When I first looked at Neatline, I had no clue what the tool really was. There were so many features and options that it seemed overwhelming, and I just wanted to do the required assignment. It was in light of this that I had the amazing idea to do my first research project using Neatline. I originally wanted to do an essay on ISIS recruitment strategies, but as I started researching the subject, I found that articles generally focused on a specific area of the world. It seemed like it would be cool if I could compare and contrast these different strategies on a map, and I felt like I could do that on Neatline. So the first step was figuring out how Neatline worked, which was probably easier than my technologically-challenged self made it out to be. It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out how to add an additional point with separate text, but once I figured that out, it was fairly smooth sailing.
What I really like about Neatline is the diversity and freedom that it provides. The map was an easy to way to provide an interactive exhibit that presented information on different areas. I didn't use the timeline feature, which I feel like could be another great tool for a research excursion. I do think that it is more engaging than say an essay, where the viewer can look at specific exhibits that they want, almost like a virtual museum. I am sure there are other features that I am not aware of yet, but I am excited to keep using Neatline throughout this quarter.
Hey Calvin, I completely understand how you felt when you first used neatline - to be honest it still kind of intimidates me. It was fascinating to hear your story about your use of neatline and see your exhibit of ISIS recruitment on the system. I look forward to the many more neatline exhibits you plan to make., it encourages me to become better on the system.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is very overwhelming and it takes a while to get used to how it works
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Neatline can be more engaging than an essay since the viewer can actually visualize places on a map rather than just reading words like in an essay. I also applaud you for using Neatline for a research excursion, and I hope to learn how to improve my skills to be able to do that too.
ReplyDeleteI liked your comparison to a virtual museum, I was thinking the exact same thing. I also had no idea what Neatline was, but after viewing both yours and Logan's exhibits and creating my own, I'm definitely going to be using it a lot more.
ReplyDeleteI think that Neatline exhibits are way more engaging than a traditional essay. The map and timeline features can really add a lot of dimension to the content. I also wanted to add that your exhibit for the research excursion looked really great!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, the thing you like about Neatline is actually what I dislike about it: the diversity and freedom that it provides. I don't like having so many levels of customization, but I'm glad you are liking it.
ReplyDeleteI really like the freedom I get from Neatline, I've made two exhibits so far and the different tools are pretty helpful to focus the map on what I want. It is a pretty clunky interface though.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you dived right in--it's giving you more time to become comfortable with the tool.
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