Unit Two- Creating Graphic Organizers

Image taken from Inspiration, Inc. Website

Unit Two- Creating Graphic Organizers

Performance objectives for this unit:

1. How to create a graphic orgainzer.
2. Using Inpiration to create a graphic organizer.

Prerequisites for this unit

Basic computer knowledge.

Introduction

Graphic organizers are “visual displays teachers use to organize information in a manner that makes the information easier to understand and learn” (Meyen, Vergason, & Whelan, 1996) Here are some examples of graphic organizers:

How to create a Graphic Organizers

Graphic Organizers are relatively easy to create; they can enhance a student’s understanding of many lessons.

Here are four basic steps to follow:

1. Selecting the information you intend to present to the students. This may be a chapter, or a story, or a certain concept.

2. Decide what key components are necessary for the students to learn.

3. Create a graphic representation of that information. (Click here for an example) Your graphic chart should identify the key concepts or components and help illustrate the linkages among the key elements of the concept.

4. Help the students see the connections by examining the information in the graphic organizer.

Using Inspiration to create a Graphic Organizer

In order to properly use graphic organizers in the classroom one needs to learn how to create a graphic organizer. For this design project we will use a product call Inspiration. [1] Here is what they have to say about their product:

"Inspiration Software®, Inc. is recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning. We develop and publish innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 25 million users worldwide, our award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance."

There are several alternatives to using Inspiration software on the web, but for this design project we are going to use Inspiration because they offer a thirty day trial period and many schools already use the software. If you are unsure if your district uses Inspiration ask your districts Technology Coordinator to find out.

Please click here to down load a free thirty day trial of Inspiration. [2]

Click here for an Inspiration Quick tour [3]

Here are six separate videos that walk you through the process of getting familiar with Inspiration: The first two steps each have a running time of approximately 8 minutes each. The remaining videos are under 3 minutes each.

Step One - Learn the Basics [4]

Step Two- Changing Colors [5]

Step Three - Graphics [6]

Step Four- Sound [7]

Step Five- Printing [8]

Step Six- Rapid Fire [9]

Now that you have seen a little bit of what Inspiration can do, take a few minutes to try using Inspiration to try some new things. The best way to learn this software is to get some hands on experience using the software.

Unit Two- Tasks

Graphic Organizer Activity:

Pick one of the three topics from Unit One to expand.

Using Inspiration and the knowledge that you have gained from Units One and Unit Two,and create your own graphic organizer. (Remember creating a graphic organizer takes time and practice. The more graphic organizers you create the better they will become. This graphic organizer is just an exercise.)

Learning Journal:

Please take a few minutes to write down a few thoughts you might be having about this process. The prompts below are only suggestions. This is your journal feel free to add to or subtract anything that is listed below.

What have you learned during this unit?
What questions do you still have about graphic organizers?
Can you begin to see how graphic organizers can be useful within your classroom?
What are your thoughts about the Inspiration software?

Below you will find some additional videos about Inspiration:

New Interactive whiteboard support - [10]

What's new in Inspiration 8-[11]