Journal #6

Inspiration and iMovie Review

The use of Inspiration is rather simple and can be used by anyone with moderate computer knowledge. It would be useful for students to integrate process awareness; an example would be the cycle of a caterpillar or processes of water in response to heat. I thought it was somewhat simple and used Atomic learning for some quick reference, but having mostly used peers or teacher, with the knowledge readily at hand. My proficiency with any program will not be concrete until I explore the program after the basics are taught to me. If I had to do it completely by reference to Atomic learning, it would have been frustrating.
In regards to iMovie I did not use Atomic Learning. I found that since having prior editing knowledge conflicted with my ability to understand the program. Where effects were located was also misleading. Preferably all effects would be in the video editing tab, it was confusing for me to know an effect I wanted and to have to be told it is in the tool bar not where one would expect. Furthermore, once grasping the basics it appears the program would be fairly easy for a beginner to learn. For a free program it is not difficult or extremely limited. There are enough effects and adjustments that one may do, that an impressive video may be created. If I were to use this in a classroom specifically, I would make a movie of everyone practicing facial expressions and use it as a training tool. I am most interested in working with autistic students who lack the ability to recognize emotional facial expressions; thus, it could be a fun way to encourage understanding in an experience of role play and discussion usable for future references.
It has been my experience that children are quite capable of maneuvering through programs at levels beyond what one might expect. In a special needs classroom Inspiration would be highly advantageous for students who have difficulty expressing thoughts linguistically. The ease of this program and its vast pictorial icons may bridge a gap in communication. The programs are surprisingly simple and are likely to be usable even in elementary school.