Graphic organizers (GOs) are visual devices that present information in various ways. Most commonly, they employ lines, circles, and boxes that organize information in the following ways: hierachic, cause/effect, compare/contrast, and cyclic or linear sequences. The organized information serve as visual cues created to facilitate communication and/or understandning of information by presenting how essential information about a topic is organized. GOs can effectively facilitate learning for most students by becoming powerful instructional tools in writing, reading comprehension, and content-areas subjects across a wide range of ages, grade, and learning disabiltiies (Ellis & Howard, 2005). 

GOs Programs help users organize information into appropriate categories in a structured manner online with clicking and typing. This program can significantly reduce the amount of time required to reach instruction goals for both typical learners and those struggling with reading. I would like to review one of the GOs software programs that are used as assistive technology tools.  

Inspiration 9 (http://www.inspiration.com/Inspiration)

1) Overview

Inspiration GO program is available on both Mac and Window for users, from grade 6 to adult at the price of $39.95. This program has functions of outlining, diagram and map, and presentation, that is, a combined programs of word, mind map, and power point. 

2) Outline

Outline View enables users to take notes, organize information, and structure writing for plans, papers, and reports on main and supporting ideas and to clarify thinking in written from. 

3) Diagram and Map 

Users can brainstorm idea, structure thier thoughts and visually organize concepts to enhance understanding on topics with the Diagram and Map Views. Beginning with central ideas and starter branches, users can quickly set out capturing ideas, just click on a branch and type to add ideas, and add new subtopic with one click. It is easy to modify any slides. 

4) Presentation

Inspiration's presentation manager enables users to transfrom diagrams, mind maps, and outlines into presentations that communicates ideas clearly and demonstrate understanding and knowledge. This program automatically generates an initial set of slides and visual san shots based on the content of users’ diagram, map and outline. Using the function of presentation is as easy as using power point. 

References: Ellis, E., & Howard, P. (2005). Graphic Organizers: Power Tools for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities. Graphic Organizers & Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from: www.graphicorganizer.com