Awards
Inspiration® Software, Inc. has received numerous awards from teachers, education magazines and computer learning labs. We're proud of our accomplishments and for being recognized for the positive difference we have made in the lives of students, teachers and parents.
2012
Inspiration Maps for iPad Wins 2012 Award of Excellence From “Tech & Learning” MagazineInspiration Maps for iPad Wins 2012 Award of Excellence From “Tech & Learning” Magazine
App That Turns iPad Into Knowledge Creation Tool Honored as Outstanding Education Technology Product
PORTLAND, Ore – Nov 12, 2012
Inspiration Maps™, the app that brings visual thinking and learning to iPad®, is the winner of a 2012 Award of Excellence from “Tech & Learning” magazine. The prestigious 30-year-old recognition program honors software, hardware and web products that break new ground, as well as those that have added significant enhancements to proven education tools.
Launched by Inspiration Software in January 2012, Inspiration Maps allows all types of learners to take an active role in their learning. Rather than passively absorb information or play games, they construct diagrams and outlines that capture and organize their ideas, stimulate creativity and aid comprehension. The proven visual learning methodologies in Inspiration Maps help develop the thinking, literacy and writing skills that are required by the Common Core State Standards.
“With Inspiration Maps, students become active learners who demonstrate their knowledge using iPad,” said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. “We are honored that ‘Tech & Learning’ has recognized the educational value of Inspiration Maps with this prestigious award.”
Inspiration Maps is compatible with Inspiration Software’s flagship desktop software, Inspiration 9, so students and teachers can work on either the iPad or a computer. To facilitate classroom integration, Inspiration Maps includes more than 25 templates in English and Spanish.
To purchase Inspiration Maps, go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inspiration-maps/id510173686?ls=1&mt=8. Educators may purchase in volume through Apple’s Education Volume Purchase Program. A free preview of Inspiration Maps, called Inspiration Maps Lite, is also available for download on the App Store. To learn more about Inspiration Maps, visit http://inspiration.com/ipad.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.’s award-winning tools, Webspiration Classroom™, Webspiration PRO™, Inspiration, Inspiration Maps, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded 30 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company’s visual learning tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
©2012 Inspiration Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Inspiration Software owns U.S. and foreign trademark registrations for the following brands: Inspiration®, Kidspiration® and InspireData®. Inspiration Software also owns a U.S. trademark registration for the brand Webspiration®, and owns the following other brands: Webspiration Classroom™, WebspirationPRO™, The Leader in Visual Thinking and Learning™ and various other word and design marks used with Inspiration Software’s above brands. All other brands mentioned in these materials are the property of their respective owner.
2011
Dr. Toy Recommends Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 as Great Tools for Learning on Summer VacationDr. Toy Recommends Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 as Great Tools for Learning on Summer Vacation
Childhood Specialist Names Visual Learning Tools as Best Vacation Products for Second Consecutive Year
PORTLAND, OR – June 8, 2011
Dr. Toy, a noted child development authority, named Inspiration® 9 and Kidspiration® 3 to her list of “Best Vacation Children’s Products” for the second consecutive year. Created for learners ages 10 and up, Inspiration 9 is the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more. Kidspiration 3 is the visual way for young learners ages 4 to 9 to explore and understand words, numbers and concepts.
Steveanne Auerbach, Ph.D., (a.k.a. Dr. Toy) has been a childhood specialist for more than 40 years, and her website, Dr. Toy’s Guide, was the first to evaluate toys and children’s products. The Best Children’s Vacation Products list recognizes innovative products that will help children play and learn at home and while on vacation. They are evaluated for safety, age-appropriateness, design, durability, lasting play value, cultural and ethnic diversity, good transition from home to school, educational value, learning skills, creativity, improvement in the understanding of the community and the world, value for the price and, naturally, fun.
"Our list of best vacation products provides parents with a valuable, free resource for finding fun, engaging products that will keep their children learning over the summer," said Dr. Toy. "Among the best in the educational software world, Inspiration and Kidspiration are great tools for stimulating children's creativity and building their writing and critical-thinking skills this summer, both at home or while traveling."
By representing ideas visually with Inspiration 9, learners can express their creativity, develop new ideas, plan and organize projects and develop clearly written stories and papers. They can also add multimedia impact and personalize their projects by including videos, sound and photos to their projects, and perhaps create a great "what I did on my summer vacation" presentation for back-to-school or explore a topic of personal interest, such as music or creative writing.
This summer, young learners can use Kidspiration supports to strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. Visually combining pictures, text and spoken words engage children in learning as they build word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression. With the visual math tools in Kidspiration, children grow math skills and understand key math concepts. Ready-made activities available in Kidspiration help students explore and develop their thinking skills.
"It is a great honor to have Dr. Toy name Inspiration and Kidspiration to her list of best vacation products for the second year in a row," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "When kids spend time in the summer using our visual software tools for personal projects and creative play, their thinking skills stay actively engaged, and they are ready to hit the ground running when school starts in the fall."
For more information about Inspiration Software, visit www.inspiration.com, become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/InspirationSoftware or follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/InspirationSW. In addition, educators from around the world can connect and share their passion for learning strategies and education on the company's blog, Thinkspiration, at www.inspiration.com/blog.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s award-winning tools, Webspiration Classroom™, Webspiration PRO™, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Webspiration Classroom Takes Top Honors in the 17th Annual Best Educational Software Awards
Webspiration Classroom Takes Top Honors in the 17th Annual Best Educational Software Awards
Inspiration Software's New Online Writing, Visual Thinking and Collaboration Tool Recognized for Helping Students Improve Writing and Thinking Skills
PORTLAND, OR – April 13, 2011
Webspiration Classroom™, Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s new online writing, visual thinking and collaboration tool for students and teachers, is a winner in the 17th Annual Best Educational Software (BESSIE) Awards, sponsored by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource. This honor is the first award for the newest member of Inspiration Software's family of visual thinking and learning tools, which was launched less than three months ago. The BESSIE Awards target innovative and content-rich programs and websites that provide parents and teachers with technology to foster educational excellence.
Honored in the BESSIE Awards "Thinking Skills" category for high school students, Webspiration Classroom combines the power of visual thinking with innovative collaboration tools, offering students and teachers 24/7 access to an online environment where they can work independently, with their peers and in groups, to develop and strengthen their writing and thinking skills.
"In just the few weeks since the launch of Webspiration Classroom, educators from around the country are already sharing with us the ways that collaborating in the cloud is helping their students build critical thinking and writing skills," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is exciting for our new online visual thinking tool to so quickly earn this recognition from the education community."
With Webspiration Classroom, students use visual thinking and outlining techniques to build writing skills and analyze, synthesize and comprehend information anytime, anywhere. With 24/7 access, students can apply proven learning methods such as webbing, concept mapping and graphic organizers at school, at home or anywhere they have access to the Internet, extending their learning time to develop their thinking and writing skills.
With Webspiration Classroom's collaboration tools, students work with their classmates and teachers to create a collective knowledge and develop a stronger understanding of the concepts they are learning. Students actively engage in learning as they collaborate on group projects, share documents for peer review and receive guidance from teachers throughout the entire learning process. Webspiration Classroom incorporates everyone's contributions and feedback in one document, keeping the process organized as students produce and publish their work.
All Webspiration Classroom documents are automatically saved and backed up in the cloud, giving students and teachers 24/7 access to an engaging, safe and reliable online environment for learning, sharing and collaboration. Students can sign in from school, home, the library – anywhere they have Internet access – to work on their assignments and develop group projects. Students can invite each other as well as their teachers to review work and provide feedback on projects. Assignments can be delivered, revised, evaluated and returned online, keeping work accessible and organized. This streamlined work process between teachers and students increases instructional time and keeps students focused on learning.
Webspiration Classroom is available in one-, two- and three-year subscriptions in packages designed for both classrooms and individual educators. Every Webspiration Classroom subscription includes unlimited documents, unlimited collaboration, and anytime, anywhere access. Account subscriptions include access to online support materials, including lesson plans, examples, student resources, a Quick Start Guide, online how-to video tutorials, a Help Center and implementation tools, which allow students and teachers to take full advantage of Webspiration Classroom's capabilities.
More information about Webspiration Classroom is available at http://www.inspiration.com/webspirationclassroom or by calling 800-877-4292.
For more information about Inspiration Software, visit www.inspiration.com, become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/InspirationSoftware or follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/InspirationSW. In addition, educators and visual thinkers from around the world can connect and share their passion for learning strategies and education on the company's blog, Thinkspiration, at www.inspiration.com/blog.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning tools, Webspiration Classroom, Inspiration®, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
2010
Inspiration 9 Honored in 28th Annual "Tech & Learning" Awards of ExcellenceInspiration 9 Honored in 28th Annual "Tech & Learning" Awards of Excellence
Proven Visual Learning Tool Honored for New Capabilities, Significant Enhancements
PORTLAND, OR – Dec. 14, 2010
Inspiration 9 is a winner in "Tech & Learning" magazine's 28th annual Awards of Excellence. This prestigious awards program honors software, hardware, network and web products that break new ground, as well as proven education tools with enhancements that provide significant value. Inspiration won its first "Tech & Learning" Award of Excellence a decade ago, and this year's award marks the fourth time since then.
Inspiration 9 is the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more. New capabilities in Inspiration 9, such as additional visual learning methodologies and support for creating presentations, provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop reading, writing, organizational, comprehension and oral communication skills.
"Now that the use of technology in schools is no longer a novelty but a reality, it's no longer about the promise of what a product can do; it's about the proof," said Kevin Hogan, editorial director for NewBay Media's Tech & Learning Group. "This year's Award of Excellence products were tested by edtech experts from the New York City Department of Education and the University of Michigan, our top T&L advisors, and more. These companies can be proud their products were selected as winners."
"Since its launch earlier this year, Inspiration 9 has won high praise from the education, technology and parenting communities and, most importantly, from the teachers who use it with their students every day," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration® Software, Inc. "Adding this important recognition from one of the top education magazines to the list of honors acknowledges our commitment to support improvements in education and to make a positive difference by providing software tools that help people use visual thinking and learning to achieve academic goals."
For more information about Inspiration Software's family of visual learning tools, go to http://www.inspiration.com, "like" the company on Facebook or follow @InspirationSW on Twitter. In addition, educators can keep up with the latest in visual learning strategies on Thinkspiration™, Inspiration Software's blog.
About "Tech & Learning"
For over 30 years, "Tech & Learning" has been – and continues to be – the leading resource for K-12 leaders. Its publications, web sites and events provide factual and evaluative information on trends, products and strategies to educators who purchase technology products in their districts and schools. "Tech & Learning," published by NewBay Media LLC, delivers the highest quality content and essential resources to manage, train and teach technology. For more information, visit www.TechLearning.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration 9 Earns Gold Honors in 2010 Mom's Choice Awards
Inspiration 9 Earns Gold Honors in 2010 Mom's Choice Awards
Parenting Award Panel of Judges Recognize the Ultimate Visual Thinking and Learning Tool for Educational Value, Design and Appeal
PORTLAND, OR – Dec. 1, 2010
Inspiration® 9, the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more, earned gold honors in the 2010 Mom's Choice Awards® (MCA), honoring excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Adding to Inspiration Software®, Inc.'s flagship product's growing list of awards and accolades, this recent honor marks Inspiration 9's 12th award since its launch in January 2010.
The MCA seal helps families and educators navigate a vast array of products and services and make informed decisions about quality family-friendly media products and services, which are evaluated on a number of elements including educational value, entertainment value, design, originality appeal and cost. The visual learning software for grade 6 to adult was evaluated for this honor by a panel of judges including experts in education as well as children, librarians, performing artists, authors and scientists.
The prestigious panel of MCA judges the evaluated Inspiration 9 for this honor included Dr. Twila C. Liggett, 10-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of PBS's "Reading Rainbow"; Julie Aigner-Clark, creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, "New York Times" bestselling author; Priscilla Dunstan, creator of the Dunstan Baby Language; Patricia Rossi, host of NBC's "Manners Minute"; Dr. Letitia S. Wright, host of the Wright Place TV Show; and Catherine Witcher, M.Ed., special-needs expert and founder of Precision Education, Inc.
"It is exciting to add another award from the parenting community to the list of honors that Inspiration 9 has earned this year," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "As parents, grandparents and other family members think about gifts this holiday season, they might wish to consider how visual learning software, such as Inspiration 9, can help the learners in their lives build the thinking skills necessary for success in school, careers and life."
New in Inspiration 9 is the Presentation Manager, which learners use to create organized and compelling presentations to present and communicate their knowledge and work. The Presentation Manager automatically creates bulleted slides and graphics from a student's diagram, mind map or outline. Learners use this as the starting point to build their oral presentation and handouts and then add slides, speaker notes, talking points, graphics, video and sound to emphasize their points. Once their presentations are complete, they can play them directly from Inspiration 9 or from any Macintosh® or Windows® computer, using the Inspiration Presenter available on the installation CD and downloadable from http://www.inspiration.com.
Inspiration 9 also features more visual ways to think and learn, including Map View, which allows learners to create and think in mind maps, another proven visual learning methodology that promotes better understanding of relationships and connections among ideas and helps retain information. Mind maps capture information in a natural, free-flowing style. With Map View, learners build visual models, adding ideas branching off a central topic with just one click, and reorganize ideas by simply grafting one branch to another. Graphic images, colors and fonts allow learners to embellish, differentiate and emphasize their ideas. Just like with idea maps, concept maps, graphic organizers and other diagrams created with Inspiration, the process of building a mind map is fluid and visual, complementing the natural way that students think and expand on ideas. As with other diagrams created with Inspiration, mind maps can be instantly transformed into outlines to support the writing process.
MCA judges are bound by a strict code of ethics that ensures expert and objective analysis free from any manufacturer association. The evaluation process uses a proprietary methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production, quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost. For more information about Inspiration 9, go to http://www.inspiration.com/inspiration, "like" the company on Facebook or follow @InspirationSW on Twitter. In addition, educators can connect and share their passion for learning strategies and education on Inspiration Software's blog, Thinkspiration™.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge, and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Software's Family of Visual Learning Tools Grows Honors From Education Software Review Awards to 27 With Announcement of 2010 Winners
Inspiration Software's Family of Visual Learning Tools Grows Honors From Education Software Review Awards to 27 With Announcement of 2010 Winners
Inspiration 9, Kidspiration 3 and InspireData 1.5 Again Named to List of the Year's Best Educational Software
PORTLAND, Ore. – Nov. 16, 2010
Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s, family of visual learning software tools has once again been honored by the Education Software Review Awards (EDDIE) from ComputED Learning Center, San Diego’s leading computer education resource. Inspiration® 9, Kidspiration® 3 and InspireData® 1.5 were all named to the Center’s 15th annual list of the year's best educational software products. This marks the 15th EDDIE Award for Inspiration, the ninth for Kidspiration and the third for InspireData.
The EDDIE Awards target innovative and content-rich programs and websites that augment classroom curriculum and improve teacher productivity, providing parents and teachers with the technology to foster educational excellence. Selection criteria include academic content, potential for broad classroom use, technical merit, subject approach and management system. Winners are selected from titles submitted by publishers from around the world.
"Having our family of visual learning software tools recognized as the best of the year by the EDDIE Awards 27 times during the life of the awards program is an awesome honor," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "This significant level of recognition reinforces our core belief that the critical thinking skills that students develop through visual learning instructional strategies are key for 21st century success and support student achievement across the curriculum."
The 15th Annual EDDIE Awards honored Kidspiration 3 in the "Thinking Skills" category for early elementary students. Kidspiration, visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. Kidspiration 3 has earned more than 20 awards from the education, technology and parenting communities since its debut in January 2008.
Inspiration 9, the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more, adds an EDDIE Award for best software in the “Thinking Skills” category for high school students to the growing list of honors it has earned since its launch in January 2010. New capabilities in Inspiration 9, such as support for creating presentations and additional visual learning methodologies, provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop reading, writing, organization, comprehension and oral communication skills.
InspireData 1.5, the visual way to explore and understand data, earned its EDDIE award in the "Data Exploration" category for upper elementary students. Students grades 4 to 12 use InspireData to investigate, analyze and represent data and information in dynamic graphs and charts.
For more information about Inspiration Software's family of visual learning tools, go to http://www.inspiration.com, "like" the company on Facebook or follow @InspirationSW on Twitter. In addition, educators can connect and share their passion for learning strategies and education on Inspiration Software's blog, Thinkspiration™.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Dr. Toy Honors Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 as "Best of the Best" for 2010
Dr. Toy Honors Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 as "Best of the Best" for 2010
Noted Child Development Expert Selects Inspiration Software's Visual Learning Tools As Innovative, Fun Learning Products for Children
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oct. 26, 2010
Inspiration® and Kidspiration® from Inspiration® Software, Inc., both recently earned honors from Steveanne Auerbach, Ph.D., (a.k.a. Dr. Toy), one of the nation's leading child development experts. Inspiration 9 was selected for Dr. Toy's Best Picks for Children’s Products 2010, and Kidspiration 3 was named to both the 10 Best High Tech Products for 2010 list and 100 Best Children's Products for 2010 list. This is the second time this year that Dr. Toy has honored the company's two visual learning software tools. In July, they were named as the Best Children's Vacation Products for Summer 2010.
Dr. Toy uses extensive criteria developed over many years to identify products that help parents and other consumers choose the best learning tools and toys for children. They are evaluated for safety, age-appropriateness, design, durability, lasting play value, cultural and ethnic diversity, good transition from home to school, educational value, learning skills, creativity, improvement in the understanding of the community and the world, value for the price and, naturally, fun.
"We launched Dr. Toy's Guide more than 20 years ago to provide consumers with resources to identify and choose the most appropriate, safe and engaging learning and developmental products for children," said Dr. Toy. "Inspiration's and Kidspiration's numerous appearances on our lists illustrate that they are among the best-of-the-best in innovative, developmentally appropriate products for children."
Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software, said, "It is an honor to have Dr. Toy once again select both Inspiration and Kidspiration for inclusion on these important lists of the year's best products for children. In particular, her recognition of our visual learning software reinforces our belief that learning can be a fun and engaging process for children."
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. Kidspiration 3 has earned more than 20 awards from the education, technology and parenting communities since its debut in January 2008.
Inspiration 9, the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more, has earned 11 awards since its launch in January 2010. New capabilities in Inspiration 9, such as support for creating presentations and additional visual learning methodologies, provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop 21st century skills.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 Honored in 2010 "Creative Child Magazine" Awards
Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 Honored in 2010 "Creative Child Magazine" Awards
Visual Learning Software Tools Selected by 100 Moms and Educators as Products That Nurture Children's Creativity
PORTLAND, OR – Aug. 4, 2010
Inspiration® Software, Inc., announced today that “Creative Child,” a national bi-monthly magazine that provides parents with the latest information on how to nurture their children’s creativity, honored both Inspiration® 9 and Kidspiration® 3 in its 2010 awards program. “Creative Child Magazine’s” Awards Program is unique in that all products submitted are reviewed by moms and educators at a two-day event attended by more than 100 guest reviewers.
"Creativity is considered one of the core components of the 21st century skills that today’s students must develop to be successful in our connected, information-based, rapidly changing world," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Research supports that both technology and visual learning can help students build creativity and the strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills needed for success in school and in life. This makes it particularly exciting to have our visual learning software tools, Inspiration and Kidspiration, honored by mothers and educators for helping kids think and learn creatively."
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, took top honors, winning the 2010 Media of the Year Award in the Kids Educational Interactive Software category. Kidspiration 3 supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. Kidspiration 3 has earned more than 20 awards from the education, technology and parenting communities since its debut in January 2008.
Inspiration 9, the ultimate thinking and learning tool to create, communicate and achieve more, earned the 2010 Seal of Excellence Award in the Teens Educational Interactive Software category. For Inspiration 9, this honor from mothers and educators is one of 10 awards that it has received since its launch in January 2010. New capabilities in Inspiration 9, such as support for creating presentations and additional visual learning methodologies, provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop 21st century skills.
Both visual learning software tools will be featured in "Creative Child Magazine's" holiday issue, distributed in Nov. 2010.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Noted Child Development Expert Names Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 as Best Children’s Vacation Products for Summer 2010
Noted Child Development Expert Names Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 as Best Children's Vacation Products for Summer 2010
Dr. Toy Endorses Inspiration Software's Premier Visual Learning Tools to Keep Children Engaged and Learning While on Summer Vacation
PORTLAND, OR – July 20, 2010
Dr. Toy, one of the nation’s leading child development experts, named Inspiration® Software, Inc.’s premier visual learning tools Inspiration® 9 and Kidspiration® 3 as the Best Children’s Vacation Products for Summer 2010.
The award program was developed by Steveanne Auerbach, Ph.D., (a.k.a. Dr. Toy) to provide parents with a resource for choosing safe, affordable, educationally oriented and stimulating toys and play products for children to use during vacation time at home or on the road. Products named to the list are carefully chosen, using Dr. Toy’s extensive criteria developed over many years. They are evaluated for safety, age-appropriateness, design, durability, lasting play value, cultural and ethnic diversity, good transition from home to school, educational value, learning skills, creativity, improvement in the understanding of the community and the world, value for the price and, naturally, fun.
"As a childhood specialist for 40 years, I have seen the continuous, essential need for more year-round resources to help consumers identify and choose the most appropriate products for all children," said Dr. Toy. "Inspiration and Kidspiration were selected for the 2010 Best Vacation Products because they will provide children with exciting new learning opportunities that will help them not only do better in school, but also give them more constructive activities while traveling or at vacation destinations."
Inspiration 9 for children in grades 6-12, the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more, adds this prestigious endorsement to the expanding lists of awards from the education, technology and parenting communities that it has garnered since its launch in January 2010. New capabilities in Inspiration 9, such as support for creating presentations and additional visual learning methodologies, provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop 21st century skills.
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. Kidspiration 3 has earned more than 20 awards since its launch in January 2008.
"We agree with Dr. Toy – learning for children doesn’t stop when school lets out for the summer. Learners of all ages can use Inspiration and Kidspiration to visually explore, express and write about their vacation experiences in a creative and engaging way," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Having our visual learning software named to the list of the Best Children’s Vacation Products offers parents the information that they need to pick learning tools for their children in the summer and year-round."
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration 9 Honored by Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Awards
Inspiration 9 Honored by Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Awards
Ultimate Thinking and Learning Tool Sweeps New Awards Program Category
PORTLAND, OR – June 22, 2010
Inspiration® 9, the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more, recently added two 2010 Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) Distinguished Achievement Awards to its growing list of honors and accolades from the education, technology and parenting communities. The newest version of Inspiration® Software’s visual learning software for learners grade six to adult swept the awards program’s new “Technology & New Media: Alignments Tools” category, taking honors as the best product for both grade ranges 6-8 and 9-12.
For more than four decades, the AEP Awards have honored outstanding resources for teaching and learning. One of the largest and longest running recognition programs in the educational publishing industry, the annual AEP Awards mark the standard for quality, professional educational products and excellence in education marketing.
"Teachers around the country are telling us that the new presentation capabilities and visual view in Inspiration 9 are allowing them to take visual learning in new and powerful directions for their students, helping them build the strong communication and thinking skills that are requisite for 21st century success," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "We are proud of the recognition that the ninth generation of our flagship software has earned from the educational publishing community."
New in Inspiration is the Presentation Manager, which students use to create organized and compelling presentations to present and communicate their knowledge and work. The Presentation Manager automatically creates bulleted slides and graphics from a student’s diagram, mind map or outline. Students use this as the starting point to build their oral presentation and handouts and then add slides, speaker notes, talking points, graphics, video and sound to emphasize their points. Inspiration 9 makes it easy for students to include the graphic organizers they created in Diagram and Map Views in their presentations to effectively communicate concepts and ideas they’ve developed. Once their presentation is complete, they can play it directly from Inspiration 9 or from any Macintosh® or Windows® computer, using the Inspiration Presenter available on the installation CD and downloadable from http://www.inspiration.com.
Inspiration also features more visual ways to think and learn, including Map View, which allows students to create and think in mind maps, another proven visual learning methodology that promotes better understanding of relationships and connections among ideas and helps students retain information. Mind maps capture information in a natural, free-flowing style. With Map View, students build visual models, adding ideas branching off a central topic with just one click, and reorganize ideas by simply grafting one branch to another. Graphic images, colors and fonts allow learners to embellish, differentiate and emphasize their ideas. Just like with idea maps, concept maps, graphic organizers and other diagrams created with Inspiration, the process of building a mind map is fluid and visual, complementing the natural way that students think and expand on ideas. As with other diagrams created with Inspiration, mind maps can be instantly transformed into outlines to support the writing process.
For more information about Inspiration 9, go to http://www.inspiration.com/inspiration.
About AEP
The Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) is a nonprofit organization that serves and advances the industry of supplemental educational publishing. The membership of AEP represents the breadth of educational content developers, delivering progressive educational products in all media and for any educational setting.
AEP's thought leadership and market insight have created ground-breaking opportunities for its members to collaborate, network and partner with each other as well as to acquire a voice in the development of government education policy. Founded in 1895, AEP now assists its members in navigating the global realities of educational publishing in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.AEPweb.org.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 Honored With Prestigious Recognition From Consumer Parenting Organization
Inspiration 9 and Kidspiration 3 Honored With Prestigious Recognition From Consumer Parenting Organization
Inspiration Software’s Visual Learning Software Tools Win 2010 iParenting Excellent Products Awards
PORTLAND, OR – June 8, 2010
Inspiration® 9 and Kidspiration® 3, Inspiration® Software, Inc.’s premier visual learning software tools for learners from kindergarten through adulthood, are both winners of 2010 iParenting Excellent Products Awards. Inspiration and Kidspiration were selected for recognition from iParenting Media from hundreds of products that were submitted for judging in 17 categories. All products submitted for the iParenting 2010 Excellent Products Awards undergo a thorough evaluation process by a variety of reviewers, including experts and families.
“From the youngest age, learners can build the critical-thinking and communication skills necessary for 21st century success with our visual learning software tools, Inspiration and Kidspiration,” said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. “Recognition for our visual learning tools from parenting organizations, such as this honor from iParenting Media, is a testament to the fact that parents around the country understand how effective Inspiration and Kidspiration are at helping children develop strong thinking and learning skills.”
Inspiration 9 is the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more. This is the second honor from a parenting organization for Inspiration 9, the newest version of the company’s visual learning software for learners grade six to adult, which debuted less than six months ago. The visual learning software was also recently honored with the prestigious 2010 Software & Information Industry Association CODiE award.
Inspiration 9 is designed to offer an essential framework for thinking – helping students use 21st century skills to achieve more in all subject areas. Learners use Inspiration to build graphic organizers, including concept maps, webs and idea maps; to visualize and develop ideas; understand and retain concepts; plan and organize work; and communicate and present knowledge. Research shows that visual learning is one of the best methods for teaching thinking skills. Visual learning techniques – graphical ways of working with ideas and presenting information – teach students to clarify their thinking and to process, organize and prioritize information.
When students learn with Inspiration, they build strong critical-thinking, writing and organization skills, as well as good communication skills to effectively share their knowledge and understanding. Used by millions around the world, the software is considered the gold standard of visual learning tools.
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. Launched in January 2008, Kidspiration 3 now boasts more than 20 awards and accolades from top parenting, education and technology industry organizations.
In reading and writing, Kidspiration builds children’s word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression using visual tools that combine pictures, text and spoken words. With the visual math tools in Kidspiration, children build a strong mathematical foundation for reasoning and problem-solving by using visual representations to understand math concepts.
Using the software’s library of more than 3,000 symbols, children can create graphic organizers including webs, concept maps and Venn diagrams to express their ideas, explore ideas and relationships, and develop understanding. The symbol search capabilities allow them to find the right symbols to express their thoughts and ideas. Students can also use Symbol Maker to create their own symbols, or they can import their own images.
For more information about Inspiration 9 or Kidspiration 3, go to http://www.inspiration.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.’s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge, and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company’s visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Wins 2010 Software & Information Industry Association CODiE Award for Excellence in Educational Technology
Inspiration Wins 2010 Software & Information Industry Association CODiE Award for Excellence in Educational Technology
Company's Flagship Visual Learning Software Honored as Best Instructional Solution in Other Curriculum Areas
PORTLAND, OR – May 26, 2010
Inspiration®, the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more, is the winner of a 2010 Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE Award for Best Instructional Solution in Other Curriculum Areas. This top honor from the education technology community is the most recent addition to the growing list of honors and accolades for Inspiration 9, the newest version of Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s visual learning software for learners in grade six to adult, which debuted less than six months ago.
"For more than 20 years, millions of students and teachers around the world have used Inspiration to build strong critical-thinking, writing and organization skills, as well as good communication skills," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "To have Inspiration recognized with this prestigious honor from our peers in the education technology industry demonstrates that they recognize what teachers tell us every day: Innovative technology combined with visual learning instructional strategies can transform teaching and learning for students."
The CODiE Awards honor the software and information industry's finest products and services, and hold the distinction of being the industry’s only peer-reviewed awards program where companies have the unique opportunity to earn praise from their competitors. This year’s education CODiE winners were selected from more than 327 nominations submitted by 124 companies.
"Now in its 25th year, the CODiE Awards continue to recognize companies that provide the best new technology products and services across a broad array of industries," said Ken Wasch, president, SIIA. "CODiE winners are a prolific testament to the power of technology to deliver innovative solutions to businesses and consumers. SIIA warmly congratulates all of the winners and nominees of the CODiE Awards, whose innovation is essential for continuing America’s leadership in the global knowledge economy."
Inspiration is designed to offer an essential framework for thinking – helping students use 21st century skills to achieve more in all subject areas. Learners use Inspiration to build graphic organizers, including concept maps, webs and idea maps; to visualize and develop ideas; understand and retain concepts; plan and organize work; and communicate and present knowledge.
Among the new capabilities in Inspiration 9 is the Presentation Manager, used by students to create organized and compelling presentations to present and communicate their knowledge and work. The Presentation Manager automatically creates bulleted slides and graphics from a student's diagram, mind map or outline. Students use this as the starting point to build their oral presentation and handouts and then add slides, speaker notes, talking points, graphics, video and sound to emphasize their points. Inspiration 9 ships with numerous ready-made, professional-quality themes to quickly develop a visually appealing presentation, or students can create their own themes to personalize their presentations. Once their presentation is complete, they can play it directly from Inspiration or from any Macintosh® or Windows® computer using the free Inspiration Presenter available on the installation CD and at http://www.inspiration.com.
Teachers are also finding innovative ways to integrate the new visual view, Map View, into instruction. Map View allows students to create and think in mind maps, another proven visual learning methodology that promotes better understanding of the relationships and connections among ideas, and helps students retain information. Mind maps capture information in a natural, free-flowing style. With Map View, students build visual models, adding ideas branching off a central topic with just one click, and reorganize ideas by simply grafting one branch to another. Graphic images, colors and fonts allow learners to embellish, differentiate and emphasize their ideas. Just like with idea maps, concept maps, graphic organizers and other diagrams created with Inspiration, the process of building a mind map is fluid and visual, complementing the natural way that students think and expand on ideas. As with other diagrams created with Inspiration, mind maps can be instantly transformed into outlines to support the writing process.
For more information about Inspiration, go to http://www.inspiration.com.
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to 500 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration 9 Honored With The National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval
Inspiration 9 Honored With The National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval
Newest Version of Inspiration Software's Flagship Product Named to Prestigious List of Top Products for Children
PORTLAND, OR – May 12, 2010
The National Parenting Center (TNPC), one of the country's top evaluators of quality products for children, has bestowed its prestigious Seal of Approval on Inspiration® 9, the newest version of Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s visual learning software for learners grade six to adult. Inspiration 9 is the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more.
TNPC's Seal of Approval program, created in 1990, identifies the finest products and services being marketed to the parent/child audience. From educational and entertainment products and equipment to travel destinations, the consumer-oriented testing process solicits evaluations from parents and their children. More than 1.5 million parents will visit the TNPC Web site this year to read product reviews that will guide the decisions about the products they select for their children.
"At Inspiration Software, our products are developed to put the power of visual learning in the hands of learners both in school and at home," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder. "This recognition for Inspiration 9 from one of the premier reviewers of products for children is a wonderful addition to the list of honors for the newest version of our flagship software."
Launched in January of this year, Inspiration 9 helps learners build strong critical-thinking, writing and organizational skills, as well as good communication skills to effectively share their knowledge and understanding. Used by millions of students and teachers around the world, the software is considered the gold standard of visual learning tools.
Inspiration is designed to offer an essential framework for thinking – helping students use 21st century skills to achieve more in all subject areas. Learners use Inspiration to build graphic organizers, including concept maps, webs and idea maps; to visualize and develop ideas; understand and retain concepts; plan and organize work; and communicate and present knowledge.
Among the new capabilities in Inspiration 9 is the Presentation Manager, used by students to create organized and compelling presentations to present and communicate their knowledge and work. The Presentation Manager automatically creates bulleted slides and graphics from a student’s diagram, mind map or outline. Students use this as the starting point to build their oral presentation and handouts and then add slides, speaker notes, talking points, graphics, video and sound to emphasize their points. Inspiration 9 ships with numerous ready-made, professional-quality themes to quickly develop a visually appealing presentation, or students can create their own themes to personalize their presentations. Once their presentation is complete, they can play it directly from Inspiration or from any Macintosh® or Windows® computer using the free Inspiration Presenter available on the installation CD and at http://www.inspiration.com.
Teachers are also finding innovative ways to integrate the new visual view, Map View, into instruction. Map View allows students to create and think in mind maps, another proven visual learning methodology that promotes better understanding of the relationships and connections among ideas, and helps students retain information. Mind maps capture information in a natural, free-flowing style. With Map View, students build visual models, adding ideas branching off a central topic with just one click, and reorganize ideas by simply grafting one branch to another. Graphic images, colors and fonts allow learners to embellish, differentiate and emphasize their ideas. Just like with idea maps, concept maps, graphic organizers and other diagrams created with Inspiration, the process of building a mind map is fluid and visual, complementing the natural way that students think and expand on ideas. As with other diagrams created with Inspiration, mind maps can be instantly transformed into outlines to support the writing process.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge, and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Software's Family of Visual Learning Tools Takes Top Honors in 16th Annual Best Educational Software Awards
Inspiration Software's Family of Visual Learning Tools Takes Top Honors in 16th Annual Best Educational Software Awards
Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData Honored for Building Thinking Skills
PORTLAND, OR – April 28, 2010
Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s family of visual learning software tools – Inspiration®, Kidspiration® and InspireData® – are all winners in the 16th Annual Best Educational Software (BESSIE) Awards, sponsored by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource.
The BESSIE Awards target innovative and content-rich programs and Web sites that provide parents and teachers with technology to foster educational excellence. This is the second time in eight months that Inspiration Software’s family of visual learning software tools has earned honors from a ComputED Learning Center awards program. In September 2009, the company was a triple-crown winner in the center’s 14th Annual Education Software Review Awards (EDDIE Awards), earning honors for Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData.
"When our family of educational software is honored with awards chosen by educators, such as the BESSIEs, it demonstrates that teachers recognize what the research supports: combining technology with visual learning instructional strategies creates powerful tools for helping students build 21st century thinking skills," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "We are proud to add the 16th Annual BESSIE Awards to our list of honors for Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData."
This is the second award for Inspiration since the January launch of the newest version of the best-selling visual learning software. With Inspiration 9, students in grades 6 through adult comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more. New capabilities in Inspiration 9, such as support for creating presentations and additional visual learning methodologies, provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop 21st century skills. Inspiration was recognized in the "Thinking Skills" category for high school students.
