Dear Caroline,
My appologies in answering your email in this open manner regarding Inspiration but I believe that your observation is particularly relevent and my response may prove informative to others.
Of all the packages of this type I believe Inspiration is the most flexible, sophisticated, creative and powerful yet simple to use package there is.
I think it's main advantage is it's superb flexibilty being able to use any combination of text, sound, graphics, animation and links to external websites as individual elements within the map. Combine this with a level of sophistication that allows the user to construct complex interlinked multi level maps (very simply) featuring any or all of the elements above and you have one of the most powerful authoring tools available today, something that can be of benefit to any user with or without a disability.
The only thing I find regretable about the whole product is it's lack of acceptance as a teaching and support tool in educational circles who seem quite prepared to develop very focused stand alone modules via specialist programming skills at substantial cost without recognising the potential of Inspiration - an authoring tool that allows ANYONE with the required knowledge to become an author of sophisticated but simple to use products. Both have their place but Inspiration offers so many cost advantages especially when related to speed of production.
My attempt to construct a library of mind maps to be used as support, educational and training aids has meet with some support, unfortunately not from academic institutions. However, I remain supremely confident in the potential of Inspiration as a learing and support aid that I am continuing with my work and will be offering the material in due course to institutions and individuals (including students).
Terry Hart
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