Kidspiration 3 Adds Visual Math Tools
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Education developer Inspiration Software this week released an update to Kidspiration, a K-5 visual learning software suite. The new version 3.0 includes expanded math tools, as well as features for boosting vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Kidspiration is a cross-curricular visual learning environment that combines math comprehension, language arts, and social studies with features designed to build critical thinking skills. The new version 3.0 adds five new tools focused around math comprehension. These include Fraction Boxes, a dynamic fraction-building tool; Fraction Tiles for comparing and ordering fractions; Base Ten Blocks, which are designed to help enforce an understanding of place values; Pattern Blocks for exploring geometric shapes and their attributes; and Color Tiles for counting and developing computational strategies.
Other new features include:
- Word Guide for vocabulary development and reading comprehension, which includes audio pronunciations and definitions for about 13,000 words;
- Enhanced audio support, including the ability to record instructions in languages other than English for ELL and ASL students;
- A new Listen tool that uses text to speech to read passages aloud;
- Support for higher-resolution monitors with a larger visual workspace; and
- Vista support.
Kidspiration 3 is available now for Mac OS X and Windows for $69 for a single license of the full version. Five-user licenses run $310; 10-seat packages cost $550; and 20-license versions run $895. Larger license packages are also available. Ten percent volume license upgrade discounts are available through June 30. Single-user upgrades run $39.95. Those who purchased the software after Dec. 1 can receive a free upgrade.
EduHound's Kidspiration Resources can be found here.
A free trial of Kidspiration 3 can be downloaded here.
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About the author: David Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's online education technology publications, including THE Journal and Campus Technology. He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com.
Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at dnagel@1105media.com.