GCDarkConspiracyReview
Kidspiration is the title of a new
software now being offered by Inspiration Software, Inc. This phenomenal
software is designed to build strong thinking skills with visual learning
and is geared for children in grades K-3.
This remarkable software is divided
into 3 major areas: Picture View, Writing View, and Audio.
Let's take a brief look at all three sections to see what is offered in
each.
Picture View helps kids see, organize
and develop their own great ideas with the use of symbols. Over 1,200
symbols are presented in simple maps, webs and other visual learning diagrams
to help kids organize and express their thoughts. These student-friendly
symbols will inspire kids everywhere to explore, think and create!
Writing View integrates with Picture
View to help students connect their visual thoughts with words. Using
the thought webs and maps they create in Picture View, students will learn
to expand their ideas into written work. Kidspiration uses a natural,
intuitive way to help younger children learn how to plan and organize their
thoughts.
Audio, the third major area of this
software, helps students hear the correct pronunciation of words.
They can hear their own work read aloud and they can also record their
own words.
Kidspiration contains over 45 built-in
student activities in reading, writing, science and social studies to encourage
and support cross-curricular exploration!
Additionally, the Smart Activity Wizard
helps teachers create and modify the software activities to match their
lesson plans. There are special Teacher controls that make this customization
simple!
Kidspiration can be used on both PC
and MAC computers.
Minimum system requirements for PC
include: 486 processor or higher, Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT 4.0, ME,
8MB RAM, Minimum of 5MB Hard drive space (20MB for all symbols and Help),
640x480 display with 256 colors, CD-ROM needed for installation purposes
only, and mouse. Optional requirements include Windows compatible
printer, Internet Browser, Soundcard w/Speakers, and Microphone.
Minimum system requirements for MAC
include: MAC or PowerMac, System 7.1, 8.0, 9.0 or higher, 2MB available
RAM, Minimum of 5MB Hard drive space (30MB for all symbols and Help), 640x480,
256 color display, CD-ROM needed for installation purposes only, and mouse.
Optional requirements include MAC compatible printer, Internet Browser,
and Microphone.
Install: Quick and Easy.
Gameplay: 7.5.
Kidspiration
utilizes a user-friendly interface which is fairly smooth.
Graphics: 7.5.
The
symbols are brightly colored and easy to distinguish.
Sound: 5.0.
I would
have liked to have heard clearer voice quality. The sound is sometimes
hesitant and some sounds are not clear. For those sections, utilizing
the recording capabilities of the software to replace that present is what
I would recommend.
Difficulty: 3.0.
This
software is quite easy to master, utilizing basic computer skills.
Concept: 7.5.
Although
this software is not particularly innovative, it still offers a solid learning
experience.
Multiplayer: N/A
Overall: 7.5.
The
deterrent to a higher score lies in the lack of voice quality. Otherwise,
I found Kidspiration to be a good learning software, geared more specifically
for the classroom. I can still see this software being used quite
successfully by interested parents or other adults who want to encourage
kids to learn.
