Create geographical and statistical maps using TargetMap.

So I was browsing for some updated web 2.0 tools and came across TargetMap.  For those that teach History or Statistics then having your students use TargetMap might be a great method of integrating technology into your classroom as well as demonstrating the value of mapping to understand our world.  With TargetMap you can create maps based on information gathered from the web or other means of research.  You can create maps at different geographical levels like: county, province, state, country or continent.  Have your students visually demonstrate a concept that you are currently teaching in your classrooms.

Tutorial

1.  Go to http://www.targetmap.com and create a free account.  TargetMap is free as long as you share your data with the world.  After you have your account click the "Create your own Map" button.  Also notice the "My maps" link below the button.  This is where you come back to so that you can view your maps.  

2.  After clicking the button, you will get a new window open up.  From here you can start narrowing down the data you plan on using.  Do you want information for the whole world or selecting a continent will allow you to get more precise.

3.  After you select the area that you plan on adding data to, click the "Next" button.

4.  Now decide on even more specific areas like a county or at the state level.  For my example I chose the state level.

5.  If you really want to go the extra mile you can have your students select the "May My Excel" option.  This will allow your students to collect information and then put it into an Excel document which can then be uploaded and the rest will be automatic.  There is a video tutorial that can get into more of the nitty gritty details of how to do it with an Excel document.

6.  I chose the "Value Typing" option.  This will allow you to directly give states or counties the numerical value of your data.

7.  If you don't really have specific numerical data and just want to color code region on the map choose the "Paint a Map" as your option.  Once you have made your choice click the "Next" button.

8.  For this tutorial I chose the "Value Typing" option.  Now you should be at your map.  Click on the region for which you have some data.  Lets say there was 12 Ferraris in this state.  Just input that number and hit enter. 

9.  Off to the right, you should now see your key being made.  As you add more statistics the numbers will change.  You will also notice that the color of the area also changed colors.

10.  A little to the left of your map you should see a drop down button called the Map editor.  Go ahead and click on it.

11. Here you can add how many different colors you want was well as which colors are represented.

12.  You can also change your font style in this area.

13.  At the top add a title.

14.  Change your key but just clicking on the words and typing over them.

15.  When you are all done you need to share you map.  To do that just go to the "Map Editor" and click the share button found at the bottom.

16.  This will trigger a little waiting period where TargetMap verifies that your map is legitimate and useful.  If all goes well you will get an email with a finished product without watermark in the middle of your map.  You can also download your map as an image or use screen capture software to take a picture of it.  Below is my finished map demonstrating the 2006 census on violent crimes in the United States.

If you ever use this idea in the classroom let me know how it goes.  I can't wait to use it with my Statistics class.

Create dynamic flow/organization charts with Popplet.

There are many awesome methods of creating flow/organization/concept charts on the internet.  Popplet is a little unique and extremely dynamic.  You can add video, images, text, change the color, and even create a Prezi style presentation.  Popplet will then let you save the image a few different ways, but for those who have been following my blog know that I am a huge fan of Web 2.0 sites that allow you to embed and share your creation and Popplet allows you to do so.  Below is a tutorial on how to create your first "Popple."

Tutorial

1.  First go to this link:  www.popplet.com and register by clicking the "sign up for free!" button.

2.  Just click the "Sign me up" button on one of the three plans that you would like.  I chose the "Free Plan," which will allow 5 presentations.  But as always, I do believe in paying for somebodies awesome programming skills in the end if the program is effective for students.

3.  Once you are signed up, click the "make new popplet" button to get started.

4.  Give your "popplet" a name, pick a color for your layout, and then click the "make it so!" button.

5.  Now just click anywhere on your canvas/screen to put your first parent node/concept in.  If just clicking on your screen doesn't place your first concept on, then just click the settings button and choose the "new popple" option.

6.  Just give your "popple" a name to get started.  You will notice that there are 4 circles on the outside of your first concept.  Just click one to create a branch/child node.

7.  If you click on the the "popple" you will be presented with four circular buttons.  The first one will allow you to change the color of that part of the concept map.

8.  The second button will let you change the font size as well as give you some alignment options.

9.  One of the awesome features that many concept maps don't allow you to have is the ability to draw into one of your concept bubbles.  Popplet does.  I hope you like my drawing of a cinder cone volcano.  You can also change the color of your ink.

10.  The last "popple" configuration button will all you to add media to your concept bubble.  Add images or even video from Youtube.

11.  When you select the Youtube option the program will actually let you search inline for the videos you are wanting to embed into your presentation.  Just pick one.

12.  At the top of your Popplet screen you have your zoom button.  You can also use your scroll wheel on your mouse.  You can change your color again and the last button is your settings button which will give you quite a few more options.

13.  Just play with the settings or use this section to print or export your Popplet.

14.  The view option will allow you to create your "presentation mode" which is a Prezi style presentation.

15.  Once you click the "presentation mode" option you will then click the "record" button to tell your popple with order you would like each concept to appear.  Once you are done organizing your presentation just click the "present" button to get presenting.

16.  The last part of Popplet is the ability to share your concept map with the world through Facebook, Twitter, with an embed code that you can put in a blog or website, and a link button that will let you email a link out to the world.  You can also add collaborators which is a really neat feature because students will be able to work with partners.

17.  After clicking on one of the 4 share options you will get the options to share.  You can see my popplet that I created below.  I justed used the "embed it" option by copying and pasting the html code into my blog.

Give Popplet a try and let me know what you think.