Content
While testing the software, I encountered no spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. The only time that those errors may occur is when students or researchers are inputting data into the tables. The databases included in InspireData contain data as far back as 1820 (US Immigration) and as current as 2006 (Planet Basics database), from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the World Resources Institute TERCS, and various other sources compiled by Inspiration Software. The databases from the different curriculum areas are diverse in topic area and contain no racial or gender stereotypes. InspireData can aid teachers in addressing district and state curriculum to comply with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, in the areas of improved achievement, standards alignment and professional development.
User Flexibility
Users can navigate through the program quite easily by clicking a graphic icon at the top left of the viewing area to switch to table view to enter data, and to switch to plot view to analyze data visually. The interface is consistent for all databases and types of view. In Table View, students:
- Enter multiple data types easily, such as numbers, text, lists, series and formulas
- Start with one of InspireData's 50+ curriculum-based databases
- Import data from the Internet or other sources
- Use the Questionnaire tool to launch surveys and guide data collection
- Customize table properties or create multiple tables within a database
- Add notes to reference sources and provide explanations
In Plot View, students:
- Create Venn plots with up to three loops to show similarities and differences
- Create stack plots to show distribution of values and take data analysis further using stack plot options, such as parallel stack plots
- Create pie plots to easily recognize patterns or subdivide data in multiple pie plots
- Create axis plots to investigate correlations and discover relationships
- Manipulate variables and settings to further explore data
- Easily select and change axis labels to visualize different sets of data
- Isolate data subsets to focus investigation
- View data as it changes over time with animated Time Series
- Customize plots with labels, colors and unique icons
- Combine data categories to discover larger trends
- Perform calculations and use basic statistical tools, such as mean, median and summary counts, to support conclusions and summarize data
Technical Soundness
The software was installed without a snag, on a Windows XP PC that met all of the system requirements. I was able to use the software immediately without restarting the computer and experienced no loading errors.
Recommendation
I recommend this software to parents, schools and academics without reservations, because it
- Strengthens the inquiry process
- Builds data analysis skills
- Improves data literacy and
- Is easy to use
InspireData Movies :
1. Startup Menu
2. Program Control and Interface
1 .:. 2
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