Use the Power of Storymapping to Enhance Your Teaching
This story from arcGIS.com walks readers through the initial spread of COVID-19 and shows the latest global counts of cases and deaths.
The coronavirus pandemic has reawakened the world to geographic health disparities, vulnerable supply chains, and the fragile resilience of ecosystems and economies alike.
Maps, and the spatial and statistical data derived from them, show that geography is more vital than ever. Many of the pandemic maps we see harness the power of geospatial technology, said Tom Allen, a professor of geography at ODU. And that power has many applications for our faculty and students.
"Spatial science and tools are at our fingertips for infinite creative inquiry and education," he said.
One of those tools is storymapping software. On May 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Allen will lead a Zoom workshop, "Storymapping: Digital Geography Refreshed." Learn about the structure of a story map, content, planning and applications with examples.
Storymaps combine cartography, multimedia and storytelling to enhance teaching and research. They can convey a strong sense of place, augment narratives, illustrate spatial relationships, add visual appeal, and promote active learning and public participation, Allen said.
For a high-end, professional example of storymapping, see Mapping the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic.
The workshop will feature Allen and six ODU colleagues:
- Mike Allen, associate professor of geography
- Jennifer Whytlaw, assistant professor of geography
- Georgeanne Hribar, geography adjunct
- Wie Yusuf, professor, School of Public Service, and assistant director of education, Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience
- Chris Davis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyst, Information Technology Services
They'll give an overview of storymapping, including the underlying GIS data and templates. They'll also highlight examples from their research and teaching.
Most usefully, the workshop will introduce ODU expertise and supporting software that faculty and students can access to develop innovative, "spatialized" instruction and research, Allen said.
Want to attend? See below:
Join Zoom meeting: https://odu.zoom.us/j/99570533013
Meeting ID: 995 7053 3013
Password: 265318
This article was drawn from Dr. Allen's workshop description.