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, adds to its growing list of honors and accolades with a BESSIE award in the "Thinking Skills" category for early elementary students. Kidspiration supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. This is the 19th award for Kidspiration 3 since its launch in early 2008.
InspireData, the visual way to explore and understand data, won a BESSIE award in the "Data Exploration" category for upper elementary students. Students in grades 4 to 12 use InspireData to investigate, analyze, and represent data and information in dynamic graphs and charts.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge, and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration and Kidspiration Bring Home the Gold in the Mom's Choice Awards
Inspiration and Kidspiration Bring Home the Gold in the Mom's Choice Awards
Inspiration Software's Visual Learning Software Tools Named Among the Best in Family-Friendly Products, Services and Media
PORTLAND, Ore. – March 16, 2010
Inspiration® and Kidspiration® from Inspiration® Software, Inc., both took gold honors in the Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA), honoring excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The MCA seal helps families and educators navigate a vast array of products and services and make informed decisions. The visual learning software tools were evaluated for this honor by a panel of judges including experts in education as well as children, librarians, performing artists, authors and scientists.
"Visual learning helps students of all ages think critically and creatively, and ultimately build 21st century skills," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Top honors from the Mom’s Choice Awards for Inspiration and Kidspiration are a testament to the widespread recognition of the value of this important learning tool."
Used by millions of students and teachers around the world, Inspiration, an MCA Gold recipient for grades 6-12, is considered the gold standard of visual learning tools. When students grade 6 to adult learn with Inspiration, they build strong critical-thinking, writing and organizational skills, as well as good communication skills to effectively share their knowledge and understanding.
Inspiration 9 was launched in January 2010. With the ninth generation of its flagship software, Inspiration Software has taken the proven ways that visual learning builds critical-thinking skills and improves student achievement in new directions, making the world’s leading visual learning tool even more powerful. New capabilities in Inspiration 9 provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop 21st century skills.
Now with the new Presentation Manager in Inspiration 9, students can create organized and compelling presentations to present and communicate their knowledge and work. In addition to Diagram and Outline view for taking notes, organizing information and structuring writing for planning papers and reports, Inspiration 9 features a new visual view, Map View. This allows students to create and think in mind maps, another proven visual learning methodology that promotes better understanding of relationships and connections among ideas and helps students retain information.
Kidspiration 3 is an MCA Gold recipient for grades K-5. Kidspiration 3 is the visual way for young learners to explore and understand words, numbers and concepts. Kidspiration supports children as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. In reading and writing, Kidspiration builds children's word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression, using visual tools that combine pictures, text and spoken words. With the visual math tools in Kidspiration, children build a strong mathematical foundation for reasoning and problem-solving by using visual representations to understand math concepts.
This year's MCA judges included Dr. Twila C. Liggett, 10-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of PBS's "Reading Rainbow"; Julie Aigner-Clark, creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, "New York Times" bestselling author; Priscilla Dunstan, creator of the Dunstan Baby Language; Patricia Rossi, host of NBC's "Manners Minute"; Dr. Letitia S. Wright, host of the Wright Place TV Show; and Catherine Witcher, M.Ed., special-needs expert and founder of Precision Education, Inc. MCA judges are bound by a strict code of ethics that ensures expert and objective analysis free from any manufacturer association. The evaluation process uses a proprietary methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production, quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Software's Family of Visual Learning Software Tools Moves to the Finalist Round of the 2010 SIIA CODiE Awards
Inspiration Software's Family of Visual Learning Software Tools Moves to the Finalist Round of the 2010 SIIA CODiE Awards
Leader in Visual Thinking and Learning One of Six Education Companies With Three or More Products Named as Finalists in Celebrated Award Program
PORTLAND, Ore. – March 9, 2010
All of the members of Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s family of visual learning software tools are finalists in the 2010 Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE Awards. The leader in visual thinking and learning was one of six education companies with three or more products reaching the finalist round in this celebrated awards program showcasing the software and information industry’s finest products and services.
The company's flagship visual learning software, Inspiration®, is a finalist in the Best Instructional Solution in Other Curriculum Areas category. Kidspiration® earned finalist honors in the Best Education Technology Solution for Productivity/Creativity category, and InspireData® was honored in the Best Social Studies Instructional Solution category.
The three widely adopted visual learning software tools are among 88 products from 54 companies selected as finalists from more than 327 nominations submitted by 124 companies. Nominated products underwent an intensive review by subject matter experts, analysts, journalists and others with deep experience in the field.
"As our family of visual learning software tools has grown, we have based developments on our ongoing conversations with the talented, creative teachers who use Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData to help their students think and learn," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is a great honor to have all three of our products recognized as finalists in the SIIA CODiE Awards in the same year for the first time."
Inspiration is the ultimate thinking and learning tool to comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more. When students grade six to adult learn with Inspiration, they build strong critical-thinking, writing and organizational skills, as well as good communication skills to effectively share their knowledge and understanding. Used by millions of students and teachers around the world, the software is considered the gold standard of visual learning tools. Inspiration is designed to offer one convenient place for students to successfully plan, research and complete projects in all subject areas. Learners use Inspiration to build graphic organizers, including concept maps, webs and idea maps; to plan and organize; research and evaluate; and comprehend and communicate.
Created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration is the visual way to explore and understand words, numbers and concepts. Kidspiration supports children as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. In reading and writing, Kidspiration builds children’s word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression using visual tools that combine pictures, text and spoken words. With the visual math tools in Kidspiration, children build a strong mathematical foundation for reasoning and problem-solving by using visual representations to understand math concepts.
Students in grades 4-12 use InspireData, the visual way to explore and understand data, to build critical data analysis skills. Applying the proven strategies of visual learning to data literacy, InspireData helps students discover meaning as they collect and explore data in a dynamic inquiry process. In social studies, students use InspireData to understand patterns and relationships. Dynamic tables and graphs give students a visual way to analyze statistics, illustrate data sets and identify historical and economic trends. Students and teachers collect data using InspireData’s e-Survey tool, library and Internet research, or one of the ready-to-use InspireData social studies databases. Students explore the best ways to represent and analyze their data by experimenting with multiple plot types such as Venn diagrams, and bar, stack, axis and pie charts. Students strengthen research skills by recording their observations and analyses using the Notes area and Slide Show tool.
"This is the 25th year we have recognized excellence through the CODiE Awards program," noted Ken Wasch, president, SIIA. "The competition is always tough, and in this economic climate, companies are doing even more to innovate. Excellence within the education technology industry shines through in the products selected as finalists, and we are very excited to see how the voting goes this year."
The products that qualified will now be reviewed by members of SIIA, who will vote on winners for all 24 categories. The winners will be announced at a special CODiE Awards Dinner on May 24th, which will be held in conjunction with the 2010 Ed Tech Industry Summit.
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to 500 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Software's Premier Visual Learning Tools Earn "Best Products 2010" Honors From iParenting Media Awards
Inspiration Software's Premier Visual Learning Tools Earn "Best Products 2010" Honors From iParenting Media Awards
Inspiration and Kidspiration Kick Off New Year With Endorsement From Top Online Parenting Community
PORTLAND, Ore. – Jan 27, 2010
Inspiration® Software's premier visual learning tools have kicked off the new year with 2010 Best Products Honors from iParenting Media. Inspiration® and Kidspiration® were selected for the recognition from hundreds of products that were submitted for judging in 17 categories.
All products submitted for the iParenting Media Awards Best Products of 2010 underwent a thorough evaluation process by a variety of individuals, including experts and families. This recognition marks both visual learning software tools’ third honor from the parenting community in the last two months.
“Having Inspiration and Kidspiration earn recognition as two of the best products of 2010 from iParenting Media is a great way to start the new year,” said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. “It is particularly exciting to know that the parenting community understands the important role that visual learning plays in helping students build thinking and learning skills.”
For Inspiration, being named among the Best Products of 2010 by iParenting Media falls closely on the heels of the early January launch of the next generation of the bestselling visual learning software. With Inspiration 9, students will comprehend, create, communicate and achieve more. New capabilities in Inspiration 9, such as support for creating presentations and additional visual learning methodologies, provide an essential framework for thinking and help students develop 21st century skills.
The iParenting Media Award Best Products of 2010 is the 19th award for Kidspiration 3 since its launch in early 2008. Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum.
About iParenting Medi
iParenting.com, an online community for parents and parents-to-be, is part of Disney Online’s network of family-focused Web sites including Disney Family.com, FamilyFun.com and Wondertime.com. Founded in 1996, the company has grown from a single pregnancy site, www.PregancyToday.com, to an award-winning network of more than 40 sites, in English and Spanish. The iParenting sites address a range of parenting issues from preconception through raising teenagers and beyond. iParenting Media’s Editor-in-Chief Elisa Ast All, MSJ, writes a monthly newspaper column and co-hosts a Chicago-based radio show, Points on Parenting. iParenting Media produces the highly respected iParenting Media Awards program, an ISO9001:2000 certified product review and awards program. Consumers can learn more about products winning iParenting Media Awards, and where to purchase the products via a retailer network online directory, by visiting http://www.iParentingMediaAwards.com/consumer.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.’s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company’s visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
2009
Inspiration Honored as Outstanding Products of 2009 by iParenting Media AwardsTwo Top Parent Information Sites Recommend Visual Learning Tools From Inspiration Software as Best Software Products for Children
PORTLAND, Ore. – Dec. 9, 2009
Inspiration® and Kidspiration® are wrapping up 2009 with their second set of honors from a national parent information Web site, as they have now been named to the iParenting Media Awards’ list of Outstanding Products of 2009. The visual learning tools from Inspiration Software, Inc., the leader in visual thinking and learning, were also recently awarded The National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval, adding to both products' long list of accolades from the education, technology and parenting communities.
Inspiration and Kidspiration were selected for the recognition from iParenting Media from hundreds of products that were submitted for judging in 17 categories. All products submitted for the iParenting Media Awards Outstanding Products of 2009 underwent a thorough evaluation process by a variety of individuals, including experts and families.
"The second recognition in as many weeks for Inspiration and Kidspiration from the parenting community supports our belief that students can use visual learning to build critical thinking skills both at school and at home," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is exciting to see our software listed among the high-quality products for children that the iParenting judges recognized as the best of 2009."
Inspiration is the essential tool to visualize, think, organize and learn. Inspiration provides powerful support for critical thinking, comprehension and writing, and learners in grade 6 to adult rely on Inspiration to plan, research and complete projects successfully.
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. The iParenting Media Award Outstanding Products of 2009 is the 18th award for Kidspiration 3 since its launch in early 2008.
About iParenting Media
iParenting.com, an online community for parents and parents-to-be, is part of Disney Online's network of family-focused Web sites including Disney Family.com, FamilyFun.com and Wondertime.com. Founded in 1996, the company has grown from a single pregnancy site, www.PregancyToday.com, to an award-winning network of more than 40 sites, in English and Spanish. The iParenting sites address a range of parenting issues from preconception through raising teenagers and beyond. iParenting Media's Editor-in-Chief Elisa Ast All, MSJ, writes a monthly newspaper column and co-hosts a Chicago-based radio show, Points on Parenting. iParenting Media produces the highly respected iParenting Media Awards program, an ISO9001:2000 certified product review and awards program. Consumers can learn more about products winning iParenting Media Awards, and where to purchase the products via a retailer network online directory, by visiting http://www.iParentingMediaAwards.com/consumer.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Kidspiration Honored as Outstanding Products of 2009 by iParenting Media Awards
Two Top Parent Information Sites Recommend Visual Learning Tools From Inspiration Software as Best Software Products for Children
PORTLAND, Ore. – Dec. 9, 2009
Inspiration® and Kidspiration® are wrapping up 2009 with their second set of honors from a national parent information Web site, as they have now been named to the iParenting Media Awards’ list of Outstanding Products of 2009. The visual learning tools from Inspiration Software, Inc., the leader in visual thinking and learning, were also recently awarded The National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval, adding to both products' long list of accolades from the education, technology and parenting communities.
Inspiration and Kidspiration were selected for the recognition from iParenting Media from hundreds of products that were submitted for judging in 17 categories. All products submitted for the iParenting Media Awards Outstanding Products of 2009 underwent a thorough evaluation process by a variety of individuals, including experts and families.
"The second recognition in as many weeks for Inspiration and Kidspiration from the parenting community supports our belief that students can use visual learning to build critical thinking skills both at school and at home," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is exciting to see our software listed among the high-quality products for children that the iParenting judges recognized as the best of 2009."
Inspiration is the essential tool to visualize, think, organize and learn. Inspiration provides powerful support for critical thinking, comprehension and writing, and learners in grade 6 to adult rely on Inspiration to plan, research and complete projects successfully.
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. The iParenting Media Award Outstanding Products of 2009 is the 18th award for Kidspiration 3 since its launch in early 2008.
About iParenting Media
iParenting.com, an online community for parents and parents-to-be, is part of Disney Online's network of family-focused Web sites including Disney Family.com, FamilyFun.com and Wondertime.com. Founded in 1996, the company has grown from a single pregnancy site, www.PregancyToday.com, to an award-winning network of more than 40 sites, in English and Spanish. The iParenting sites address a range of parenting issues from preconception through raising teenagers and beyond. iParenting Media's Editor-in-Chief Elisa Ast All, MSJ, writes a monthly newspaper column and co-hosts a Chicago-based radio show, Points on Parenting. iParenting Media produces the highly respected iParenting Media Awards program, an ISO9001:2000 certified product review and awards program. Consumers can learn more about products winning iParenting Media Awards, and where to purchase the products via a retailer network online directory, by visiting http://www.iParentingMediaAwards.com/consumer.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration and Kidspiration Earn The National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval
Inspiration and Kidspiration Earn The National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval
Visual Learning Software Tools Praised for Encouraging Creative Thinking, Also Named to Holiday 2009 Seal of Approval Report
PORTLAND, Ore. – Dec. 2, 2009
The National Parenting Center (TNPC), one of the country's top evaluators of quality products for children, has given its stamp of approval to Kidspiration® and Inspiration® from Inspiration Software, Inc., the leader in visual thinking and learning. Both visual learning software tools have earned the group's 2010 Seal of Approval and were named to its Holiday 2009 Seal of Approval Report. More than 1 million parents will visit the TNPC Web site between now and the holidays to read product reviews as they prepare their shopping lists.
TNPC reviewers had high praise for Inspiration, the essential tool to visualize, think organize and learn: "The learning and thinking software that broke the mold and continues to lead the way when it comes to innovative visual realization on the computer continues to impress testers year after year. Whether they are building graphic organizers like concept maps, mind maps, idea maps, diagrams and expansive webs, the process is remarkable in just how effective it is at both freeing and uncluttering the mind to either accomplish a task or unearth new ideas. This software is a gift that you give to your child. Then you step back and watch as they discover just what they can do."
The reviewers were equally effusive in their evaluation of Kidspiration, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5: "Like its older brother, the multiple Seal award-winning Inspiration, Kidspiration develops thinking, literacy and numeracy skills for elementary aged children. Back again in the Seal winners circle with a new version, Kidspiration again builds on its core strengths, enhancing word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression. New skills like reasoning and problem-solving are great additions. Whether you are a home schooler or just want to give your children a different kind of software program that hands them a unique set of tools to clarify their thoughts and organize information, Kidspiration does it and does it like nothing else we have seen. Users found that their kids were able to free their minds and think more creatively with this tool at their fingertips."
This is the 17th award for Kidspiration 3 since its launch in early 2008.
"The endorsement of The National Parenting Center means a great deal to us at Inspiration Software because we value both the power of our products for learning at home, as well as the important voice that parents have in the decisions that schools make when choosing learning tools," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder. "As parents shop for gifts this holiday season, I hope they will consider the ways that our visual learning software can help learners of all ages think critically and creatively, and look forward to the countless hours of learning and fun that they will have with Inspiration and Kidspiration."
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Kidspiration Named to "Dr. Toy's" Lists of Top Children's Products for 2009
Kidspiration Named to "Dr. Toy's" Lists of Top Children's Products for 2009
Visual Learning Software for Young Learners Expands List of Accolades With Honors From Toy Industry Expert
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oct. 15, 2009
Kidspiration® 3, Inspiration® Software, Inc.'s visual learning software for grades K-5, expands its growing list of honors to the toy industry with today's announcement that it has been named one of the "10 Best High-Tech Products for 2009" and "100 Best Children's Products for 2009" by renowned expert "Dr. Toy" (aka Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.d.). With these two additions, the award count for Kidspiration 3 totals 16 since its launch in early 2008.
Dr. Toy's seal of approval for children's products, now in its 19th year, is the only program of its kind offered free to consumers. It is produced by experienced toy industry professional Dr. Toy, a child development specialist who focuses on unique, high-quality, active, creative and educational products. In cooperation with The Institute for Childhood Resources, established in 1975, Dr. Toy provides parents and professionals with timely information on the best toys, products, books, games, DVDs and more. Many parents, teachers and toy buyers use Dr. Toy's guidance in making selections.
"We evaluate children's products based on a complicated set of objective and subjective criteria, asking, 'Is the product a good value for the price?' and 'Is it appropriate for children?' and, of course, 'Is it fun?'" said Dr. Auerbach. "The answer was 'yes' to those questions for Kidspiration 3. Inspiration Software joins other winning companies with products on the top 2009 lists that are developing cutting-edge products that provide children with the most innovative, developmentally appropriate experiences."
Kidspiration supports young learners as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. In reading and writing, Kidspiration supports students as they think creatively and organize ideas to write, comprehend and communicate successfully. With the new visual math tools in Kidspiration 3, students build a strong mathematical foundation for reasoning and problem-solving by using visual representations to understand math concepts. Across the curriculum, they express and communicate their thinking with pictures, words and numbers.
"At Inspiration Software, we have always believed that learning should be fun and so it is great to see Kidspiration 3 on Dr. Toy’s list of smart technology toys as well as the top children's products of the year,” said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "We know that parents around the country turn to Dr. Toy for her expertise and are proud to have our visual learning software included on her lists of top products."
