LEADR Class taught by Gillian Macdonald (Associate Director) & Aubree Marshall (GA)
This semester LEADR Associate Director Gillian Macdonald and Graduate Assistant Aubree Marshall trialed the use of the digital tool KnightLab JS StoryMaps in a large ISS course. StoryMaps offer a unique way to display place-based research and it is free digital tool available to the public. For a class based on international security and borders in particular, the tool was a welcome addition to non-essay-based assignments which allows students to express their research in creative ways. Some examples of topics that students chose to focus on were the use of the English Channel in WWII, nuclear weapons proliferation in India and Pakistan, climate change and its effect on migration, and great power foreign policy in a globalized world.
Aubree came to Gillian’s class twice explaining the use of StoryMaps and offering guidance on their creation. Students have expressed interest and jubilation in using the tool. She then offered a zoom workshop for anyone needing to troubleshoot ideas and image imbedding. The experience has been very positive for both the class and LEADR. Here are examples of what a StoryMap looks like and our slides for construction:
The following piece was originally created for the DH@MSU Newsletter and was featured in the December 13, 2023 issue. Subscribe to the Newsletter here.
