Edumaps

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Chapter 7: Small Modules with a Big Effect: Structure Edumaps Faster

Edumaps

Orientation

1

What are modules?

  • Modules provide additional functions. They can help structure a map better.
  • They help, for example, with:
    • orientation
    • navigation
    • task control
    • feedback
    • organization
    • faster use in class
  • This pinboard shows small modules that are immediately useful even for beginners.
  • ⚙ start
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2

Why small modules matter

  • Even a few modules can improve a map significantly.
  • Examples:
    • A table of contents makes large maps clearer.
    • A QR code makes classroom access easier.
    • A checklist makes work steps visible.
    • A tag overview helps users find things again.
    • A popup can show important notes directly.
  • Tip:
    Use modules purposefully, not decoratively.
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3

Basic rule for beginners

  • Start with only a few modules.
  • Recommendation for the beginning:
    1. Table of contents
    2. QR code
    3. Checklist
    4. Popup message
    5. Tag overview
  • When these work reliably, you can try additional modules.
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Orientation

4

Table of contents

  • A table of contents helps users find their way around large maps faster.
  • It is especially useful for:
    • long teaching units
    • weekly plans
    • material collections
    • training maps
    • project maps
  • Tip:
    Place the table of contents as high as possible in the map, ideally as the first box in the first column.
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5

When does a map need a table of contents?

  • A table of contents is worthwhile when:
    • the map contains many boxes
    • students should jump quickly to tasks
    • colleagues are looking for material
    • the map serves as an online course
    • several columns are organized by topic
  • For very small maps, a table of contents is usually not necessary.
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6

Tag overview

  • A tag overview shows which keywords are used in a map or collection.
  • This helps with:
    • material collections
    • large folders
    • many teaching topics
    • finding content again later
  • Examples of tags:
    • grade-7
    • geography
    • europe
    • group-work
    • exercise
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7

Set headings deliberately

  • Modules work better when the map has clear titles and box headings.
  • Good box titles:
    • Assignment: Country profile
    • Material: Map of Europe
    • Result: Our collection
    • Help: How to research
  • Unfavorable box titles:
    • Box 1
    • Task
    • Material
    • Important
  • Tip:
    The heading should immediately explain the purpose of the box.
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Access

8

QR code

  • A QR code is ideal when students should access a map quickly.
  • Possible uses:
    • show QR code on the board
    • print QR code
    • place QR code on a worksheet
    • use QR code for station work
    • use QR code at parents’ evening
  • Tip:
    Test the QR code once with a smartphone.
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9

Short link or QR code?

  • Short link and QR code serve the same goal: faster access.
  • Short link is useful when:
    • users work on a computer
    • the link is sent digitally
    • the address should be typed manually
  • QR code is useful when:
    • students use tablets or phones
    • many users start at the same time
    • the link is shown on a board or printed
  • Tip:
    Often it is best to provide both.
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10

Popup message

  • A popup message can show important information directly when opening the map.
  • Suitable for:
    • welcome note
    • important instruction
    • deadline
    • safety notice
    • short explanation of the workflow
  • Tip:
    Use popup messages sparingly. If everything pops up, nothing feels important anymore.
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Tasks

11

Checklist

  • A checklist makes work steps visible.
  • Suitable for:
    • independent work
    • weekly plans
    • project work
    • station work
    • preparation tasks
  • Example:
    • Read the task.
    • Open the material.
    • Complete the worksheet.
    • Upload the result.
    • Write one reflection sentence.
  • Tip:
    Use checklists for processes that students should complete step by step.
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12

Countdown

  • A countdown can make remaining time visible.
  • Useful for:
    • work phases
    • deadlines
    • station changes
    • presentation preparation
    • short challenges
  • Tip:
    Use time pressure carefully. A countdown should support orientation, not create unnecessary stress.
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13

Link as button

  • A link can be displayed as a button to make it more visible.
  • Suitable for:
    • start tutorial
    • open worksheet
    • join video conference
    • open quiz
    • submit result
  • Tip:
    Use button links for the most important actions, not for every link.
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14

Info box

  • An info box helps to highlight important information.
  • Examples:
    • “Read this first”
    • “Important deadline”
    • “Help for task 2”
    • “Rules for group work”
    • “What to do when finished”
  • Tip:
    Keep info boxes short. They should guide, not replace the full task.
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Practice

15

Mini task: Improve a map

  • Improve an existing map with small modules.
  • Task:
    1. Open a map with several boxes.
    2. Add a table of contents.
    3. Add or check the QR code.
    4. Create a small checklist for one task.
    5. Add tags if useful.
    6. Check whether a popup message is really necessary.
  • Goal:
    The map should become easier to navigate and use.
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16

Which modules fit which goal?

  • A rough guide:
    • Faster access → QR code or short link.
    • Better orientation → table of contents.
    • Better finding → tags and tag overview.
    • Clearer workflow → checklist.
    • Important note → popup or info box.
    • Visible time → countdown.
    • Important action → link as button.
  • Tip:
    Start with the goal, not with the module.
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17

Typical mistakes

  • Typical mistakes are:
    • Too many modules at once.
    • Modules are used only as decoration.
    • Table of contents is placed too low.
    • Headings are unclear, so modules are less useful.
    • Popup messages are too long.
    • Checklists contain too many steps.
  • Tip:
    A good module makes the map simpler, not more complicated.
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