A 30-day free trial of Kidspiration 3 can be downloaded at www.inspiration.com/freetrial. For more information, call 800-877-4292 or visit http://www.inspiration.com/order to find a local education dealer.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration®, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Software Sweeps 14th Annual Educational Software Review Awards
Inspiration Software Sweeps 14th Annual Educational Software Review Awards
Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData Honored by ComputED Learning Center
PORTLAND, OR – Sept. 18, 2009
Inspiration® Software, Inc., the leader in visual thinking and learning, was a triple-crown winner in the 14th Annual Education Software Review Awards (EDDIE Awards), with honors for Kidspiration®, Inspiration® and InspireData®. The EDDIE Awards are sponsored by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource.
The EDDIE Awards target innovative and content-rich programs and Web sites that augment the classroom curriculum and improve teacher productivity, providing parents and teachers with the technology to foster educational excellence. Selection criteria include academic content, potential for broad classroom use, technical merit, subject approach and management system. Winners are selected from titles submitted by publishers from around the world.
"It is always exciting when educators recognize our visual learning software tools with awards," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "However, it is particularly gratifying to see all three products – Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData – recognized by this group of leaders in education technology."
Kidspiration 3, the visual learning software for students in kindergarten through grade 5, was honored in the "Thinking Skills" category for early elementary students. Kidspiration supports students as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. This is the 14th award for Kidspiration 3 since its launch in early 2008.
Inspiration, the essential tool to visualize, think, organize and learn, was recognized in the "Thinking Skills" category for upper elementary students. Learners grade 6 to adult rely on Inspiration to plan, research and complete projects successfully.
InspireData, the visual way to explore and understand data, won an EDDIE award in the "Data Exploration" category for upper elementary students. Students grades 4 to 12 use InspireData to investigate, analyze and represent data and information in dynamic graphs and charts.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration and InspireData, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company’s visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Software Takes Top Honors in 15th Annual Best Educational Software Awards
Kidspiration 3 and InspireData Recognized for Innovation, Educational Excellence
PORTLAND, OR. – April 28, 2009 –
Two Inspiration® Software, Inc. visual learning software tools are winners in the 15th Annual Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES). This award program, sponsored by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource, targets innovative and content-rich programs and websites which provide parents and teachers with the technology to foster educational excellence. Winners are selected from titles submitted by software publishers from around the world.
Kidspiration® 3, the newest version of Inspiration Software's visual learning software for young learners, took top honors in the Early Elementary Thinking Skills category. InspireData® 1.5, the visual way to explore and understand data, was named best software for data exploration. This is the eighth year in a row that Kidspiration has been honored by this award program and the third consecutive year for InspireData.
"It is exciting to have our visual learning software tools continue to earn recognition from the ComputED Learning Center's education award program," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Visual learning plays an important role in helping students build 21st century skills and we are committed to developing powerful tools for integrating this instructional strategy into teaching and learning."
Kidspiration 3 supports students in kindergarten through fifth grade as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. Since its launch in early 2008, the visual learning software for young learners has earned 12 prestigious awards across the education, parenting and technology communities.
Students in grades 4-12 use InspireData to investigate, analyze, and represent data and information in dynamic graphs and charts. InspireData’s tools make it easy to change variables and plot types so students can explore data in multiple, meaningful ways. Free 30-day trials of Kidspiration 3 and InspireData can be downloaded at www.inspiration.com/freetrial. For more information, call 800-877-4292 or visit http://www.inspiration.com/order to find a local education dealer.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.’s award-winning software tools, Inspiration®, Kidspiration and InspireData, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company’s visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
©2009 Inspiration Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Inspiration Software®, Kidspiration®, InspireData® and Inspiration® are registered trademarks of Inspiration Software, Inc. All other brands are the property of their respective owners.
###
Kidspiration Wins Prestigious CODiE Award
Kidspiration 3 Wins 2009 Software & Information Industry CODiE Award
Prestigious Software Industry Award Marks 13th Honor for Inspiration Software’s Visual Learning Tool for Young Learners
PORTLAND, Ore. – May 11, 2009
Kidspiration® 3 has added the prestigious Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE Award to its growing list of honors and accolades. The visual learning software for grades K-5 is the winner of the award for Best Instructional Solution in Other Curriculum Areas in the 2009 program honoring outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital information and education technology industries.
This year’s CODiE Awards winners were selected from more than 850 nominations submitted by 600 companies. A panel of expert judges narrowed the field to 345 finalists from which the 2009 CODiE winners were chosen.
Kidspiration 3 supports students in kindergarten through fifth grade as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. The CODiE Award marks the 13th honor across the education, parenting and technology communities for Kidspiration 3 since its launch in early 2008.
“Kidspiration 3 truly represents more than two decades of experience working with educators to develop visual learning tools that students use to develop critical thinking skills,” said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. “We are proud to have our visual learning software for young learners honored for innovation by the technology industry, and we are even prouder of the creative ways that teachers are using it with their students every day in classrooms around the world.”
In reading and writing, Kidspiration supports students as they think creatively and organize ideas to write, comprehend and communicate successfully. With the new visual math tools in Kidspiration 3, students build a strong mathematical foundation for reasoning and problem-solving by using visual representations to understand math concepts. Across the curriculum, they express and communicate their thinking with pictures, words and numbers.
A free 30-day free trial of Kidspiration 3 can be downloaded at www.inspiration.com/freetrial. For more information, call 800-877-4292 or visit www.inspiration.com/order to find a local education dealer.
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 500 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.’s award-winning software tools, Inspiration®, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company’s visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
©2009 Inspiration Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Inspiration Software®, Kidspiration®, InspireData® and Inspiration® are registered trademarks of Inspiration Software, Inc. All other brands are the property of their respective owners.
###
Kidspiration 3 Named Best Product of 2009 by iParenting Media Awards
List of Honors for Visual Learning Software for Young Learners Continues to Grow
PORTLAND, OR – Feb. 06, 2009
Kidspiration® 3 celebrated its one-year anniversary by adding another accolade to its growing list of honors for excellence in the education, parenting and technology communities. The newest member of Inspiration Software®, Inc.’s family of award-winning visual learning software tools was named a winner in the iParenting Media Award Best Products of 2009.
Honored in the awards program’s software category, Kidspiration 3 supports students in kindergarten through fifth grade as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math, and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. In 2008, the visual learning software for young learners garnered 10 awards, including two from iParenting Media.
“It is exciting to have a parenting organization, such as iParenting Media, recognize the ways that our visual learning software can help young learners build the critical thinking skills necessary for 21st century success,” said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software.
Products considered for an iParenting Media Award were thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by a variety of sources including experts and families. Results were compiled and submitted to the iParenting Media Executive Committee for final approval.
A 30-day free trial of Kidspiration 3 can be downloaded at www.inspiration.com/freetrial. For more information, call 800-877-4292 or visit http://www.inspiration.com/order to find a local education dealer.
About iParenting Media
iParenting.com, an online community for parents and parents-to-be, is part of Disney Online’s network of family-focused Web sites including Disney Family.com, FamilyFun.com and Wondertime.com. Founded in 1994, the company has grown from a single pregnancy site, www.PregnancyToday.com, to an award-winning network of more than 40 sites, in English and Spanish. The iParenting sites address a range of parenting issues from preconception through raising teenagers and beyond. iParenting Media’s Editor-in-Chief, Elisa Ast All, MSJ, writes a monthly newspaper column and co-hosts a Chicago-based radio show, Points on Parenting.
iParenting Media produces the highly-respected iParenting Media Awards program. Consumers can learn more about iParenting Media Award-winning products, and where to purchase the products via a retailer network online, by visiting www.iParentingMediaAwards.com/consumer.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.’s award-winning software tools, Inspiration®, Kidspiration and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge, and think critically. Founded more than 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company’s visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications, 773-227-1049, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
©2009 Inspiration Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Inspiration Software®, Kidspiration®, Inspiration® and InspireData® are registered trademarks of Inspiration Software, Inc. All other brands are the property of their respective owners.
###
2008
Kidspiration 3 “Wows” Judges in 13th Annual Education Software Review AwardsVisual Learning Software for Young Learners Named Favorite of Teachers, Parents by Top National Award Programs
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oct. 8, 2008
Kidspiration® 3, the newest version of Inspiration Software®, Inc.’s visual learning software for young learners, was named the top software for Early Elementary Thinking Skills in the 13th Annual Education Software Review Awards. This award program, sponsored by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource, targets innovative and content-rich programs and websites which provide parents and teachers with the technology to foster educational excellence. This honor comes close on the heels of recognition from two parent organizations, iParenting Media and the Parents’ Choice Foundation.
Judges for the 2008 EDDIE awards said they “quickly and unanimously” named Kidspiration for the honor and that they were “once again wowed” by the visual learning software. With tools for building reading and writing skills as well as a conceptual understanding of math, the judges recommended both the software and its new series of lesson plan books so that teachers can “make the most of this powerful learning tool.”
Kidspiration 3 also recently earned the 2008 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award from the Parents’ Choice Foundation, the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys. Plus, the 2008 iParenting Media Award honored Kidspiration 3 as one of the top software products of the year. Products are selected by this highly-respected awards program based on their fun value, quality, ease of use, play duration, educational nature and uniqueness, among other criteria.
“Elementary teachers around the country are telling us that our newest version of Kidspiraiton gives them a complete tool for helping students build thinking skills across the curriculum, “said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. “It is exciting to have Kidspiration 3 honored by these top education and parenting award programs.”
In fact, since its launch earlier this year, Kidspiration 3 has garnered numerous awards. Just weeks after its debut, it received an Editor's Choice Award from “Children’s Technology Review” followed by a 2008 Best Educational Software Award (BESSIE) from the ComputED Learning Center in the Thinking Skills category for Upper Elementary.
Kidspiration 3 supports students in kindergarten through fifth grade as they strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum. In reading and writing, students use Kidspiration to think creatively and organize ideas to write, comprehend and communicate successfully. With the visual math tools in Kidspiration 3, students build a strong mathematical foundation for reasoning and problem-solving by using visual representations to understand math concepts. Across the curriculum, they express and communicate their thinking with pictures, words and numbers.
Elementary teachers can quickly and easily use Kidspiration to help students build thinking skills with a series of lesson plan books from Inspiration Software. Written by educators, “Kidspiration® in the Classroom: Writing Essentials,” “Kidspiration in the Classroom: Math Made Visual” and “Kidspiration in the Classroom: Reading Essentials,” provide practical ideas, creative lesson plans and easy-to-follow directions that encourage student learning and thinking. Sample pages from the books can be downloaded at http://www.inspiration.com/Resources/Kidspiration.
Kidspiration 3 Wins iParenting 2008 Outstanding Product Award
PORTLAND, OR — July 30, 2008
Inspiration® Software received the iParenting 2008 Outstanding Product award for Kidspiration® 3, the visual way to strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum, for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
iParenting Media's Award Program honors the best products in the children's media and juvenile products industries. Kidspiration was recognized in the Software category. For more information about the iParenting Media Awards and to view the complete list of award winners, visit: http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software's Visual Learning Tools Win 2008 BESSIE Awards
PORTLAND, OR — April 25, 2008
Inspiration® Software was recently honored with two 2008 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its visual learning tools Kidspiration® 3 and InspireData® 1.5. ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available.
Kidspiration 3, the visual way to strengthen reading and writing skills, build conceptual understanding in math and develop thinking skills across the curriculum, for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for Upper Elementary. This is the seventh year that Kidspiration has received this honor. InspireData® was also a winner for the second year in a row, for best Multi-level "Research Tool." For more information about the ComputED Learning Center and the BESSIE awards, visit: http://computedgazette.com/.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 3 Receives Editor’s Choice Award
PORTLAND, OR—March 19, 2008
Inspiration® Software recently received the Editor's Choice award for Kidspiration® 3 from Children's Technology Review. Released in February 2008, Kidspiration 3 is the visual way for students to explore and understand words, numbers and concepts. For more information about what’s new in Kidspiration 3, including the new Starter screen, new Math View and visual math tools, a keyword symbol search, more inspiring templates, enhanced Audio support, Word Guide combination dictionary and thesaurus, and access to Kidspiration Web Resources, please visit: http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/
kidspiration/index.cfm.
Children's Technology Review (CTR) is an independent survey, published monthly, of commercial interactive media products designed for children, aged birth- to 15-years. These are the products that children use for both fun and learning, either at home and/or at school. They include software, video games, interactive toys, web sites that a child might visit, and so on. For more information about Children's Technology Review, visit www.childrenssoftware.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
InspireData Earns Finalist Honors in Two Categories of the Software & Information Industry Association’s 23rd Annual CODiE Awards
PORTLAND, OR – March 4, 2008
InspireData® 1.5 from Inspiration® Software, Inc., is a finalist in two categories of the Software & Information Industry Association's (SIIA) 23rd Annual CODiE Awards. The visual learning software is honored in the Best Science Instructional Solution and the Best Social Studies Instructional Solution categories.
InspireData engages students by letting them see data move before their eyes, allowing them to examine results and explore relationships instantly. This latest recognition comes close on the heels of InspireData's selection as one of the Top 100 Products of 2007-2008 by the readers of "District Administration" magazine and the presentation at the January Florida Educational Technology Conference of a 2007 Award of Excellence from "Technology & Learning" magazine.
Established in 1986, the CODiE Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital information and education technology industries. Through a unique combination of journalist and peer review, the CODiE Awards recognize 68 categories of outstanding products and services. This year's finalists represent an impressive array of technology and business excellence, passion and success. They were chosen from more than 1,100 nominations, submitted by more than 600 companies.
"Competition is tough this year and that makes selection as a CODiE finalist a real achievement," said Ken Wasch, SIIA president. "All the companies on this year's list should feel justifiably proud of their recognition."
Students in grades 4-12 use InspireData to build critical data literacy skills. They actively explore and analyze data in science, mathematics and social studies using dynamic Venn, bar, stack, pie and axis plots to interpret information and draw conclusions. Originally funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, InspireData was developed by TERC, a leading educational research and development lab committed to improving mathematics and science teaching and learning. New capabilities in InspireData 1.5 include an e-Survey function to easily publish online surveys and collect the data, more plot and expanded table options, more than 100 content-rich databases, and expanded teacher tools and resources.
"Every day teachers around the country tell us about the innovative ways they are using InspireData to help their students build data literacy skills while learning science, social studies and math," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is an honor to have our visual learning software receive this recognition from the education and information technology communities."
In the next step of the CODiE Awards process, SIIA members will select winners in each category. The 2008 CODiE Awards will be presented on May 20 at the CODiE Awards Gala at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. For a complete list of the 2008 CODiE Award finalists, visit http://www.siia.net/codies/2008/finalists.asp.
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration®, Kidspiration® and InspireData, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
InspireData™ selected as one of the Top 100 Products of 2007-2008 by the readers of "District Administration" magazine
InspireData was selected as one of the Top 100 Products of 2007-2008 by the readers of "District Administration" magazine!
2007
Inspiration Software Honored for Contributions to Education TechnologyPORTLAND, OR – Sept. 19, 2007
Inspiration® Software was named winner of the 2007 EdNET Impact Award, honoring the company's significant impact on education through quality educational support and instructional resources, at the 19th Annual Educational Networking Conference held recently in Chicago. The Impact Award is part of the EdNET Industry Awards program that honors organizations that have made important contributions to the education technology market.
Inspiration Software is the only organization to have been honored three times in the 15-year history of the EdNET Industry Awards program. In 2001, the company received the Pioneer Award for contributing most significantly to the growth of the market and, in 2000, won a HERO Award for having a positive impact on education through technology.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Inspiration Software has been under the continuous leadership of its co-founders, Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver. The privately held company is recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning. The company's award-winning software products, Inspiration®, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically.
"We have spent a quarter century committed to developing visual learning software tools that will help students build the thinking skills necessary to achieve at the highest levels and to become successful, contributing members of 21st century society," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Our success is a tribute to the talented, creative educators around the world who use visual learning instructional strategies with their students every day. We are proud to celebrate our silver anniversary with this prestigious honor from our colleagues in the education technology industry."
In recognizing Inspiration Software, the judges said the company is "definitely unique in the industry." They called its products “wonderful tools to help students think logically and creatively." Further, they said the lesson plan books, guides and resources that complement Inspiration Software's visual learning software "support teachers as inspiration for student learning.” They concluded, "The skills that students acquire this way will last a lifetime."
A panel of leading education industry experts selected the finalists for the EdNET 2007 Industry Awards, which is sponsored by The Heller Reports and Quality Education Data (QED), a Scholastic company. This year's award program's industry lead sponsor was Texas Instruments, supporting sponsor was Words & Numbers, and the program was coordinated by Educational Systemics.
About EdNET
The EdNET Industry Awards program was created in 1992 to champion the efforts of progressive organizations helping to revitalize the nation's educational system. The program has become a focal point of the EdNET Conference, the education market's premier annual networking conference produced by The Heller Reports, a Quality Education Data company. The EdNET Conference brings together education executives, school administrators and policymakers to network and build strategic business partnerships. For more information about the EdNET Conference and awards program, visit www.QEDData.com or phone 800-525-5811, ext. 9421.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration®, Kidspiration® and InspireData, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Software Selected as a Finalist for the EdNET 2007 Industry Awards
PORTLAND, OR — August 9, 2007
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that it has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 EdNET Impact Award. This award recognizes the organization that has made the most significant impact on education through quality educational support and instructional resources. Inspiration Software was selected as a finalist for its important contributions to the education industry. The company's award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically.
The Impact Award is part of the prestigious EdNET Industry Awards program, now in its 15th year. A panel of leading education industry experts selected the finalists for the EdNET 2007 Industry Awards, which is sponsored by The Heller Reports and Quality Education Data (QED), a Scholastic company and leading provider of integrated marketing services for the pre-K through higher education markets.
"The organizations recognized as finalists this year embody the leadership and far-reaching thought that is so vital to the success of our nation's students. The EdNET Awards recognize the hard work and dedication that these businesses have devoted to providing greater educational opportunities for all students," said Michael Jay, president of Educational Systemics, the coordinators of this year's Industry Awards Program.
