EDU221InspirationExploration

toc //[NOTE#1: This activity is a follow-up to the diversity activity in class. It is not an assignment to do early if you are working ahead.]// //[NOTE#2: For this activity, you do not have to use or have access to the Inspiration software.]//

As a part of the diversity activity in class, you had a chance to experience using Inspiration software. Select one of the following two assignments to expand your experience using Inspiration.

=Choice 1=
 * Dig deeper into Inspiration and how it can be used in the classroom.**

Now explore ways Inspiration can be used in the classroom. Inspiration Software, Inc. has many [|resources on their Web site for educators] to use: examples, lesson plans, videos, webcasts, success stories, etc. Explore these to find ways you might be able to use Inspiration in your content area and in your unit. The section on "Thinking and Planning" will be a great resource for you and your students when it comes to organizing their presentation of the performance task. Additionally, Inspiration Software Inc. sponsors the [|Inspired Learning Community] where teachers share their lesson plans, templates, and more.

After exploring these resources, think about ways you could use Inspiration in your unit and in your class in the future. Were there any lesson ideas you liked from the sources? Have you seen/heard of ways to use webbing/concept maps in your field? Were you inspired with any particularly interesting ideas?

Pick at least two teaching ideas that you got from the research/exploration that you did. Write one blog entry with two paragraphs: one-paragraph for each teaching idea that includes
 * a description of what the original idea was (and insert a hyperlink to the source of the idea)
 * if you would use it in your classroom (if you won't use it, tell why not)
 * what modifications you could make to the idea to make it more relevant to your classroom or just better in general (if you have any . . . it's okay to use the idea as is)
 * what level of the SAMR model this activity would be and why

Title the blog entry "Inspiration" and label it"Information Tools."

OR

=Choice 2= [Note: this can count as the Web 2.0 Communication Tool requirement of your 3-2-1.]
 * Explore other mind-mapping software similar to Inspiration**

1. Find a digital mind-mapping tool similar to Inspiration. Pick two different mind-mapping tools to explore. (You may end up with two from the same category type or one of each.)
 * Look through Cool Tools for Schools' list of "organiser tools" (can you tell the author of this wiki site uses British English?...she's in Australia).
 * Find an app(s) for your tablet or phone that makes mind maps/concept maps. ([|Instagrok] and [|Lucidchart] are examples.)
 * Check out the apps available in Google Drive (here are a few examples):
 * [[image:Screen Shot 2016-05-27 at 11.35.55 AM.png width="421" height="362"]]

2. Pick a topic that you need/want to brainstorm (or pick a silly topic to brainstorm). Create a mind map in each tool of the same topic. Which tool do you like better and why? What are the pros and the cons of each? Using the tool you like better, create a mind map that compares and contrasts the two tools you selected.

3. Write one blog entry that explains what you did, including your first topic and the names of the two tools you used (this could easily be one sentence). Embed hyperlinks or graphics of the first two mind maps you made. Then add a sentence explaining that you compared the two tools and embed a hyperlink or graphic of the compare/contrast mind map. Describe how you could use digital concept mapping software in your classroom in your concentration area.
 * Title the blog entry "Inspiration" and label it "Information Tools."