Please note that similar tools are used for understanding language and for expression. For understanding, teachers use the tools to prepare learning materials that could more effectively present ideas to the learner. For expression, the student uses the tools to organize their ideas and present them to others.
Inspiration and KidSpiration - These programs employ visual learning techniques (graphical ways of working with ideas and presenting information) to teach students to clarify their thinking and to process, organize and prioritize new information. Visual diagrams reveal patterns, interrelationships and interdependencies. Demo downloads available www.inspiration.com
Multimedia Presentations/Creativity/Authoring software tools can combine written word, content, graphics and sound in an interesting creative, interactive format and presentation. Information can be highly motivating, interesting and visual to the user. A television, VCR and videotapes used creatively can be good mediums for learning. These tools can be used to create instructional materials that present information using a variety of modalities and a simplified grammatical structure, making comprehension easier for the individual with limited receptive language abilities.
Consider
Brainstorming and Organizing Ideas
Consider
- Draft: Builder helps students' produce authentic writing. Speech feedback and spell checking supports student reviewing of their work. www.donjohnston.com
- Paper graphic organizers - Students can use a variety of graphic organizers (forms or worksheets) to organize their information prior to written expression. Additionally, the students' program plan may specify that the graphic organizer is the final product that will be evaluated.
Outlining, dictionary and thesaurus features found in most word processing programs can assist students in organizing their writing and choosing from a variety of word meanings to communicate their ideas more effectively.
Graphic Organizers
Some kids find success with a graphic or visual approach to organizing thoughts when studying for tests or preparing to write. Graphic organizers help kids who find it hard to express ideas in a sequential, outline form, but they can be an effective tool for all students to use.
Brainstorming (sometimes called mind mapping, visual thinking, graphic organizing, and other terms as well) is a pre-writing method used to produce and record ideas without worrying about structure and order. Ideas are written down no matter how unrelated they may seem to be. Hopefully, one idea leads to another. The relationships between ideas are formed.
Brainstorming software can help kids' quickly record ideas and easily organize them. First, you type in a main idea. Then you type in related ideas that appear in different shapes - circles, ovals, or rectangles - around the main idea. You don't have to worry about the order you type the ideas in, but you usually have to express ideas in only a few words. Supporting ideas can be linked to the main idea or to each other with lines. Ideas can easily be moved and placed in different groups. After the diagram is completed, it can be changed to outline form automatically.
Consider
- Inspiration is a software program that helps clarify and organize thoughts when studying. It's available for both Mac and PC computers. (www.inspiration.com)
Graphic: ŠInspiration Software, Inc.
- KidSpiration is designed for kids in grades K-3 and struggling writers in upper elementary grades. Its simple structure can help organize thoughts, understand concepts, and make connections between them. (www.inspiration.com)
Graphic: ŠInspiration Software, Inc.