CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY
Inspiration9
Inspiration9 Software supports visual thinking techniques, enabling students to create and update graphic organizers, concept maps, idea maps and other visual diagrams. This software runs on mac and windows platform so is basically a classroom tool that can be used during teaching and is suitable for Grades 6 and up. The software has a perpetual license once purchased from AUD$49.95 - $69.95. Click here for purchase information.
Visual thinking and learning utilize graphical ways of working with ideas and presenting information. Research in both educational theory (Neil Fleming’s VAK model) and cognitive psychology states that visual learning is among the very best methods for teaching students of all ages how to think and how to learn. (Fleming & Baume, 2006)
Reference:
1. Fleming, N., and Baume, D. (2006) Learning Styles Again: VARKing up the right tree!, Educational Developments, SEDA Ltd, Issue 7.4, Nov. 2006, p4-7,
2. Inspiration Software Inc, http://www.inspiration.com/visual-learning
Visual learning strategies help students better manage learning objectives and achieve academic success. As students are required to evaluate and interpret information from a variety of sources, incorporate new knowledge with what they already have learned, and improve writing skills and think critically, visual learning tools help students meet those demands and better understand and retain information. (Inspiration Software, Inc)