“Inspiration” came across as a new and improved version of Microsoft word to me. I thought that it was familiar enough that students that were inexperienced with it would be able to follow efficiently enough. The basic set up was very much Microsoft yet it had some great updates. I really liked its thought bubble diagrams and brain storm ability. I especially liked its adjustability. One of my favorite features was that it can create an outline while a student was making a diagram. Unlike hand written brain storms it can be deleted or added onto without fear of forgetting something. All while making a perfect outline.
Where I thought it would be most helpful for my students is during brain storms for art projects. Usually, artists must do thumbnail sketches before starting a piece. This is very much like the artists form of brainstorming. Furthermore, students are usually having to research for the subject matter of whatever piece they are doing. Usually, artwork isn’t just a pretty thing to look at. There is meaning and thought behind most artworks. Artists are inspired by history, politics, mythology, and literature just to name a few. While a first idea is great, many revisions must be done before a student of art can precede with his/her piece. I think “Inspiration” and blogs would be great tools to help with writing activities. Sometimes it is hard to see past all your ideas and see the bigger picture and I think these two combined could help my future students greatly. To first create a diagram then post the diagram for a class blog would then allow other students to add input that the artist wouldn’t otherwise have. Not only would this help the student posting the diagram but it would also open the other students up to new ideas and points of views. I think it’s also a great way to allow my students to grow outside of class. They can first cultivate their own ideas then respond and get feedback to ideas and diagrams via e-mail or blogs etc. I would be able to give my students the tools to learn without me being there, which I think along with educating your students should be a teacher’s goal. It is the desire to learn MORE and the knowledge on how to do so that will help a student the most after leaving your classroom. I think these two tools can do that for our students.
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Kitkat,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I like your name on here "Kitkat" is very clever. As far as inspirations goes I like how you make the comparison of this program to an artist. I did not make this connection, but after reading your blog I can really make a connection. This does give a detailed visual which will also help those students who are not as good at learning by lectures. Another great point you make is when you mention this will help your students grow outside of class. I think with this day and age, public schools are so focused on teaching a test. The number one concern by teachers and students is to pass the TAKS. This is a great point becuase it is important for you to help your students grow as people, not only as test takers.
Kitkat,,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Inspiration program is very user-friendly and that most students would be able to learn it easily and quickly. Also, I think the outline feature is awesome. It will definitely help the students to organize their thoughts and rearrange them if necessary. Then, they can send them to peers for review. While reviewing, peers could learn about netiquette, too. These concepts would undoubtedly be life lessons, which are more important than TAKS, like you mentioned.
KitKat-LOVE all the points made in your blog! I think you are very good at getting your point across :) Anyways, on to Inspiration... I agree with you on all the awesome ways you can edit your outline. I thought it was the neatest thing ever that it will lay out your thoughts for you. Also, how handy that you can just drag your mouse and make ideas relate. I think it would be a very good brainstorming tool, because as you said, it's speedy and you wouldn't risk losing your ideas. I like how you relate it to art and how artists have much time behind the thought in their paintings.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you on the importance of students growing outside the classroom. It's amazing how much they can learn from each other.
I agree with your post, you analogy to how an artist works on their piece really describes what Inspiration can do for students in the future. I also agree that it can be a good tool for teaching due to the versatility of the program.
ReplyDeleteHi Kat,
ReplyDeleteI am sure that you are gonna be a very good teacher. I like your idea about being a teacher. I also like when you said "I would be able to give my students the tools to learn without me being there."
I believe that teachers should be the ones who do not just teach students but they should guide them to find the way to learn by themselves.
Thanks,
CK :)