Introduction

Inspiration is a software package that helps you create a visual map of ideas or concepts in the form of a diagram. This diagram can also be integrated into an outline format. Both formats are interconnected so all work done in one format (outline) is automatically entered in the other format (diagram). Inspiration is a valuable education tool because learners think, verbalize, visualize and write their ideas. Therefore, retention and understanding of concepts are increased.

Diagrams

Types of Diagrams

1. Concept map - a hierarchical diagram that represents a set of ideas beginning with the most universal and working down to more particular. These ideas are linked by descriptive words that describe the relationship between these two.

Curriculum Example: Science or History

 

 

2. Idea map - visual brainstorming technique used to generate ideas and develop thoughts. Begin with a main idea in the middle of the screen.

Curriculum Example: Math

3. Web - a way to show how different bits of information relate to each other.
Curriculum Example: Language Arts 4. Storyboard - a visual layout of a project or presentation that helps in planning content and appropriate placement.

Curriculum Example: Social Studies

4. Storyboard - a visual layout of a project or presentation that helps in planning content and appropriate placement.

Curriculum Example: Social Studies

A New Diagram

Inspiration automatically opens in dialog format with the main idea symbol in the center of the screen as a starting point.

1. Enter the main idea - this symbol is selected and highlighted, therefore just enter text.
2. Save the document:
   • Select File - Save as from the menu bar.
   • Do not enter a file name - Inspiration automatically names the file the same as the main idea
   • Select desired location to save file
   • Click on Save
3. Add ideas
   
   Note: To enter information into the subject and leave the subject selected, hold down the Shift key when you press Enter /Return
   

Adding Idea Symbols to a Diagram

1. Create buttons - use to add a symbol in the direction of arrows, horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

To add linked symbol

• Select a symbol
• Click the arrow on the Create button that points in the direction you wish to add a symbol
• Enter text

To add unlinked symbol

• Click in any open space on the diagram
• Click the arrow on the Create button that points in the direction you wish to add a symbol
• Enter text
  

2. RapidFire - use to enter linked ideas quickly

• select a symbol containing text
• click on RapidFire button
• type text for new symbol
• press Enter /Return
• alternate typing text and pressing Enter for each new symbol
• click off symbol when complete
  

3. Symbol button - Creates a new symbol (same as Create button)

4. Point and Type - adds the default symbol (rectangle) anywhere in the diagram

• Point to an empty space in diagram
• Type text
  

5. Insert Symbol command - inserts a new symbol between two linked symbols

• Click on the link between two symbols
• Select Symbol - Insert Symbol from the menu bar
• Enter text
  

The Symbol Palette

The Symbol Palette adds a special symbol anywhere in the diagram. Inspiration comes with 41 different symbol libraries. Use the Symbol palette on the left of the screen to view the contents. You may choose from what is there or customize your own library.

To change an existing symbol

• Select the desired library
• Click on the existing symbol you wish to change
• Click on desired symbol in library
  

To add a new unconnected symbol

• Click on an empty space in diagram
  • Select the desired library
• Click on desired symbol in library
  

Customize your own library:

• Select Utility - Edit Symbol Libraries...
• Click on New Library in dialog box that appears
• Enter a name (Ex. Judy's Library) for the library in the dialog box that appears
• Close all windows by clicking on OK's.
• Select this new library (Ex. Judy's Library) from drop down menu of symbol libraries
• Paste desired graphic into diagram
• Select Utility - Install User Symbol
• Select Utility - Edit Symbol Libraries...
• Select graphic and enter a label to name this graphic

The Diagram Toolbar

Use to add symbols and links to diagram or to arrange diagram.

Outline		Switches to Outline view
New Look		Sets default styling for new symbols & links
RapidFire		Use to enter linked ideas quickly
Symbol		Creates a new symbol
Link		Creates a fast link between two symbols
Add Note		Opens the notes text window for the selected symbol
Create		Adds a new symbol in the direction of arrows, horizontal, vertical or diagonal
Position		Lets you move the diagram around the window
Arrange		Lets you arrange symbols in various tree chart groupings

The Draw Toolbar

Use to move symbols, to color text and symbols, or to draw shapes.

Selection		Turns off a tool and returns the cursor to a pointer
Freeform Line		Draws freeform lines
Line		Draws straight lines
Oval		Draws ovals or circles
Polygon		Draws polygons
Rectangle		Draws rectangles or squares
Rounded Rectangle		Draws rectangles or squares with rounded corners
Text Box		Draws a text box
Nudge		Moves a symbol or selected object one pixel at a time in the direction you choose
Fill Color		Changes the fill color (background) of selected symbols or objects
Fill Line		Changes the line color of selected symbols, links, or objects
Text Color		Changes the text color of selected symbols or links

Selected Symbols

 

Links

The line that connects symbols.