"Today's education business community is full of visionaries who are pushing themselves and their organizations to bring innovative new ways of educating today's youth to market. The products, services and ideas represented by this year's EdNET Industry Award finalists are exceptional. We're honored to have the opportunity to showcase them at this year's EdNET conference," said Andy Lacy, general manager of QED.
Award winners will be announced on Sept. 11, 2007, during the EdNET Conference in Chicago.
For more information about the awards program, visit www.QEDDdata.com or phone 800-525-5811, ext. 9421.
About EdNET
The EdNET Industry Awards program was created in 1992 to champion the efforts of progressive organizations helping to revitalize the nation’s educational system. The program has become a focal point of the EdNET Conference, the education market's premier annual networking conference produced by The Heller Reports, a Quality Education Data company. The EdNET Conference brings together education executives, school administrators, and policymakers to network and build strategic business partnerships.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 25 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration 8 Wins 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award From Association of Educational Publishers
Essential Tool to Visualize, Think, Organize and Learn Honored as Best Reading and Language Instruction Software for Grades 6-8
PORTLAND, OR — June 19, 2007
Inspiration® 8, the essential tool to visualize, think, organize and learn, is the winner of a 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP). The visual learning software was honored as the best "Reading and Language Instruction Software for Grades 6-8."
Designed to offer one convenient place for students to successfully plan, research and complete projects, Inspiration Software's® flagship visual learning software provides powerful support for critical thinking, comprehension and writing in all curriculum areas.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Distinguished Achievement Awards recognize the best educational materials — such as books, periodicals, educational toys and software — within subject categories and by audience.
"We are very proud of Inspiration 8 and the innovative ways that teachers around the world are using it to help their students build the thinking skills necessary for 21st century success," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is exciting to have our visual learning software recognized by the educational publishing community."
This latest honor for Inspiration 8 closely follows its recognition earlier this year with a 2007 Codie Award from the Software & Information Industry Association for "Best Education Technology Solution for Productivity/Creativity."
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration 8 and InspireData Win 2007 BESSIE Awards
PORTLAND, OR — May 1, 2007
Inspiration® Software was recently honored with two 2007 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its visual learning tools Inspiration® 8 and InspireData®. Inspiration 8, the latest version of the company's flagship tool for students grades 6-12, received the BESSIE Award in the multi-level "Thinking Skills" category. Students use Inspiration to plan, research and complete projects successfully. This is the tenth consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor. Just released last summer, InspireData was a newcomer to the Bessies this year, and received an award for best multi-level "Research Tool." InspireData applies the proven strategies of visual learning to data literacy, inspiring students in grades 4-12 to discover meaning as they collect and explore data in a dynamic inquiry process.
ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available. For more information about the ComputED Learning Center and the BESSIE awards, visit: http://computedgazette.com/.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 25 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration 8 Wins 2007 CODiE Award From Software & Information Industry Association
Visual Learning Software Recognized as "Best Education Technology Solution for Productivity/Creativity"
PORTLAND, OR — May 1, 2007
Inspiration® 8, the essential tool to visualize, think, organize and learn, received a 2007 CODiE Award from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). Inspiration® Software's flagship product was recognized as the "Best Education Technology Solution for Productivity/Creativity."
Established in 1986, the CODiE Awards recognize 72 categories of outstanding products and services. This year's winners were chosen from more than 1,197 nominations — the most in the history of the awards — for the excellence of their products, services, corporate leadership and philanthropy.
"We developed Inspiration 8 based on more than 10 years of feedback from innovative educators who use visual learning to help their students build thinking, writing and comprehension skills across the curriculum," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is exciting to have this newest version of Inspiration recognized by the software and information industry."
Launched in February 2006, Inspiration 8 helps students in grades 6-12 develop a deeper understanding of difficult concepts and build stronger critical thinking skills. New and enhanced capabilities — including Inspiration Web Resources — offer students one convenient place to successfully plan, research and complete projects.
"I applaud all the companies selected as winners or finalists in this year's CODiE Awards," said Ken Wasch, president, SIIA. "The software and information industry continues to move at a break-neck pace. New technology and business model innovations are constantly emerging and taking root. Being recognized by your peers for getting to and staying at the head of the pack in such a dynamic environment is a major accomplishment, and it is one of the reasons why the CODiE Awards hold such a special place in our industry."
The first version of Inspiration developed specifically for education debuted nearly a decade ago and today is used by more than 17 million students worldwide and in more than 60 percent of U.S. school districts. This is Inspiration's fourth CODiE Award.
About the Software & Information Industry Association
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
Inspiration Honored as Best Education Software for 2nd Time in Edutopia Magazine Readers’ Survey
PORTLAND, OR - April/May 2007
Inspiration® Software was honored to receive top pick for education software for its flagship visual learning tool Inspiration® for the second year in a row in Edutopia magazine's readers' survey. Published in the April/May 2007 issue, the survey ranks Microsoft® Office in 2nd place this year, with Vernier's Logger Pro® and Google Earth™ in 3rd and 4th places respectively. Inspiration is specifically targeted toward helping students in grades 6-12 plan, organize and research projects across the curriculum. For more information about Inspiration, please visit www.inspiration.com.
Edutopia is a publication of the George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF), which was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit operating foundation to celebrate and encourage innovation in schools. GLEF's mission is to document, disseminate, and advocate for exemplary programs in K-12 public schools to help these practices spread nationwide. For more information, please see http://www.edutopia.org/.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc.'s award-winning software tools, Inspiration, Kidspiration® and InspireData®, are based on proven visual learning methodologies that help students think, learn and achieve. With the powerful combination of visual learning and technology, students in grades K-12 learn to clarify thoughts, organize and analyze information, integrate new knowledge and think critically. Founded 25 years ago by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's visual learning software tools are used today by more than 25 million students and teachers worldwide.
2006
Inspiration Software's Newest Visual Learning Tool, InspireData, Receives 2006 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting CenterPORTLAND, OR—November 6, 2006
Inspiration® Software, Inc. recently earned The National Parenting Center's 2006 Seal of Approval for its newest visual learning tool, InspireData®. Released in July 2006, InspireData is the foremost tool to visualize, investigate and understand data in science, mathematics and social studies. Students use InspireData's integrated Table and Plot Views to discover meaning as they collect and explore data in a dynamic inquiry process. InspireData applies the proven strategies of visual learning to data literacy, inspiring students to formulate questions and make connections between data and its visual representations to interpret information, solve problems and draw conclusions. As a result, students develop deeper content knowledge and stronger critical thinking skills. For more information about InspireData, please visit http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/
inspiredata/index.cfm.
Testing for The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval is a multi-step process conducted over an eight-week period. Staffed by volunteers, the testing facility of The National Parenting Center gives parents, children and educators the opportunity to examine a variety of submitted products. The testers are encouraged to play with, build, read about and judge by the reactions of the children, each product's quality. For more information about The National Parent Center Seal of Approval, visit http://www.tnpc.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 25 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
InspireData Wins 2006 iParenting Media Award
PORTLAND, OR — November 1, 2006
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that it's newest visual learning tool, InspireData®, was honored with a Greatest Products of 2006 award by iParenting Media. iParenting Media's Award Program honors the best products in the children's media and juvenile products industries. InspireData was recognized in the Software category.
iParenting Media produces parenting information for magazines, newspaper, radio and Internet. For the awards program, products are judged by three outside reviewers: a licensed childcare facility/school, a product expert and a family. For more information about the iParenting Media Awards and to view the complete list of award winners, visit: www.iparentingmediaawards.com/.
Released in July 2006, InspireData is the foremost tool to visualize, investigate and understand data in science, mathematics and social studies. Students use InspireData's integrated Table and Plot Views to discover meaning as they collect and explore data in a dynamic inquiry process. InspireData applies the proven strategies of visual learning to data literacy, inspiring students to formulate questions and make connections between data and its visual representations to interpret information, solve problems and draw conclusions. As a result, students develop deeper content knowledge and stronger critical thinking skills. For more information about InspireData, please visit http://www.inspiration.com/inspiredata.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration 8 Wins Technology and Learning 2006 Award of Excellence
PORTLAND, OR — September 29, 2006
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that Inspiration® 8 was honored with a 2006 Award of Excellence from Technology and Learning Magazine. The prestigious 24-year-old awards recognition program honored 55 of the best curriculum products of 2006, as chosen by more than 35 experienced educator-judges. The complete list of winners, as well as detailed product descriptions and judges' comments, will be featured in the December 2006 Awards Issue of Technology and Learning Magazine.
Released in February 2006, Inspiration 8's new and enhanced capabilities make it the essential learning tool to help students visualize, think, organize and learn. For more information about what’s new in Inspiration 8, including the Starter screen, a keyword symbol search, more inspiring templates, enhanced drag-and-drop capabilities, Word Guide integrated dictionary and thesaurus, and access to Inspiration Web Resources, please visit: http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/
inspiration/inspiration8/index.cfm.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software Wins Three 2006 EDDIE Awards
PORTLAND, OR — August 11, 2006
Inspiration® Software was honored with three 2006 Education Software Review Awards (EDDIES) for its visual learning tools Kidspiration®, Inspiration® and Inspiration® for Palm OS®. Now in its 11th year, this annual awards program is presented by San Diego's ComputED Learning Center, and targets innovative and content-rich programs and websites which provide parents and teachers with the technology to foster educational excellence—including augmenting the classroom curriculum and improving teacher productivity. Winners are selected from titles submitted by software publishers around the world and selection is based on academic content, potential for broad classroom use, technical merit, subject approach and management system. All submitted titles are made available to school districts, teachers, and the public through ComputED and the Educational Software Preview Service of San Diego Center for Educational Technology (a nonprofit organization).
Inspiration 8, the latest version of the company's flagship visual learning software for students grades six through adult, received the EDDIE Award in the multi-level "Thinking Skills" category. Kidspiration 2.1, the visual way to think, write and comprehend for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for upper elementary. This is the 11th consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor and the sixth year for Kidspiration. Inspiration for Palm OS was also an EDDIE winner for a second time, this year in the PDA "Thinking Skills" category. For more information about the ComputED Learning Center and the EDDIE awards, visit: http://computedgazette.com/.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration 8 Receives Editor’s Choice Award
PORTLAND, OR—May 3, 2006
Inspiration® Software recently received the Editor's Choice award for Inspiration® 8 from Children's Technology Review. Released in February 2006, Inspiration 8's new and enhanced capabilities make it the essential learning tool to help students visualize, think, organize and learn. For more information about what's new in Inspiration 8, including the Starter screen, a keyword symbol search, more inspiring templates, enhanced drag-and-drop capabilities, Word Guide integrated dictionary and thesaurus, and access to Inspiration Web Resources, please visit: http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiration/inspiration8/index.cfm.
Children's Technology Review (CTR) is an independent survey, published monthly, of commercial interactive media products designed for children, aged birth- to 15-years. These are the products that children use for both fun and learning, either at home and/or at school. They include software, video games, interactive toys, web sites that a child might visit, and so on. For more information about Children's Technology Review, visit www.childrenssoftware.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration 8 Wins 2006 iParenting Media Award
PORTLAND, OR — May 3, 2006
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that Inspiration® 8 was honored with an Excellent Products of 2006 award by iParenting Media. iParenting Media's Award Program honors the best products in the children's media and juvenile products industries. Inspiration 8 was recognized in the Software category. iParenting Media produces parenting information for magazines, newspaper, radio and Internet. For the awards program, products are judged by three outside reviewers: a licensed childcare facility/school, a product expert and a family. For more information about the iParenting Media Awards and to view the complete list of award winners, visit: http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/.
Released in February 2006, Inspiration 8's new and enhanced capabilities make it the essential learning tool to help students visualize, think, organize and learn. For more information about what's new in Inspiration 8, including the Starter screen, a keyword symbol search, more inspiring templates, enhanced drag-and-drop capabilities, Word Guide integrated dictionary and thesaurus, and access to Inspiration Web Resources, please visit: http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiration/inspiration8/index.cfm.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Earns 2006 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center
PORTLAND, OR—April 25, 2006
Inspiration® Software, Inc. recently received The National Parenting Center's 2006 Seal of Approval for its visual learning tool, Inspiration® 8. This marks the 5th version of Inspiration to receive the Seal of Approval. Released in February 2006, Inspiration 8 is the essential tool to visualize, think, organize and learn. For information about version 8's new and enhanced features, including the Starter screen, a keyword symbol search, more inspiring templates, enhanced drag-and-drop capabilities, Word Guide integrated dictionary and thesaurus, and access to Inspiration Web Resources, please visit http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/
inspiration/inspiration8/index.cfm.
Testing for The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval is a multi-step process conducted over an eight-week period. Staffed by volunteers, the testing facility of The National Parenting Center gives parents, children and educators the opportunity to examine a variety of submitted products. The testers are encouraged to play with, build, read about and judge by the reactions of the children, each product's quality. For more information about The National Parent Center Seal of Approval, visit http://www.tnpc.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Honored as Best Education Software in Edutopia Magazine Readers’ Survey
PORTLAND, OR—April/May 2006
Inspiration® Software was honored to receive top pick for education software in Edutopia magazine's readers' survey, as published in the April/May 2006 issue. Developed and published by Inspiration Software®, Inspiration is a visual learning tool specifically targeted toward helping students in grades 6-12 plan, organize and research projects across the curriculum. Inspiration finished ahead of PowerPoint® in second place and Microsoft® Office in third, both of which are designed primarily for business applications.
Edutopia is a publication of the George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF), which was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit operating foundation to celebrate and encourage innovation in schools. GLEF's mission is to document, disseminate, and advocate for exemplary programs in K-12 public schools to help these practices spread nationwide. For more information, please see http://www.edutopia.org/.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software’s Visual Learning Tools Win 2006 BESSIE Awards
PORTLAND, OR — March 24, 2006
Inspiration® Software was honored with three 2006 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its visual learning tools Kidspiration®, Inspiration® and Inspiration® for Palm OS®. ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available.
Inspiration 7.6, the company's flagship visual learning software for students grades six through adult, received the BESSIE Award in the multi-level "Thinking Skills" category. Kidspiration 2.1, the visual way to think, write and comprehend for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for upper elementary. This is the ninth consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor and the sixth year for Kidspiration. Inspiration for Palm OS was also a winner for the second year in a row, in the PDA category. For more information about the ComputED Learning Center and the BESSIE awards, visit: http://computedgazette.com/.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
2005
Inspiration 7.6 and Kidspiration 2.1 Win 2006 Teachers’ Choice Awards for the FamilyPORTLAND, OR — Dec. 2, 2005
Inspiration® Software, Inc. is honored to receive two 2006 Teachers' Choice Awards for the Family, for Inspiration® 7.6 and Kidspiration® 2.1. The 3rd annual Teachers' Choice Awards for the Family are presented by Learning Magazine (http://www.theeducationcenter.com/), and the complete list of award recipients will be published in the April 2006 issue. This is the second year in a row that Kidspiration has been honored with this award.
Learning Magazine introduced the first Teachers' Choice Awards program in 1994. In 2004, it launched the Teachers' Choice Awards for the Family in order to meet the needs of companies whose educational products work in the home. Teachers from across the United States judged the entries and evaluated how effectively the products could be incorporated into the home environment. Each product was evaluated on educational value, originality and creativity, ease of use, safety and durability, and high-interest level and motivation for children.
Inspiration is the premier tool to help students grade 6 to adult develop ideas and organize thinking. Powered by the proven techniques of visual learning, Inspiration taps into students' creativity and learning strengths. Students develop essential learning strategies as they create graphic organizers to visually represent concepts and relationships. Inspiration's integrated diagramming and outlining environments work together to help students comprehend concepts and information. The results are clearer thinking, more creative projects, better organized writing and improved performance across all curriculum areas. Inspiration 7.6, released in January 2005, offers enhanced compatibility with new technologies being used in classrooms, including interactive whiteboards, Tablet PCs, and Palm Powered™ handhelds.
Kidspiration is the visual way to think, write and comprehend. Created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration provides an easy way to apply the proven principles of visual learning, improving achievement and standards-based skills across the curriculum. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Younger learners develop early literacy skills, and more advanced students improve comprehension skills and organize their ideas for writing. Kidspiration 2.1, released in January 2005, offers enhanced compatibility with new technologies being used in classrooms, including interactive whiteboards, Tablet PCs, and Palm Powered™ handhelds.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
2004
Kidspiration 2 Wins 2005 Teachers’ Choice AwardPORTLAND, OR — Oct. 18, 2004
Inspiration® Software, Inc. is honored to receive a 2005 Teachers’ Choice Award for Kidspiration® 2. Released in January 2004, Kidspiration 2 offers more visual ways to help K-5 students build emerging literacy skills. The 11th annual Teachers' Choice Awards are presented by Learning Magazine, and the complete list of award recipients will be published in the January 2005 issue. This year's contest included submissions from over 430 products, from which 67 winners were chosen based on their scores from evaluations done during actual classroom use by a panel of PreK-6 teachers around the country. The products are evaluated on quality, instructional value, ease of use, and innovation.
Created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration provides an easy way to apply the proven principles of visual learning. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Kidspiration 2, the visual way to think, write and comprehend, offers more ways to help students improve standards-based skills with new capabilities, such as the Symbol Maker drawing tool, expanded SuperGrouper® options and paired pictures and words in Writing View.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Business Journal of Portland Names Inspiration Software, Inc. one of Oregon's Fastest-Growing Technology and Software Companies
PORTLAND, OR — September 9, 2005
Education software publisher Inspiration® Software, Inc. has been named one of Oregon’s fastest growing technology companies for the 5th time in recent years. The honor was announced at the September 8th Leaders and Innovation in Technology luncheon. Rankings for the 2005 list were based on the percentage of growth in fiscal year revenues from 2002-2004. With nearly 10 percent revenue growth over the past three years, Inspiration Software–makers of visual learning software–is one of the nation's leading publishers of software for K-12 education and the market leader in its software category.
