiration
 2.       Web-based access from any computer through an account login -
available on WebspirationPRO and Webspiration Classroom 
 3.       Volume account licensing for our student base - available on
Webspiration Classroom and Inspiration 
 4.       Tools meant for higher education and/or the workplace -
available on WebspirationPRO and Webspiration Classroom
 5.       Options for real time group and collaborative work - available
on WebspirationPRO and Webspiration Classroom
  
 By this breakdown, it seems like Webspiration Classroom fits all of our
specifications. However, the standard version is Webspiration Classroom
Managed. This means that it works much like a Learning Management System
such as Blackboard.  In addition to the learning tools included with all
Inspiration products, it has workflow management tools (instructors
posting assignments, students submitting their work, grading, message
centers, etc.) and a centralized administrative platform for  management
 of student and teacher accounts. 
  
 We wouldn’t really need this type of managed service because we already
use Blackboard, and we aren’t really interested in providing accounts
for instructors. This would likely cause complications for students,
instructors, and tech staff. 
  
 There is a Basic vs. Managed option for Webspiration Classroom to
consider. With the Basic option, account codes are provided to
individual students who then set up and manage their own accounts. This
approach lacks the centralized administration  and control of the
managed option and seems to be a good solution when volume basis is more important. I understand that the Basic package is
not typically offered, but it could  work best in this case. 
  
 I would like to make the most informed and appropriate purchase choice,
and sorting through all of these differences has been interesting. Here
are some questins for you. 
  
 1.       Do any of you work with students using Inspiration brand
software? 
 2.       Is Inspiration still usable beyond K - 12? 
 3.       If you use WebspirationPRO or Webspiration classroom, how
useful are the features of any time/anywhere access via online login and
group and collaborative work? 
 4.       Alternately, are there any other programs for visual learning
and outlining that you would recommend?
  
 Thank you all for your consideration and thoughts. I look forward to
hearing from you!
  
 Best,
 Holly
  
 Holly Aldrich, M.S., CRC
 Disability Access Specialist
 Access Services for Students with Disabilities
 Lesley University
 11 Mellen Street
 Cambridge, MA 02138
 617.349.8655 voice
 617.349.8544 TTY
 617.349.8558 fax
 haldric2 at lesley.edu
  
 
   


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