There is a new web-based version of the popular software, Inspiration. (You may have also heard of the younger kids’ version of this software program called Kidspiration.) The web-based application, Webspiration, is in a beta (trial) version, and (for now, at least) it is free!! Try it at: http://www.mywebspiration.com.

You’ll have to create a free account to log in as a user. Plan to give a little personal information as you create your account.

If you haven’t used Inspiration/Kidspiration before, Webspiration may be a little overwhelming at first. The basic idea of this program, though is to create a visual representation of how ideas relate to one another. If you’ve experimented with webbing as pre-writing activity, concept mapping, mind mapping or similar instructional strategies or created flowcharts, you’ll see the value in the program right away! Additionally, the program has an outline feature that allows you to enter ideas via text and then convert to a diagram or vice versa. The great thing about this web-based version is its price! The Inspiration/Kidspiration software is pretty pricey to put on school networks, but at least for now, this is just the right price for teachers to use!!

Try it out and then post a response describing your experience and all the creative things you do with this resource!