Inspiration Software's award-winning products, Kidspiration® and Inspiration®, increase student achievement, helping to build comprehension, writing and thinking skills. Today, qualified research indicates that Inspiration Software's products are utilized by more than 60 percent of all U.S. school districts.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Inspiration Software, Inc is recognized as the leader in visual learning and thinking. The company develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education — inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott, CEO, and Mona Westhaver, President, the company’s mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software’s Kidspiration 2.1 Receives 2 Awards for Best Children’s Products of 2005 Rrom Dr. Toy
PORTLAND, OR – August 24, 2005
Kidspiration® 2.1 has been named to Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products for 2005 award list. Additionally, Dr. Toy selected Kidspiration as one of the top ten best software/CD-Rom/high-tech products for 2005. Kidspiration, the visual way to think, write and comprehend, was created for K-5 learners. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Younger learners develop early literacy skills, and more advanced students improve comprehension skills and organize their ideas for writing.
The January 2005 update offers enhanced compatibility with new technologies being used in classrooms, including interactive whiteboards, Tablet PCs and Palm Powered™ handhelds.
Winners of Dr. Toy's awards programs are selected in cooperation with the Institute for Childhood Resources. Established in 1975, the company provides parents and professionals with the latest information on toys, software, games, tapes and other children's products. Dr. Toy's review of Kidspiration 2.1 can be found online in Dr. Toy's Guide at www.drtoy.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration® Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2.1 and Inspiration 7.6 Win EDDIE Awards
PORTLAND, OR—August 12, 2005
Inspiration® Software, Inc. today received two Education Software Review Awards (EDDIES) for Kidspiration® 2.1 and Inspiration® 7.6. Kidspiration 2.1 won in the Thinking Skills category for Upper Elementary, the fifth consecutive EDDIE award given to Kidspiration. Inspiration 7.6 was awarded in the Thinking Skills category for Middle School, marking the tenth consecutive EDDIE Award given to Inspiration.
The tenth annual EDDIE Awards are presented by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource. The awards recognize innovative and content-rich programs that provide teachers and parents with technology tools to help students achieve academic excellence. For more information about ComputED Learning Lab and the EDDIE Awards, visit www.computedgazette.com.
Released in January 2005, the updated versions Kidspiration 2.1 and Inspiration 7.6 offer enhanced compatibility with emerging classroom technologies, such as interactive whiteboards and Tablet PCs.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software’s Visual Learning Tools Earn 2005 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center
PORTLAND, OR—August 8, 2005
Inspiration® Software, Inc. recently earned The National Parenting Center's 2005 Seal of Approval for its visual learning tools, Inspiration® 7.6, Kidspiration® 2.1, Inspiration® for Palm OS® and Inspiration® for Pocket PC.
This marks the 4th version of Inspiration, the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking, to receive the Seal of Approval. Kidspiration, the visual way to think, write and comprehend, has received the Seal of Approval on two prior occasions. Released in January 2005, updated versions Inspiration 7.6 and Kidspiration 2.1 offer enhanced compatibility with emerging classroom technologies, such as interactive whiteboards and Tablet PCs.
This is the first Seal of Approval for Inspiration Software's new handheld offerings, Inspiration for Palm OS, released in May 2004, and Inspiration for Pocket PC, released in June 2005. Inspiration for handhelds combines the learning benefits of Inspiration with the natural ease of handhelds, offering students and educators a familiar tool for gathering information and developing ideas.
Testing for The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval is a multi-step process conducted over an eight-week period. Staffed by volunteers, the testing facility of The National Parenting Center gives parents, children and educators the opportunity to examine a variety of submitted products. The testers are encouraged to play with, build, read about and judge by the reactions of the children, each product's quality. For more information about The National Parent Center Seal of Approval, visit http://www.tnpc.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration Wins Two Association of Educational Publishers 2005 Distinguished Achievement Awards
PORTLAND, OR — June 15, 2005
Inspiration® Software's Kidspiration® 2 received two 2005 Distinguished Achievement Awards from the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP). At the association's annual conference last week in Washington, D.C., the visual learning software for grades K-5 was recognized as the most innovative educational software and as the best educational software for reading. These honors join the 2005 Codie Award for Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution: Language Arts/Reading award Kidspiration received from the Software & Information Industry Association in May 2005.
Launched in 2001, Kidspiration today is used by more than three million elementary students worldwide to express themselves visually and recognize the connections between words and meanings. Inspiration®, Kidspiration's companion product for grade six through adult, received an AEP Distinguished Achievement Award in 2003.
"We are proud of the innovative ways elementary teachers are using Kidspiration to help students build early literacy skills and understand new concepts," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "As a company, we are devoted to developing products for students and teachers, so it is particularly exciting when our products are recognized by leaders in the education publishing industry."
For 37 years, the Distinguished Achievement Awards have honored the diversity and quality of supplemental publishing products made for the home and school. In 2004, the categories were expanded to reflect the growth of electronic publishing and the expanding educational publishing industry.
All products submitted undergo a rigorous two-tier judging process by individuals who are experts in their respective areas. Products selected by the initial screening judges go to final judging, where a certification panel of judges review and certify all winners and finalists.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About the Association of Educational Publishers
Founded in 1895, the Association of Educational Publishers supports the growth of educational publishing and its positive impact on learning and teaching. The association tracks education and industry information and trends, provides professional development, and promotes quality supplemental materials as essential learning resources. Members include the nation's leading print and digital publishers, educational foundations and associations, and the education and trade press as well as schools and school districts.
Inspiration Software Wins Two 2005 CODiE Awards from the Software & Information Industry Association
PORTLAND, OR — May 31, 2005
Inspiration® Software received two 2005 CODiE Awards from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) last week in Universal City, Calif. The company's flagship visual learning software, Inspiration® 7.5, was honored as the Best Education Technology Solution for Productivity/Creativity. Kidspiration® 2, visual learning software for kindergarten through fifth grade, won the Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution: Language Arts/Reading category. This is the fifth Codie Award won by Inspiration Software.
This year over 800 companies submitted more than 1,000 nominations — a record breaker for the Codie Awards, now in its 20th year. First round judging was completed by a broad panel of representatives from the industry trade press, mainstream technology writers and industry experts and analysts. Second round judging was based on votes from SIIA members. Member companies are allotted one vote per company in each Codie Award category.
"SIIA congratulates Inspiration Software, Inc. on its two 2005 Codie Awards wins in education technology categories," said Ken Wasch, president, SIIA.
As the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking, Inspiration 7.5 provides powerful support for critical thinking, comprehension and writing in all curriculum areas for students from grade 6 to adult. Kidspiration 2 offers students in grades K-5 the ability to build early literacy skills and understand new concepts by using graphic organizers to combine pictures, text and spoken words.
"At Inspiration Software, our commitment is to develop visual learning software tools that help students achieve at the highest levels," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is wonderful to have the latest updates to our premier products, Inspiration and Kidspiration, once again honored by the software industry."
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About the Software & Information Industry Association
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age. Go to www.siia.net for further information.
Inspiration Software Honored With Two 2006 CODiE Awards From the Software & Information Industry Association
PORTLAND, OR — May 23, 2006
Inspiration® Software's visual learning software products took top honors in two 2006 CODiE Awards categories presented by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) last week in San Francisco. Kidspiration® 2.1 was recognized as the Best Instructional Solution: Non-Core Content Area, and Inspiration® for Pocket PC won Best Mobile or Handheld Education Solution.
"This 21st Annual CODiE Awards continues our tradition of celebrating the best products in the software and information industry," said Ken Wasch, president, SIIA. "Being a winner among so many fine nominees is a solid achievement. I congratulate all of the companies."
This year's winners were chosen from more than 1,026 nominations — the most in the history of the CODiE's — for the excellence of their products, services, corporate leadership and philanthropy.
"Our company's talented team is dedicated to developing the highest quality products that allow students to use visual learning to build thinking skills," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "We are thrilled to have the software industry recognize the results of that commitment."
Created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration provides an easy way to apply the proven principles of visual learning. Kidspiration 2.1, the newest update, includes enhanced compatibility with whiteboards and syncing with Inspiration for Palm OS, encouraging collaborative learning activities in small groups or as a whole class.
Launched last June, Inspiration for Pocket PC combines the power of visual learning with the ease of handhelds and includes many of the popular capabilities of the company's flagship visual learning software, Inspiration.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education — inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About the Software & Information Industry Association
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age. Go to www.siia.net for further information.
Inspiration Software, Inc. Receives 2005 Dr. Toy’s Best Children’s Vacation Product award for Kidspiration 2.1
PORTLAND, OR – May 20, 2005
Kidspiration® 2.1 has been named to Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products list for 2005. Kidspiration, the visual way to think, write and comprehend, was created for K-5 learners. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Younger learners develop early literacy skills, and more advanced students improve comprehension skills and organize their ideas for writing.
The January 2005 update offers enhanced compatibility with new technologies being used in classrooms, including interactive whiteboards, Tablet PCs and Palm Powered® handhelds.
Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products are selected in cooperation with the Institute for Childhood Resources. Established in 1975, the company provides parents and professionals with the latest information on toys, software, games, tapes and other children's products. Dr. Toy's review of Kidspiration 2.1 can be found online in Dr. Toy's Guide at www.drtoy.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration® Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2 Selected for 2005 Media & Methods Award Portfolio
PORTLAND, OR — April 25, 2005
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that Kidspiration® 2 was selected for the Media & Methods 2005 Awards Portfolio. This year's winners represent the best educational products recently released for K-12 schools. Kidspiration was chosen in the Software category.
Media & Methods magazine has been in circulation for 40 years. The editorial focuses on practical ways technology can be used for teaching and learning in K-12 classrooms and labs. For the 2005 Awards Portfolio, educator judges across the country made product selections based on a set of objective criteria, including interest level, clarity of educational objectives, user-friendliness, and overall strengths and weaknesses. Winners will be acknowledged in the May/June 2005 issue of Media & Methods magazine and on the website at www.media-methods.com.
Originally released in 2001, Kidspiration provides an easy way to apply the proven principles of visual learning. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Kidspiration 2 offers more ways to help students improve standards-based skills with new capabilities, such as the Symbol Maker drawing tool, expanded SuperGrouper® options and paired pictures and words in Writing View.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2.1 and Inspiration 7.6 Win All Star Software Awards
PORTLAND, OR—April 14, 2005
Inspiration® Software recently received All Star Software awards for Kidspiration® 2.1 and Inspiration® 7.6 from Children's Technology Review. Recent updates to the popular visual learning products include new compatibility with emerging technologies, giving educators more choices in how they use graphic organizers to develop and organize thinking. Enhancements for Windows and Mac OS X include the ability to draw and write directly on interactive whiteboards and Tablet PCs as well as syncing to Inspiration® for Palm OS.
Children's Technology Review awarded both Kidspiration 2.1 and Inspiration 7.6 with 4.9 out of 5 stars. Children's Technology Review (CTR) is a survey of interactive media products. The editors attempt to help parents, children's librarians and teachers leverage the power of technology to support the development of children ages birth to 16, by describing the products that are available from an educational perspective. For more information about Children's Technology Review, visit www.childrenssoftware.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2.1 and Inspiration 7.6 Win 2005 iParenting Media Awards
PORTLAND, OR — May 4, 2005
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that Kidspiration® 2.1 and Inspiration® 7.6 were honored as Excellent Products of 2005 by iParenting Media. iParenting Media's Award Program honors the best products in the children's media and juvenile products industries. Kidspiration and Inspiration were recognized in the Software category.
iParenting Media produces parenting information for magazines, newspaper, radio and Internet. For the awards program, products are judged by three outside reviewers: a licensed childcare facility/school, a product expert and a family. For more information about the iParenting Media Awards and to view the complete list of award winners, visit: http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/.
Released in January 2005, Kidspiration 2.1 and Inspiration 7.6 extend proven visual learning benefits with new updates to support emerging classroom technologies, including compatibility with Promethean ACTIV board and SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards, Palm-Powered™ handhelds, Tablet PCs and Wacom® Tablets.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software's Visual Learning Tools Win 2005 BESSIE Awards
PORTLAND, OR — March 22, 2005
Inspiration Software was honored with three 2005 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its visual learning tools Kidspiration®, Inspiration® and Inspiration® for Palm OS®. ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available.
Inspiration 7.5, the company's flagship visual learning software for students grades six through adult, received the BESSIE Award in the "Thinking Skills" category for Middle School. Kidspiration 2, the visual way to think, write and comprehend for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for Upper Elementary. This is the eighth consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor and the fifth year for Kidspiration. Inspiration for Palm OS, a newcomer to the BESSIES this year, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills, Palm OS" category for High School. For more information about the ComputED Learning Center and the BESSIE awards, visit: http://computedgazette.com/.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software Named to 2005 List of Oregon's 100 Best Companies to Work For
PORTLAND, OR — March 7, 2005
Inspiration® Software today announced that it was named one of Oregon Business magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For. The magazine's 100 Best Companies list recognizes 50 large and 50 small companies for excellence in several categories including employee benefits, organizational communication and working environment.
The Oregon Business 2005 100 Best Companies survey had record participation this year, with 255 companies trying for a spot on the list of the top companies to work for in Oregon. Recognized for the third time, the Portland-based educational software company ranked fourth for employee benefits and career development.
"A leader in the K-12 education market, Inspiration Software has experienced 12 years of profitable growth and continues to thrive in today's challenging market," said Mona Westhaver, president, Inspiration Software. "Our success is directly attributable to the efforts of our talented, focused, dedicated team of employees here in Portland."
Founded more than 20 years ago by Don Helfgott, chief executive officer and Westhaver, Inspiration Software's innovative employee benefits program includes flexible schedules, excellent health benefits for employees and their families, a computer purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, yoga, health club membership assistance, generous employer matching for 401(k) contributions and generous profit sharing bonuses.
The 2005 100 Best Companies to Work For survey is Oregon Business magazine's 11th annual study of best practices in the workplace. The survey has two parts, one of which is completed by employees and the other by management. It covers areas including recruiting and hiring, organizational communication, performance standards, benefits, compensation and career development. The answers clarify employee and company opinions about their workplaces. Rankings are derived from scores on both parts of the survey.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education — inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2 Wins 2005 Teachers’ Choice Award for the Family
PORTLAND, OR — Nov. 15, 2004
Inspiration® Software, Inc. is honored to receive a 2005 Teachers' Choice Award for the Family for Kidspiration® 2. Released in January 2004, Kidspiration 2 offers more visual ways to help K-5 students build emerging literacy skills.
The 2nd annual Teachers' Choice Awards for the Family are presented by Learning Magazine, and the complete list of award recipients will be published in the April 2005 issue. Learning Magazine introduced the first Teachers' Choice Awards program in 1994. In 2004, it launched the Teachers' Choice Awards for the Family in order to meet the needs of companies whose educational products work in the home. Teachers from across the United States judged the entries and evaluated how effectively the products could be incorporated into the home environment. Each product was evaluated on educational value, originality and creativity, ease of use, safety and durability, and high-interest level and motivation for children.
Created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration® provides an easy way to apply the proven principles of visual learning. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Kidspiration 2, the visual way to think, write and comprehend, offers more ways to help students improve standards-based skills with new capabilities, such as the Symbol Maker drawing tool, expanded SuperGrouper® options and paired pictures and words in Writing View.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2 and Inspiration for Palm OS Receive Parents’ Choice Awards
Both Products Selected for Silver Honors in 2004
PORTLAND, OR —Sept. 8, 2004
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that both Kidspiration® 2 and Inspiration® for Palm OS® received Silver Honors in the 2004 Parents' Choice Awards Program. Kidspiration 2, the visual way for K-5 learners to think, write and comprehend, was released in January 2004. Inspiration for Palm OS, which combines the learning benefits of Inspiration® with the natural ease of handhelds, was released in May 2004.
Established in 1978, the Parents' Choice Foundation is the nation's oldest not-for-profit evaluator of children's books, videos, toys, audios, computer software, television, and magazines. The Foundation's mission is to provide parents with information to participate wisely in their children's learning. The Awards Program identifies the best products for children of different ages, backgrounds, skills and interests, honoring those that meet and exceed standards set by educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents, and kids themselves. Judges in all product categories use General Criteria including excellent production values, universal human values, appeal to children and age appropriateness when making their decisions. The Parents' Choice Awards committees look for products that entertain and teach with flair, stimulate imagination and inspire creativity.
Originally released in 2001, Kidspiration provides an easy way to apply the proven principles of visual learning. Students build graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words to represent thoughts and information. Kidspiration 2 offers more ways to help students improve standards-based skills with new capabilities, such as the Symbol Maker drawing tool, expanded SuperGrouper® options and paired pictures and words in Writing View.
Inspiration for Palm OS gives students and educators more access to the premier visual learning tool that helps them achieve clearer thinking, better writing and improved performance across the curriculum. With Inspiration for Palm OS, it's easy to capture ideas and show relationships by sketching symbols and arranging thoughts directly on screen with a stylus. The integrated outline view allows students to create a solid foundation for their writing. To complete a project, students can transfer to a handheld word processor, sync their handheld device to a desktop computer or beam to a printer.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 15 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Wins EDDIE for Best Junior High School Thinking Skills Software
PORTLAND, OR—July 28, 2004
Inspiration® Software, Inc. today received three Education Software Review Awards (EDDIES) for Kidspiration® 2, Inspiration® and Inspiration® for Palm OS®. Kidspiration 2 won in the Thinking Skills category for Upper Elementary, the fourth consecutive award given to Kidspiration. Inspiration was awarded in the Thinking Skills category for Junior High School, marking the ninth consecutive EDDIE Award given to Inspiration. Recently introduced in May 2004, Inspiration for Palm OS received its first EDDIE award as the best Palm OS application.
The ninth annual EDDIE Awards are presented by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource. The awards recognize innovative and content-rich programs that provide teachers and parents with technology tools to help students achieve academic excellence. For more information about ComputED Learning Lab and the EDDIE Awards, visit www.computedgazette.com.
