Kidspiration is the title of a new software now being offered by Inspiration Software, Inc.  This phenomenal software is designed to build strong thinking skills with visual learning and is geared for children in grades K-3.

This remarkable software is divided into 3 major areas:  Picture View, Writing View, and Audio.  Let's take a brief look at all three sections to see what is offered in each.

Picture View helps kids see, organize and develop their own great ideas with the use of symbols.  Over 1,200 symbols are presented in simple maps, webs and other visual learning diagrams to help kids organize and express their thoughts.  These student-friendly symbols will inspire kids everywhere to explore, think and create!

Writing View integrates with Picture View to help students connect their visual thoughts with words.  Using the thought webs and maps they create in Picture View, students will learn to expand their ideas into written work.  Kidspiration uses a natural, intuitive way to help younger children learn how to plan and organize their thoughts.

Audio, the third major area of this software, helps students hear the correct pronunciation of words.  They can hear their own work read aloud and they can also record their own words.

Kidspiration contains over 45 built-in student activities in reading, writing, science and social studies to encourage and support cross-curricular exploration!

Additionally, the Smart Activity Wizard helps teachers create and modify the software activities to match their lesson plans.  There are special Teacher controls that make this customization simple!

Kidspiration can be used on both PC and MAC computers.

Minimum system requirements for PC include:  486 processor or higher, Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT 4.0, ME, 8MB RAM, Minimum of 5MB Hard drive space (20MB for all symbols and Help), 640x480 display with 256 colors, CD-ROM needed for installation purposes only, and mouse.  Optional requirements include Windows compatible printer, Internet Browser, Soundcard w/Speakers, and Microphone.

Minimum system requirements for MAC include:  MAC or PowerMac, System 7.1, 8.0, 9.0 or higher, 2MB available RAM, Minimum of 5MB Hard drive space (30MB for all symbols and Help), 640x480, 256 color display, CD-ROM needed for installation purposes only, and mouse.  Optional requirements include MAC compatible printer, Internet Browser, and Microphone.
 

Install:  Quick and Easy.

Gameplay:  7.5.
Kidspiration utilizes a user-friendly interface which is fairly smooth.

Graphics:  7.5.
The symbols are brightly colored and easy to distinguish.

Sound:  5.0. 
I would have liked to have heard clearer voice quality.  The sound is sometimes hesitant and some sounds are not clear.  For those sections, utilizing the recording capabilities of the software to replace that present is what I would recommend.

Difficulty:  3.0.
This software is quite easy to master, utilizing basic computer skills.

Concept:  7.5.
Although this software is not particularly innovative, it still offers a solid learning experience.

Multiplayer:  N/A

Overall:  7.5.
The deterrent to a higher score lies in the lack of voice quality.  Otherwise, I found Kidspiration to be a good learning software, geared more specifically for the classroom.  I can still see this software being used quite successfully by interested parents or other adults who want to encourage kids to learn.