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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