1. Adding a link between symbols
   • Click on originating symbol
   • Click on a diamond on this symbol and drag to a connecting point on destination symbol
     or
   • Click Link button
   • Click on originating symbol
   • Click on destination symbol
   • Click on Link button again or on any empty space to turn off Link button
     
2. Adding Text to a Link
   • Click on the link to select
   • Enter text
     
3. Modifying Links
   • Click on the link
   • Drag the start or ending position of the link to a connection point on another symbol
     
4. Changing Link Appearance
   • Click on a link to select
   • Select Link from the menu bar
   • Select desired appearance (ex. Auto 90 - a 90 % angle)

Deleting Objects:

1. Symbols or links
   • click on symbol or link to select
   • press Delete key
     
2. Symbol without removing link to next object
   • click on symbol to select it
   • click on Symbol in the menu bar
   • click on Delete-Symbol (Keeps Links)

Original	Symbol Removed

Fine Tuning Tips

1. Symbols

• Align
  • Select all items to be aligned (Hold down Shift key and click to select more than one item at the same time)
  • Select Symbol then Align then the part of objects you wish to align (Ex. Tops)
• Evenly space
  • Select all items to be evenly spaced (Hold down Shift key and click to select more than one item at the same time)
  • Select Symbol then Evenly Space
• Auto Symbol Grow - changes the way symbols grow to fit text
  • Select all items to be changed (Hold down Shift key and click to select more than one item at the same time)
    
  • Select Symbol then Auto Symbol Grow then
    • Standard - symbol grows vertically from the middle
    • Proportional - symbol grows vertically and horizontally
    • Off - remains same size even if you add text
    • Fixed Width - the object remains in position but grows vertically down
      
• Make symbols the same size
  • Select the symbol that has the size you want to use
  • Select Edit - Copy from the menu bar
  • Select the symbol that you want to make the same size
  • Select Edit - Paste Size from the menu bar
    
• Nudge - to move objects one pixel in desired direction
  • Select the symbol
  • Click on the Nudge tools on drawing tool bar in the direction desired

2. Grid

• Select Utility - Grid Lines  to hide or show the grid
• Select Utility - Grid Snap  to cause symbols to snap to closest grid line
  
  Note: If you deselect Grid Snap , grid lines are automatically turned off.
  

3. Views - allow you to show or hide different parts of the screen

• Select View from the menu bar
• Select desired part to show or hide
  • Page Lines
  • Rulers
  • Symbol Palette
  • Toolbar
  • Tool Tips
    

4. Properties - the default settings in Inspiration

• Select File - Diagram Properties
• Click on desired tab
• Make desired changes
• Click on any other desired tab
• Make desired changes
• Click on OK when all changes are made
  
  Note: To revert settings back to the original installation click on Factory Settings in Diagram Properties window.
  

5. Spell Checker

• Select Utility - Spell Check from the menu bar
• Click on Start in the dialog box that appears
• Close this window when completed.
  

6. Print Options

• Select File - Page Options from the menu bar
• Select desired option
  

7. Shortcuts

• Press Ctrl "M" to select the main idea regardless of where you are in the diagram.
• All standard shortcuts are also available (Save, Print, Copy, Paste, Bold, Etc.)
  

Outlines

The Outline Toolbar

Diagram		Switches to Diagram view
Add Topic		Adds a topic below current topic at the same level (except on Main idea) (Ctrl "G" )
Add Sub		Adds a subtopic below current topic one level to the right (Ctrl "K" )
Add Note		Moves the cursor into the notes text area for the selected topic
Left		Moves a topic and it's subtopics to the left one level (Shift - Left Arrow)
Right		Moves a topic and it's subtopics to the right one level (Shift - Right Arrow)
+ - Sub		Hides or shows the subtopics for the selected topic
+ - Note		Hides or shows notes for the selected topic
Prefix		Allows you to change the numbering system of the outline
Properties		Allows you to change the outlining style and other formatting such as margins, headers and footers, and page layout.

Editing Outlines

1. Rearrange Topics
   • Click on topic or subtopic number
   • Drag to move to a different place in the outline
     
2. Edit Text
   • Click within the text to place a flashing cursor at the point you wish to edit
   • Edit text
     
3. Spell Checker
   • Select Utility - Spell Check from the menu bar
   • Click on Start in the dialog box that appears
   • Close this window when completed.

Inspiration Examples and Templates

Examples

Another beneficial section in Inspiration are the curriculum based examples available. The examples are divided into three categories English-Reading, History-Social Studies, and Science each containing 4 specific lessons.

To open Inspiration Examples:

• Select File - Open from the menu bar
• Double click on Inspiration Examples
• Double click on the desired subject (English-Reading, History-Social Studies, or Science
• Double click on the lesson of your choice Templates

   

Inspiration contains 11 templates that can be used as a starting point for a diagram. Look at these templates to get an idea of how to integrate Inspiration into your classroom curriculum.

To open a template in Inspiration :

• Select File - Templates from the menu bar
• Scroll through the list in the dialog box that appears
• Double click on the desired template to open
  

Note: You may change the default template in this same dialog box if desired.

 

Terms

connection point

one of many locations on a symbol where a link can be attached (these are only visible when the point of a link is moved)

link

the connection between two symbols

symbol

a graphic representation of an idea or thought; the default symbol in Inspiration is a rectangle

Acknowledgements

Published on Teachers Connect by permission from the Denton Independent School District.