how to create a concept map using...
TRANSCRIPT
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How to Create a Concept Map Using Inspiration
Getting started:
• Download a free 30-day trial of the Inspiration software at http://www.inspiration.com/freetrial/
• Open the Inspiration program from your computer’s Start Menu
Begin a concept map:
• Choose Diagram to begin a new concept map
• A new diagram window will open with a blank Main Idea
symbol in the center of your screen
• To change the Main Idea text, click on the text twice to edit
• To change how your text looks (font, size, bold, italic, underline, color, etc.)
click on the text editing buttons at the bottom-left of your screen
• To change the colors of the Main Idea symbol, click it once then click in the color bubbles
at the bottom-right of your screen to choose different colors for the outline and fill
• Remember to save your work often, clicking on File then Save
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Build the concept map:
• To add topics that expand or explain your main idea, click in a blank spot on your screen and press
the Create button on your main toolbar
• Make as many new symbols as you need, changing the text, format, and colors as described above
• To organize your symbols, click and drag each into position—you will want your main idea to be in the middle or at the top
of your concept map
• You may want to code your supporting and sub-idea symbols with different colors
• Your concept map should begin to look something like this
• Remember to save your work often, clicking on File then Save
Make the connection:
• To connect your symbols, click once on the main idea symbol to select it
• Click the Link button
• A small line will appear that is ready to connect from your Main Idea to another
symbol—just click your mouse on another symbol to make the link
• Continue connecting your ideas
• To delete a link, click on the arrow once and
press the Delete button on your keyboard
• To reorganize symbols, click once and
drag them into position—the linking arrows will change size but will stay connected
• Remember to save your work often, clicking on File then Save
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Get fancy:
• You can change your idea symbols into other shapes and
graphics—look at the Symbol Palette for ideas
• To change shapes, click once on the symbol you want to change,
then click once on a new symbol shape
• To change your symbols into different fun graphics—look in the
Symbols Library
• Browse the symbols library using the forward and back arrows
at the bottom of the symbol palette
• To use a fun picture symbol, click once on the symbol you want to change, then click on a new symbol
• Remember to save your work often, clicking on File then Save
Export and share:
• From your main menu, choose File then Export
• When the menu pops up, click on the Graphics File tab
• Under the File Format drop-down menu, choose JPEG, then press Save
• Save your concept map in a folder that is easy to find
• Load your new concept map to the Collaboration Zone