Kidspiration 2, released in January 2004, provides more visual ways to help K-5 students build emerging literacy skills. Inspiration, the premier tool for visual thinking and learning, is used by students grade 6 to adult to develop ideas and organize thinking. Created for grade 4 to adult, Inspiration for Palm OS provides handheld power to develop ideas and organize thinking.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2 Wins EDDIE for Best Upper Elementary Thinking Skills Software
PORTLAND, OR—July 28, 2004
Inspiration® Software, Inc. today received three Education Software Review Awards (EDDIES) for Kidspiration® 2, Inspiration® and Inspiration® for Palm OS®. Kidspiration 2 won in the Thinking Skills category for Upper Elementary, the fourth consecutive award given to Kidspiration. Inspiration was awarded in the Thinking Skills category for Junior High School, marking the ninth consecutive EDDIE Award given to Inspiration. Recently introduced in May 2004, Inspiration for Palm OS received its first EDDIE award as the best Palm OS application.
The ninth annual EDDIE Awards are presented by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource. The awards recognize innovative and content-rich programs that provide teachers and parents with technology tools to help students achieve academic excellence. For more information about ComputED Learning Lab and the EDDIE Awards, visit www.computedgazette.com.
Kidspiration 2, released in January 2004, provides more visual ways to help K-5 students build emerging literacy skills. Inspiration, the premier tool for visual thinking and learning, is used by students grade 6 to adult to develop ideas and organize thinking. Created for grade 4 to adult, Inspiration for Palm OS provides handheld power to develop ideas and organize thinking.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2 Named to Dr. Toy’s Best Children’s Vacation Products list
PORTLAND, OR – May 19, 2004
Kidspiration® 2 has been named to Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products list for 2004. Released in January 2004, Kidspiration 2 offers more visual ways to help K-5 students build emerging literacy skills.
The visual way to think, write and comprehend, Kidspiration 2 helps students improve standards-based skills with new capabilities, such as the Symbol Maker drawing tool, expanded SuperGrouper® options and paired pictures and words in Writing View.
Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products are selected in cooperation with the Institute for Childhood Resources. Established in 1975, the company provides parents and professionals with the latest information on toys, software, games, tapes and other children's products. Dr. Toy's review of Kidspiration 2 can be found online in Dr. Toy's Guide at www.drtoy.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration Wins iParenting Media Award
PORTLAND, OR—May 4, 2004
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced that Kidspiration® 2 was honored with a 2004 iParenting Media Award during the 2004 Hottest Products evaluation. Released in January 2004, Kidspiration 2 offers more visual ways to help K-5 students build emerging literacy skills.
iParenting Media produces parenting information for magazines, newspaper, radio and Internet. The awards program honors the best products in the children's media and juvenile product marketplace. Products are judged by three outside reviewers: a licensed childcare facility/school, a product expert and a parent. For more information about the iParenting Media Awards, visit: http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/
Kidspiration 2, the visual way to think, write and comprehend, offers more ways to help students improve standards-based skills with new capabilities, such as the Symbol Maker drawing tool, expanded SuperGrouper® options and paired pictures and words in Writing View.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration 2 Earns Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center
PORTLAND, OR—April 29, 2004
Kidspiration® 2 recently earned The National Parenting Center's 2004 Seal of Approval. Released in January 2004, Kidspiration 2 offers more visual ways to help K-5 students build emerging literacy skills.
Kidspiration 2 was one of only four computer software products to earn the Seal of Approval during the spring 2004 testing period. Reviewers said of the visual learning software, "For several years now Kidspiration has given children a tool to create visual links to concepts as diverse as science projects and family relationships. It's much more than an organizational tool, although that's the way our testers described it. No matter the term, you will become a believer once you see the impact it has on your child and the way they process information both for school and for fun."
This marks the second version of Kidspiration to receive a Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center. Kidspiration 2, the visual way to think, write and comprehend, offers more ways to help students improve standards-based skills with new capabilities, such as the Symbol Maker drawing tool, expanded SuperGrouper® options and paired pictures and words in Writing View.
Testing for The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval is a multi-step process conducted over an eight-week period. Staffed by volunteers, the testing facility of The National Parenting Center gives parents, children and educators the opportunity to examine a variety of submitted products. The testers are encouraged to play with, build, read about and judge by the reactions of the children, each product's quality. For more information about The National Parent Center Seal of Approval, visit http://www.tnpc.com.
About Inspiration Software
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration® Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Wins 2004 BESSIE Award
PORTLAND, OR — March 15, 2004
Inspiration® Software was honored with 2004 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its products, Inspiration and Kidspiration. ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available.
Inspiration® 7.5, the company's flagship visual learning software for students grades six through adult, received the BESSIE Award in the "Thinking Skills" category for High School. Kidspiration, the visual way to think, write and comprehend for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for Upper Elementary. This is the seventh consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor and the fourth year for Kidspiration.
For more information about the ComputED Learning Center and the BESSIE awards, visit: http://computedgazette.com/
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Kidspiration Wins 2004 BESSIE Award
PORTLAND, OR — March 15, 2004
Inspiration® Software was honored with 2004 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its products, Inspiration® and Kidspiration®. ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available.
Inspiration 7.5, the company's flagship visual learning software for students grades six through adult, received the BESSIE Award in the "Thinking Skills" category for High School. Kidspiration, the visual way to think, write and comprehend for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for Upper Elementary. This is the seventh consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor and the fourth year for Kidspiration.
For more information about the ComputED Learning Center and the BESSIE awards, visit: http://computedgazette.com/
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
2003
Inspiration Wins iParenting Media AwardPORTLAND, OR — November 4, 2003
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that Inspiration® 7.5 was honored with a 2003 iParenting Media Award during the 2003 Great Holiday Products Awards. iParenting's awards program honors the best products in the children's media and juvenile product marketplace. Inspiration® , the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking for grade six to adult, was recognized in the Software category.
iParenting Media produces parenting information for magazines, newspaper, radio and Internet. For the awards program, products are judged by three outside reviewers: a licensed childcare facility/school, a product expert and a parent. For more information about the iParenting Media Awards, visit: http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Deloitte & Touche Names Inspiration Software, Inc. to Oregon "Technology Fast 50" List for 4th Straight Year
PORTLAND, OR - September 12, 2003
Education software publisher Inspiration® Software, Inc. has been named one of Oregon's fastest growing technology companies for the 4th consecutive year by Deloitte & Touche.
Rankings are based on the percentage of growth in fiscal year revenues from 2000-2002. With 66 percent revenue growth over the past three years, Inspiration Software --- makers of visual learning software --- is one of the nation's leading publishers of software for K-12 education and the market leader in its software category.
Inspiration Software's award-winning software tools increase student achievement, helping to build comprehension, writing and thinking skills. Today, qualified research indicates that Inspiration Software's products are utilized by more than 60 percent of all U.S. school districts.
Mona Westhaver, company co-founder and president, credits educators and student achievement for the company's success. "Creative educators in the U.S. and globally are using Inspiration Software products to enhance and strengthen the learning process in all areas of curriculum. We are committed to making a difference in education," said Westhaver.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Inspiration Software, Inc. is recognized as the leader in visual learning and thinking. The company develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott, CEO, and Mona Westhaver, President, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About Deloitte & Touche
Deloitte & Touche, one of the nation's leading professional services firms, provides assurance and advisory, tax, and management consulting services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 80 U.S. cities. The firm is dedicated to helping its clients and its people excel. Known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs, Deloitte & Touche has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For in America" by Fortune magazine for six consecutive years. Deloitte & Touche refers to Deloitte & Touche LLP and related entities. Deloitte & Touche is the US national practice of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity. For more information, please visit Deloitte & Touche's web site at www.deloitte.com/us.
Inspiration 7 Wins 2003 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Education Publishers
PORTLAND, OR — June 10, 2003
Inspiration® 7, the newest version of Inspiration Software's flagship visual learning software for grade six through adult, recently was awarded the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) 2003 Distinguished Achievement Award for Instructional Materials for Young Adults. The association announced the winners of the 40th annual awards recognizing the best in supplemental educational publishing last week at a gala event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"In this time of changing standards and curricula, supplemental educational publishers give parents and teachers options. Displaying the winner's seal from AEP’s Distinguished Achievement Awards signals that this product is an outstanding learning tool for the home or classroom," said Robert W. Harper, president, AEP Board of Directors.
This recognition for Inspiration Software comes less than a month after the company's two visual learning software products, Inspiration and Kidspiration®, both earned 2003 Codie Awards from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). These awards showcase the software and digital content industry's finest products and services and honor excellence for corporate achievement and philanthropic efforts.
"We are very proud of the awards and recognition that Inspiration has earned in the education and technology community," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "As an education company, it is particularly gratifying to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the national professional organization for educational publishers."
All Distinguished Service Award entries, received from companies and organizations nationwide, first go through a rigorous screening process. From these entries, the final judging panel may pick up to four finalists per category, but may choose less if warranted. Judging panels are drawn from a national pool of writing, publishing and design experts in print and technology; education editors; educators; and curriculum experts.
About the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP)
Since 1895, AEP – the national, nonprofit professional organization for educational publishers – has provided print and digital publishers with the resources needed to thrive in today’s changing education and publishing environment by tracking education, legislative and industry information and trends; creating networking opportunities; and fostering excellence in educational publishing through professional development and recognition programs.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Named to District Administration’s Top 100 List
PORTLAND, OR - June 1, 2003
Inspiration® Software today announced that Inspiration® 7 was selected as a Districts' Choice Top 100 Products award winner by District Administration magazine. The Districts' Choice Awards seek to identify and honor the best new products for school administrator.
Judged by District Administration's editorial staff, advisory board, and comments from readers, the Top 100 list is comprised of products that enhance teaching and learning. Inspiration 7, the newest version of the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking for grade 6 to adult, was listed under Software. Read more about the Top 100 awards in the June 2003 issue of District Administration, found online at www.districtadministration.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Receives Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution
PORTLAND, OR — May 13, 2003
Inspiration® Software received two 2003 CODiE Awards from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) last week in San Francisco. The company's flagship visual learning software, Inspiration®, was honored as the "Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution" for the second consecutive year. Kidspiration®, visual learning software for kindergarten through fifth grade, won "Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution" honors.
"It is exciting to have both of our visual learning software products recognized by our peers in the software technology industry," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Our two 2003 Codie Awards are a tribute to Inspiration Software's entire team of employees who are dedicated to developing the highest quality learning tools to support improved achievement in our schools."
Inspiration Software joined 39 other technology industry leaders in receiving a 2003 Codie Award. For 18 years, these awards have showcased the software and digital content industry's finest products and services and honored excellence for corporate achievement and philanthropic efforts.
SIIA President Ken Wasch said, "SIIA congratulates Inspiration Software on its wins in two 2003 Codie Awards education categories with first-rate competition. These awards recognize the strength of Inspiration Software’s products in the education market."
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 650 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit http://www.siia.net.
Kidspiration Receives Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution
PORTLAND, OR — May 13, 2003
Inspiration® Software received two 2003 CODiE Awards from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) last week in San Francisco. The company's flagship visual learning software, Inspiration®, was honored as the "Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution" for the second consecutive year. Kidspiration®, visual learning software for kindergarten through fifth grade, won "Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution" honors.
"It is exciting to have both of our visual learning software products recognized by our peers in the software technology industry," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Our two 2003 Codie Awards are a tribute to Inspiration Software's entire team of employees who are dedicated to developing the highest quality learning tools to support improved achievement in our schools."
Inspiration Software joined 39 other technology industry leaders in receiving a 2003 Codie Award. For 18 years, these awards have showcased the software and digital content industry's finest products and services and honored excellence for corporate achievement and philanthropic efforts.
SIIA President Ken Wasch said, "SIIA congratulates Inspiration Software on its wins in two 2003 Codie Awards education categories with first-rate competition. These awards recognize the strength of Inspiration Software’s products in the education market."
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education—inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 650 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit http://www.siia.net.
Inspiration 7 Selected as 2003 Distinguished Achievement Award Finalist
PORTLAND, OR — May 6, 2003
Inspiration® Software today announced that its flagship visual learning product, Inspiration® 7, is a finalist in the Association of Educational Publisher’s 2003 Distinguished Achievement Awards program. Inspiration 7, the newest version of the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking, is one of three finalists in the Instructional Materials category of software for young adults.
The 2003 Distinguished Achievement Awards showcase the best products in educational publishing, recognizing learning resources that exhibit superior content and educational value. Judges rate products according to criteria including clear teacher instructions and learning objectives, educational value, originality and creativity, and ease of use and navigation. The awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 4, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
About the Association of Educational Publishers
The Association of Educational Publishers is a national, nonprofit professional organization that provides educational publishers with resources for the changing education and publishing environment.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration 7 Named to Media & Methods’ 2003 Awards Portfolio
PORTLAND, OR — April 25, 2003
Inspiration® Software was recently honored by the inclusion of Inspiration® 7 in the Media & Methods' 2003 Awards Portfolio. The Awards Portfolio recognizes instructional technology products and services that contribute to excellence in K-12 schools. Inspiration 7, the newest version of the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking for grades six to adult, was one of the highest rated products judged according to criteria including content, educational objectives, user friendliness, and effectiveness.
The announcement of the 2003 Awards Portfolio Winners appears in the May/June 2003 issue of Media & Methods, a technology and education magazine focusing on practical ways technology can be used for teaching and learning. To learn more about Media & Methods magazine visit: http://www.media-methods.com
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Wins BESSIE for Best High School Learning Tool
PORTLAND, OR — March 25, 2003
Inspiration® Software has received 2002-2003 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its products, Inspiration and Kidspiration. ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available.
Inspiration 7, the newest version of the company's flagship visual learning software for students grades six through adult, received the BESSIE Award in the "Learning Tools" category for High Schools. Kidspiration, designed to help students in kindergarten through fifth build strong thinking skills with visual learning, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for Upper Elementary Schools. This is the sixth consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor and the third year for Kidspiration.
"Inspiration Software is proud to have its products recognized again this year by the BESSIE Awards," said Mona Westhaver, company president and co-founder. "We join an impressive group of our colleagues in the education software industry in receiving this award."
Find out more about the BESSIES and its sponsors at http://computedgazette.com/page3.html
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Both Inspiration 7 and Kidspiration Recognized by Technology Industry as Among Education Market's Finest Products
PORTLAND, OR — March 25, 2003
Inspiration® Software has received 2002-2003 Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for its products, Inspiration® and Kidspiration®. ComputED Learning Center and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology present the annual BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available.
Inspiration 7, the newest version of the company's flagship visual learning software for students grades six through adult, received the BESSIE Award in the "Learning Tools" category for High Schools. Kidspiration, designed to help students in kindergarten through fifth build strong thinking skills with visual learning, was the winner in the "Thinking Skills" category for Upper Elementary Schools. This is the sixth consecutive year that Inspiration has received this honor and the third year for Kidspiration.
"Inspiration Software is proud to have its products recognized again this year by the BESSIE Awards," said Mona Westhaver, company president and co-founder. "We join an impressive group of our colleagues in the education software industry in receiving this award."
Find out more about the BESSIES and its sponsors at http://computedgazette.com/page3.html
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software, Inc. Named to 2003 List of Oregon's 100 Best Companies to Work For
PORTLAND, OR — March 6, 2003
Inspiration® Software today announced that it has been named one of Oregon Business magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For. The magazine's 100 Best Companies list recognizes 50 large and 50 small companies for excellence in several categories including employee benefits, organizational communication and working environment. Recognized for the second year in a row, the Portland-based educational software company ranked fourth for employee benefits and career development and 22nd overall in the small company category.
"Inspiration Software has experienced 10 years of profitable growth and is a leader in the K-12 education market. That position can be directly attributed to the efforts of our talented, focused, dedicated team of employees here in Portland," said Don Helfgott, chief executive officer, Inspiration Software.
Founded more than 20-years ago by Helfgott and company president Mona Westhaver, Inspiration Software's innovative employee benefits program includes flexible schedules, excellent health benefits for employees and their families, a computer purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, yoga, health club membership assistance, generous employer matching for 401(k) contributions and generous profit sharing bonuses.
"We have always felt that creating a work environment where people are supported in their work, acknowledged and treated with respect is key to a successful business," said Westhaver. "We foster an atmosphere where people can bring their knowledge and talents to the work place and enjoy their work."
The business benefits of Inspiration Software's work environment are reflected in its employee retention rate of 97 percent and market position in K-12 education. Today, according to market research firm Quality Education Data (QED), a division of Scholastic, more than 60 percent of U.S. school districts use Inspiration Software's products and the company continues to grow and innovate in today's challenging economy.
This latest accolade comes in a year of honors for the privately-held creator of visual learning and thinking software for the education market. The company recently ranked 310 in its first appearance on the Inc 500, the list of 500 of the nation's fastest-growing private companies, and was included in Deloitte Touche's North America 2002 Technology Fast 500 and Oregon Technology Fast 50. The company's two products, Inspiration and Kidspiration, are both finalists for the Software & Information Industry Association's (SIIA) 18th Annual Codie Awards.
The 2003 100 Best Companies survey is Oregon Business magazine's ninth annual study of the top companies in Oregon to work for. The survey is divided into two parts, one for employees and one for management. It covers areas including recruiting and hiring, organizational communication, performance standards, benefits, compensation, and career development. The answers clarify employee and company opinions about their workplaces. Rankings are derived from survey scores, with the top 10 companies data analyzed by a panel of independent judges.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration 7 and Kidspiration Selected as CODiE Award Finalists
Portland, OR - January 14, 2003
Inspiration® Software today announced that its visual learning software products, Inspiration® and Kidspiration®, are finalists for the Software & Information Industry Association's (SIIA) 18th Annual CODiE Awards. Inspiration 7 is a finalist for Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution and Best K-16 Educational Total Comprehensive Solution. Kidspiration, the company's visual learning software for kindergarten through fifth grade, is a finalist for Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution.
