Kidspiration

Software Title and Publisher (provide vendor information, URL link) Kidspiration by Inspiration

http://www.inspiration.com/videos/Kidspiration 

Price: individual or volume licensing information $69.00 for single use, $310 for 5 users, $895 for 20 users. For educational purchases you must contact the dealer.

Note the type of software. Word Processors & Desktop Publishing, Multimedia and Presentation and Mathematical Devices

Note the target content area. Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies

Note any learning standards alignment. The standards alignment can be found on their web page at the following address: http://www.inspiration.com/Standards-Matches/Kidspiration 

What kind of documentation or online help (tutorial) is available? How user friendly is the software for the target audience? There are numerous tutorials available online.  They have videos and webinars.  The software is very user friendly for the targeted area. It has step-by-step instructions and has many features that can assist a variety of learners.

Note computer requirements and the Operating System compatibility.

Windows^®
Pentium II 266 MHz or faster

Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP (including Tablet PC Edition), Vista or Windows 7

128 MB minimum RAM

800x600 (minimum); 1024 X 768 (recommended)

16-bit color or higher

75 MB minimum install

250 MB full install CD-ROM drive (for installation only)

Optional:

• Windows compatible printer
• Internet browser*
• Sound card and speakers
• Microphone
• Interactive electronic whiteboard

Macintosh^®
Macintosh G3 300 MHz or faster

OS X, version 10.2.8 or newer (Snow Leopard compatible)

192 MB minimum RAM 800x600 (minimum)

1024 X 768 (recommended)

Thousands of colors or higher

75 MB minimum install

250 MB full install CD-ROM drive (for installation only)

Optional:

• Macintosh compatible printer
• Internet browser*
• Microphone
• Interactive electronic whiteboard

Look for additional available resources that might supplement the software. Does it come packaged with lesson ideas? Are online resources available? It does come with lesson plans and online resources are available. There are examples of lesson plans and when you purchase the software you have access to all the lesson plans. They have technical support and a learning community available online.

Share an idea or two about how you might use the software in your classroom. How might you integrate the software application? There are many uses for this software in the classroom but some uses are; "strengthen word recognition, vocabulary and comprehension; visual math tools to build problem-solving and reasoning skills by developing a conceptual understanding of mathematical procedures; explore relationships between concepts and illustrate basic scientific processes; visually explore and understand history, geography, civics and economics."