This week we utilized a tool that is very teacher-specific, Inspiration. This tool is apparently a tried and true too that is used to create diagrams easily by teachers. I use the term "easily" very loosely. This tool was very clumsy for me to use, and there were plenty of shortcomings that I encountered. For instance, it is impossible to use bullet points in any part of the diagram. Seriously? Also, there is no "Fit to page" option, so you have to manually resize EVERY box until it is large enough to fit on a standard piece of paper. Ridiculous.
Aside from the shortcomings, the program can create clear, good-looking diagrams. But I won't use it again.
Sorry your experience fell short of all Inspiration is wrapped up to be. I think sometimes we try to use Inspiration to create preset forms or what we envision in our mind's eye, forgetting that its greatest strength is adding form and cohesion to the rather amorphous and unpredictable human thought process. Perhaps Inspiration is best deployed at the outset of a creative burst or brainstorming session.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think if you export correctly to a Word doc (or even as a Jpeg), the issue of resizing is mute. You shouldn't have to manually resize every box, but the final diagram may be too small to serve its purpose.