Visual diagrams can be updated throughout a course or workshop. These diagrams can be a catalyst to help integrate prior knowledge with new ideas. By regularly reviewing these visual diagrams, students begin to understand how key ideas and concepts fit together. Just as a concept map or web will show what students know about a particular topic, misdirected links or wrong connections reveal what they don't understand. This makes Inspiration not only a valuable teaching tool, but also a powerful way to assess students' knowledge and thinking.
Inspiration is also a powerful tool for project planning and tracking.
As you work on a project, you can check off completed items in either the diagram or outline view. Numerous groups and organizations have recognized Inspiration for its ease of use, cross-curriculum application, and versatility across grade levels. Books and resources are available to help teachers learn how to use Inspiration, as well as how to adapt visual learning tools into their daily lesson designs. As they describe the referral process, they decide they need a visual representation. A teacher turns on her laptop computer and loads Inspiration.