State of Alaska map with outline of a hand around it

Mark the Map

We’re going on a trip together, but we’re starting from different places. I want to figure out where everyone is at, what’s bringing each of you here, and what you like to do when you travel. So get yourself on the map!

Part 1 (due 1/15):

  1. Check out this map. You must log in to your @alaska.edu account to view and edit it. This map is shared with you as a collaborator — that means you can add to it!
  2. Please add a layer to the map and title it with your name. Within this layer, you can add markers and directions. Here is some instruction on using Google’s “My Maps”. You are free to add as many markers as you like and to link them with directions if that becomes important to your story. Note that you can change colors and icons on map markers as well as add images — really helpful communication tools for map making … or storytelling! Spend some time clicking around and exploring the tool.
  3. Within your layer, please answer the following questions:
    1. Where are you?
      Do not mark your home address on the map, but do tell us where you are. Instead of your home, you might set a map marker in one of your favorite spots in the area you live. In the description of the marking, explain why you marked this place. What makes it special to you?
    2. What are you doing there?
      Tell us more about you and what you do where you are. What are your days like? Do you work? Teach? Are you a full-time student? Do you live with roommates? Family? Alone? What’s your favorite part of your day? Least favorite? To explain this, you will probably want to use multiple map markers, and even take advantage of color and icon choices. Play around and see what makes the most sense to you!
    3.  Where are you going?
      This is an important one, as it will help me customize this class to help you meet your goals. What goals do you have for yourself and this course this semester?

Part 2 (Due 1/18):

Carpool! Travel is more fun with other people around — whether you take them with you or meet them along the way.

  1. Read your travel buddies’ map layers, with an eye toward connection. Do you see a meeting point between any aspects of your two stories?
  2. Yes, you do. Please find intersections between your story and two others. This can be ANYTHING but let’s be honest, the connection will be deeper if you intersect on values and not on “I went to Valdez once.” Please aim for deeper connections.
  3. Indicate these intersections by connecting a point in your story to a point in one of your peers’ stories. You can do this by adding a “line” between the two places. Please title the line and add a description of the intersection you see.
  4. YES! You did it! First collaborative digital story COMPLETE!
    1. Wait, would you call this a digital story? Or? Jump over to Slack and share your reflections!

Back to Start Here >>

Art by James Kelly, of Decaffeinated Designs. Used with permission.