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View Full Version : Concerning the Compass in ActivInspire


FesterThaysen
05-04-2009, 07:11 PM
Though the update version af ActiveStudio to Active Inspire is advanced and functional in more ways than the previous version, there are several limitations in the mathematical sector which require some attention and alteration.

Firstly, the compass functions; though more aesthetically appealing than the previous version, the compass is not adjustable in size. This was formerly available with a small toolbox providing + and - symbols. The lack of this function makes it difficult to teach certain theories, such as the
“ Golden cut “ , which require a compass which can draw a circle on a much larger scale, a curved angle, of a larger proportion, or simply a circle with a larger/smaller desired radius.

Secondly, the compass function seems quite inflexible, in that the pencil-point cannot cross over the needle-point, from one side to the other – a function the previous version did have. The lack of this function makes it so a curve can only be drawn on the right- hand side; though this does not restrict one´s ability to draw a circle, it does limit the user in drawing a curve on the left-hand side.
Regards,

philatdchs
17-04-2009, 09:39 PM
There are a number of us who share your dismay :( as you can see from other COMPASS forum posts.
I believe that the software developers have promised a fully-functioning compass tool for the next update of Inspire. It will be the first thing I test when the shortly(??) to be released update is available.

booross
24-04-2009, 01:21 AM
Is it possible to 'mark the centre' with the new compass?

philatdchs
28-04-2009, 04:11 PM
That's a good suggestion for the compass which I and other maths teachers especially would support.

wilcogirl
11-06-2009, 03:35 PM
I would love to see the compass tool with a few more options. If I am not mistaken in AS, you could flip the compass as well as pass the pen to the other side, the degrees would also show as you expanded it. I have been working with it a little and see that although we should all be thankful it is not a flash item it is lacking from the last version of ActivStudio. :p