The 2003 CODiE Awards showcase the software and digital content industry's finest products and services and honor excellence for corporate achievement and philanthropic efforts. The 185 CODiE Award finalists represent all types of companies, from emerging start-ups to traditional industry powerhouses. The finalists, as a whole, comprise 40 product and service categories in the consumer and corporate markets. In 2002, Inspiration 6 received the CODiE Award for Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution and Kidspiration was a finalist in the Best Elementary Educational Instructional Solution category.
"More than 10 million students and teachers worldwide recognize the power of Inspiration Software's visual learning software as important tools for building critical thinking skills," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "It is gratifying to have our products continue to be recognized by our peers in the software industry as well."
The CODiE Awards is the only peer recognition program in the software and information industry, providing a unique opportunity for companies to compete for the praise of their competitors. The 2003 CODiE Awards will be presented at a black-tie gala on Tuesday, May 6, during the SIIA Conference at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
"The digital code and content industry is as innovative and vibrant as ever. For a company to make the cut as a finalist is a terrific achievement. Simply put, each finalist is a leader in its field. We are extremely proud to recognize the creativity and hard work that have brought them to this point," said Ken Wasch, SIIA president.
About the Software & Information Industry Association
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, http://www.siia.net.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
More Past Awards
Inspiration Wins Parent’s Guide Children’s Media AwardPORTLAND, OR - November 26, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc. today announced that Parent's Guide to Children's Media has recognized Inspiration® 6.0 as a winner of its 2002 Children's Media Award. Inspiration, the company's flagship product, was awarded as a Classic in the Computer Software category.
Inspiration helps students grade 6 to adult develop ideas, organize thinking, build new knowledge, and analyze complex topics. Educators use Inspiration across the curriculum for brainstorming, webbing, diagramming, planning, critical thinking, concept mapping, organizing, outlining, and more. Released in September 2002, Inspiration 7 provides even more powerful support for critical thinking, comprehension, and writing in all curriculum areas.
The 2002 Children's Media Awards are sponsored by Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc., a non-profit corporation that locates, reviews, and honors outstanding materials for children and teens.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2002, Inspiration Software, Inc. is recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning. The company develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Wins All Star Software Award
PORTLAND, OR-November 7, 2002
Inspiration® Software recently received an All Star Software award for Inspiration® 7, the newest version of its flagship product, from Children's Software Revue. Inspiration 7, released in September 2002, is used by teachers and students grade 6 to adult to develop ideas and organize thinking.
The newest version of Inspiration is featured on the magazine's School All Star List, along with Kidspiration®, the company's software for helping students in grades K-5 build strong thinking skills with visual learning.
A non-profit company, Children's Software Revue is dedicated to providing timely reviews of commercial interactive products that help adults leverage the power of technology to support the development of children ages birth to 16.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2002, Inspiration Software, Inc. is recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning. The company develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Inspiration Software, Inc. Named to Deloitte & Touche's "Technology Fast 500"
PORTLAND, OR - October 23, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc. today announced that it was recently named to Deloitte & Touche's "Technology Fast 500", a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on the percentage of revenue growth over five years, from 1997-2001. Inspiration Software grew 617 percent during this period and ranked 493 in its debut on the list.
One of only five Oregon companies on this year's list, Inspiration Software is the market leader in software for visual learning and thinking. Inspiration®, the company's flagship product, helps students grade six through adult develop ideas and organize thinking. Kidspiration® is designed to help K-5 students organize information, understand concepts and express their thoughts.
"As an education software company, Inspiration Software is focused on making a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think," said Don Helfgott, CEO and co-founder. "With our products used in more than 60 percent of U.S. school districts, the Technology Fast 500 recognition affirms our belief that a company can make high quality software that supports student learning as well as achieve success as a business."
"With its ranking on the prestigious Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500, Inspiration Software's leaders have proven that they have the vision and the fortitude to excel in the highly competitive technology industry," said Mark A. Evans, managing director of Deloitte & Touche's Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group. "We congratulate Inspiration Software on becoming one of the fastest growing technology companies in the United States and Canada."
In addition to ranking on the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500, Inspiration Software ranked 11th on the Oregon Technology Fast 50, a ranking of the state's fastest growing technology firms.
The Fast 500 list is compiled from three sources: Deloitte & Touche's 20 regional North American Fast 50 programs, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500 and public company database research. To qualify for the Fast 500, companies must have had 1997 operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD and $75,000 CD, for the United States and Canada respectively, must be public or private companies headquartered in North America, and be "technology companies," defined as companies that own proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues or devote a high percentage of effort to research and development of technology.
Technology Fast 500 winners are invited to an exclusive CEO Summit held each spring. The CEO Summit, now in its fifth year, is designed to address the unique business challenges facing these super-charged technology companies.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2002, Inspiration Software®, Inc. is recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning. The company develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About Deloitte & Touche
Deloitte & Touche, one of the nation's leading professional services firms, provides assurance and advisory, tax, and management consulting services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 100 U.S. cities. The firm is dedicated to helping its clients and its people excel. Known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs, Deloitte & Touche has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" by Fortune magazine for five consecutive years. Deloitte & Touche refers to Deloitte & Touche LLP and its related entities. Deloitte & Touche is the U.S. national practice of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity. For more information, please visit Deloitte & Touche's Web site at www.deloitte.com.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications
312-494-0754, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
Inspiration Software, Inc. Among Entrepreneurial Growth Leaders on this Year's Inc 500 Ranking of Fastest Growing Private Companies
PORTLAND, OR - October 15, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc. announced today that it was recently named one of America's entrepreneurial growth leaders by Inc magazine. The company ranked 310th in its first appearance on the list of 500 of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, appearing in the magazine's special Inc 500 issue, which hits newsstands today.
Portland-based Inspiration Software achieved 617 percent growth in the past five years, with sales growing from $2,426,104 in 1997 to $17,405,066 in 2001. Inspiration Software is Oregon's leading publisher of education software and the market leader in software for visual learning and thinking. Today, the company’s software has more than 10 million users worldwide.
"We founded Inspiration Software based on a vision of how visual learning software develops critical thinking skills and the ways that successful companies operate. We built our products and the company based on those ideas and, in spite of economic ups-and-downs, have experienced positive growth for the past nine consecutive years," said Donald Helfgott, chief executive officer and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Inspiration Software's Inc 500 ranking reaffirms our founding vision and is testament to the important role that visual learning and technology play in schools today."
Started in 1982, Inc 500 ranks the nation's leading entrepreneurial firms according to sales growth over the previous five years. Former companies that have gone on to become household names include Microsoft, Timberland, Domino’s Pizza and Patagonia.
The 2002 Inc 500 reveals a surprising resiliency within the entrepreneurial sector, where leading companies are continuing to show dramatic rates of growth despite the recession.
The average five-year growth rate of this year's Inc 500 companies is 1,521 percent. While that is less than the 1,933 percent average for companies on last year's list, it is nonetheless dramatic in the current environment. Average 2001 sales for the Inc 500 dropped only slightly, from $24,976,000 to $24,706,000. More than two-thirds (73 percent) of 2002 Inc 500 companies are profitable. Despite the technology bust, "Computer Software & Services" remains the leading industry category, representing nearly 40 percent of firms on the list.
"This is the first Inc 500 ranking to reflect the full impact of the recession," said Inc editor John Koten. "Yet these entrepreneurs are managing to confound the naysayers and move ahead despite the obstacles. They’re showing that smart strategies can succeed even in the toughest of times."
To be eligible for this year's Inc 500, companies had to be independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2001, have at least $200,000 in sales in the base year of 1997 and their 2001 sales had to have exceeded 2000 sales. Holding companies, regulated banks and utilities are not eligible. Inc verifies all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public accountants and by conducting interviews with company officials.
Inc, the premier magazine for growing companies, may be accessed online at www.inc.com. The magazine is owned by Gruner + Jahr USA, one of the top-ranked magazine publishers in the U.S., reaching one of the largest readerships in America. In addition to Inc, Gruner + Jahr USA publishes Child, Family Circle, Fast Company, Fitness, Inc, Parents and YM. G+J USA is 25.1 percent owned by the Jahr Group and 74.9 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, the largest privately held and the fifth largest media company overall in the world with yearly revenues at $17.86 billion.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2002, Inspiration Software®, Inc. is recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning. The company develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in student's lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications,
312-494-0754, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
Inspiration Software, Inc. Named One of Oregon's Fastest Growing Companies for the Third Year in Deloitte & Touche's “Fast 50 Program”
PORTLAND, OR - October 9, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc. has been named to Deloitte & Touche's "Technology Fast 50" Program for Oregon, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the area, for the third consecutive year. Rankings are based on the percentage of growth in fiscal year revenues from 1999-2001. This year, Inspiration's rank leaped to 11 from 25 in 2001.
With 147 percent revenue growth over the past three years, Inspiration Software is the state’s leading publisher of educational software and the market leader in software for visual learning and thinking. Founded in 1982 with a focus on business software products, Inspiration Software is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. In 1987, Inspiration began to focus on brainstorming, thinking, and organizing tools. The first version of Inspiration, the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking, was released in 1988 and in 1996, the company began to develop Inspiration for use in K-12 schools. Today, according to market research firm Quality Education Data (QED), a division of Scholastic, Inspiration’s products are used by more than 60 percent of U.S. school districts.
"Inspiration Software has grown as a company because of our commitment to developing products that offer students of all ages tools for building critical thinking skills," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "Ranking in the Oregon Technology Fast 50 for the third year in a row demonstrates that we are achieving this goal because creative educators everywhere are using Inspiration products to support learning in all areas of the curriculum."
To qualify for the Oregon Fast 50, companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 1999 and $1,000,000 in 2001, must be a public or private company headquartered in Oregon, and be a "technology company," which is defined as a company that owns proprietary technology which contributes to a significant portion of the company’s operating revenues or devotes a high percentage of effort to research and development of technology.
Winners of the 20 regional Technology Fast 50 programs in the U.S. and Canada are automatically entered in the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500 program, which ranks North America's top 500 fastest growing technology companies. For more information on the Deloitte & Touche Fast 50 or Fast 500 programs, visit www.fast50.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2002, Inspiration Software®, Inc. is recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning. The company develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education¯ inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in student's lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
About Deloitte & Touche
Deloitte & Touche, one of the nation’s leading professional services firms, provides assurance and advisory, tax, and management consulting services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 100 U.S. cities. The firm is dedicated to helping its clients and its people excel. Known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs, Deloitte & Touche has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" by Fortune magazine for five consecutive years. Deloitte & Touche refers to Deloitte & Touche LLP and related entities. Deloitte & Touche is the U.S. national practice of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Deloitte Touche Tohmatus is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity. For more information, please visit Deloitte & Touche’s website at www.deloitte.com/us. For more information on the Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 programs, please visit www.fast50.com.
For more information, press only:
Lisa Wolfe, L. Wolfe Communications,
312.494.0754, lwolfe@lwolfe.com
Kidspiration and Inspiration Selected as EDDIE Award Winners
PORTLAND, OR–August 6, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc. today received dual Education Software Review Awards (EDDIES) for Kidspiration® and Inspiration®. Inspiration was awarded in the Learning Tools category for High School, marking the seventh consecutive EDDIE Award given to Inspiration. Kidspiration won in the Thinking Skills category for Upper Elementary, the second consecutive award given to Kidspiration.
The seventh annual EDDIE Awards are presented by ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource. The awards aim to recognize innovative and content-rich programs that augment classroom curriculum and improve teacher productivity. For more information about ComputED Learning Lab and the EDDIE Awards, visit www.computedgazette.com.
Inspiration, the premier tool for visual thinking and learning, is used by students grade 6 to adult to develop ideas and organize thinking. Kidspiration helps K-5 students build strong thinking skills with visual learning.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops, publishes, and distributes premier visual thinking and learning tools for the K-12 education market. The company's award-winning products are used around the world and in over 60% of school districts in the United States. Founded in 1982 by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.
Dr. Toy Selects Inspiration and Kidspiration as Best Children’s Vacation Products for 2002
PORTLAND, OR - June, 2002
Inspiration® and Kidspiration® have been named to Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products list for 2002. This marks the fourth consecutive year Inspiration Software's flagship product, Inspiration, has been chosen by Dr. Toy, and the second consecutive year Kidspiration has been chosen.
Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products are selected in cooperation with the Institute for Childhood Resources. Established in 1975, the company provides parents and professionals with the latest information on toys, software, games, tapes, and other children's products. Dr. Toy's review of Inspiration and Kidspiration can be found online in Dr. Toy's Guide at www.drtoy.com.
Inspiration, the premier tool for visual thinking and learning, is used by students in grades 6-12 to develop ideas and organize thinking. Kidspiration helps K-5 students build strong thinking skills with visual learning.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Inspiration Software, Inc. develops, publishes, and distributes premier visual thinking and learning tools for the K-12 education market. The company's award-winning products are used around the world and in over 60% of school districts in the United States. Founded in 1982 by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think. For additional information call 503-297-3004.
Inspiration Software Wins BESSIE Awards for Inspiration and Kidspiration
Portland, OR - April 18, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc. has been honored with dual Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIES) for Inspiration® and Kidspiration®. Inspiration, used by students in grades 6-12 to develop ideas and organize thinking, was awarded in the Learning Tools category for High School. This year's marks Inspiration's fifth consecutive BESSIE Award. Kidspiration, designed to help K-5 students build strong thinking skills with visual learning, won in the Thinking Skills category for Upper Elementary. This marks the second consecutive BESSIE Award for Kidspiration.
ComputED Learning Center, San Diego's leading computer education resource, and the Educational Software Preview Service of the San Diego Center for Educational Technology (a nonprofit organization) annually present the BESSIE Awards to recognize innovative and content rich programs and provide parents and teachers with a guide to the best children's educational software currently available. For more information about ComputED Learning Center and the BESSIE Awards, visit www.computedgazette.com.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Inspiration Software, Inc. develops, publishes, and distributes premier visual thinking and learning tools for the K-12 education market. The company's award-winning products are used around the world and in over 60% of school districts in the United States. Founded in 1982 by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think. For additional information, call 503-297-3004.
Inspiration Software, Inc. Receives CODiE Award for Inspiration
Portland, OR - April 18, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc. is pleased to announce that Inspiration, the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking, won the 2002 CODiE Award for Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). Inspiration is used across the curriculum by students in the United States and around the world.
Awarded at a gala event during the SIIA 2002 Annual Conference in San Diego, the CODiE Awards honor the best products and services the digital economy has to offer—featuring the software, digital content and online services that have transformed computing and the use of the Internet at home, work and school. The CODiE Award for Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution honors the best school-based education technology solution for curriculum and content for students in grades 7-16.
Ken Wasch, president of SIIA, said, "SIIA congratulates Inspiration Software on their win in a 2002 CODiE Awards education category with first-rate competition. This award recognizes the quality of their education service."
Donald Helfgott, Inspiration chief executive officer, accepted the award at Monday night’s gala. "Inspiration has long been recognized by educators across the country and around the world as a key software tool for improving student learning in measurable ways," said Helfgott. "We are honored to also be recognized by the software and information industry as one of the best products in education today."
"This 17th Annual Codie Awards carries on the tradition of celebrating the best of the best in the software and information industry," said Wasch. "As the only peer-reviewed awards program of its kind in this constantly evolving field, winning a Codie Award is indeed a high honor."
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education, and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.
About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Inspiration Software, Inc. develops, publishes, and distributes premier visual thinking and learning tools for the K-12 education market. The company's award-winning products are used around the world and in over 60% of school districts in the United States. Founded in 1982 by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think. For additional information, call 503-297-3004.
Inspiration Software, Inc. Chosen as One of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon
PORTLAND, OR – March 4, 2002
Inspiration® Software, Inc., the leading publisher of visual thinking and learning tools for the K-12 education market, has been selected by Oregon Business Magazine as one of Oregon's "100 Best Companies to Work For." Inspiration Software ranked 4th for employee attraction and retention, and 26th overall in the small company category. In addition, Inspiration Software scored well in the decision making/supervision and working environment categories.
"Our company's success is due to our great products and service, which are a direct result of the knowledge, skill, and dedication of our employees," says Donald Helfgott, Inspiration Software CEO and cofounder. "Recognizing this, we make it a priority to treat our employees well and to create a great working environment. We are continually looking for ways to improve upon ourselves."
One of Inspiration Software's favorite employee benefits is their twice-weekly onsite yoga class. In addition, the company offers flexible schedules, excellent health benefits for employees and their families, a computer purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, health club membership assistance, generous employer matching for 401(k) contributions, and generous profit sharing bonuses. Inspiration Software also prides itself on being a fun, creative, and casual place to work where their staff can make a difference in people's lives.
The "100 Best Companies to Work For" is an annual competition conducted by Oregon Business Magazine to identify and honor the business leaders in the state who provide the best workplaces. Every company in the state is eligible for participation. To be evaluated for the 2002 competition, participating companies responded to a two-part survey – one for employees and one for management. An independent panel of judges reviewed the responses and determined the final rankings. Winners were selected based on their excellence in nine criteria: attraction and retention, organizational communication, working environment, decision making and supervision, performance management, rewards and recognition, employee benefits, career development and learning, and leadership and organization effectiveness. The complete listing of winners and their rankings can be found in the March 2002 issue of Oregon Business Magazine.
Inspiration Software, Inc. is a privately held corporation that develops, publishes, and distributes premier visual thinking and learning tools for the K-12 education market. Founded in 1982 by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think. Inspiration Software's award-winning, flagship product, Inspiration®, is in use by over one million students worldwide. Released in January 2001, Kidspiration™ was designed specifically to help K-5 students build strong thinking skills with visual learning. For additional information, please call 503/297-3004.
Inspiration and Kidspiration Selected As CODiE Award Finalists
PORTLAND, OR – December 18, 2001
Inspiration® Software, Inc. today announced that its visual learning tools Kidspiration