I was working with Webspiration concept mapping software online. I liked using it and typing in my notes as I read my article. I then tried to move the items around and get them all in one window view. That did help me to organize my ideas and make sure I didn’t have repeats of information. The layout page was jumpy though and the symbols box was in the way for a screen shot. I will have to keep using this tool to learn more about it. I have Kidspiration for my classroom and am just learning about how it works. Therefore, I was drawn to the similar Web tool.
Webspiration documents can be created, shared, and edited collaboratively on site, much like working in Google Docs. The concept maps are used by training professionals to demonstrate workflow. Educators and researchers use concept mapping tools to detect trends in a body of data. Collaborative groups can give and receive comments on "in process" flowcharts and diagrams. The site allows for a very interactive experience.
Webspiration documents can be created, shared, and edited collaboratively on site, much like working in Google Docs. The concept maps are used by training professionals to demonstrate workflow. Educators and researchers use concept mapping tools to detect trends in a body of data. Collaborative groups can give and receive comments on "in process" flowcharts and diagrams. The site allows for a very interactive experience.
Kidspiration has voice applications. Students can have each item on the screen read aloud. Also, voice and sound recordings can be placed into a document on Kidspiration. There are several templates available for teachers and students to use and adapt to their specific purposes. I am still practicing with the software, and it is pretty easy to use. It is hard sometimes to get a preview of what the work will look like to print because it gets larger than the screen.
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| Try this tool yourself! Here's the link: |
http://mywebspiration.com/
Hey Ann,
ReplyDeleteThis tool looks great. I can see how it would be useful to help my students map out everything from creative writing pieces to organizing community projects. I noticed that you said that you have used Kidspiration in your classroom environment before and was drawn to this similar tool. Having never used either, how do you think the two differ and which one do you think is stronger? By the way, I like the example in the screenshot. Can I get a copy?
Thanks again
Peter
Ciao, Amici Anne!
ReplyDeleteCan I, too, get a copy of Webspiration? This looks like a great collaborative and interactive tool...!
Having worked with Kidspiration (I'm guessing the two are produced by the same parent company) as well as Google Docs, I have some sense of how Webspiration must work. Nonetheless, your 'user-friendly' review provides a nice summary of what one can expect when utilizing it - especially the uninitiated.
I'm curious to know, however, if and how you've used the "voice applications" in Kidspiration in your classroom? What are they? How do they work? And ultimately, how do they help your students meet their learning objectives?
When time permits, please let me know... :-)
Arrivederci Regazzi,
Jeet Chadha
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