Welcome and Expectations

Dear Students,

Welcome to the start of an exciting journey in our course, Data Visualizations and Narratives! This blog will serve as a collaborative space where we explore, share, and reflect on innovative tools and strategies. Think of this platform as a growing repository of ideas that you and your peers can continue to reference and expand upon, even beyond this course. Educators all over the world have their students blog as reflective practice and to show off their creations to a wider audience. 

Your Role as a Contributor

Your voice has immense potential to inspire and inform. Each blog post you create will be a valuable resource, not only for your fellow classmates but for other educators seeking fresh, effective ways to integrate web tools into their teaching. By sharing our insights, reflections, and curated resources, you’re contributing to a larger conversation about global learning and digital pedagogy.

What Makes a Great Blog Post?

For every blog post, you will be assigned a specific topic. Here are some key elements to keep in mind as you craft your entries:

Informative and Engaging: Write in a way that educates and motivates your audience. Share your unique perspective while maintaining a professional tone.

Link to Resources: Include at least two links to reputable, high-quality resources. These could be articles, tools, or research studies related to your topic. Always ensure your links are relevant and add value. You can see I have added some links below.

Use Copyright-Free Images: Visuals enhance your posts and make them more engaging. Use only copyright-free images, and be sure to provide proper attribution when necessary. Websites like Unsplash, Pixabay, Canva, and Wikimedia Commons are great starting points. I created this image in Canva. 

Reflective Thinking: Go beyond surface-level descriptions. Reflect on how the tools or strategies you’re discussing can make an impact in telling data stories.

Let’s Get Started

I encourage you to approach each blog assignment with curiosity and creativity. Your contributions will help us build a vibrant and resourceful community of learners. Feel free to comment on each other’s posts, ask questions, and share feedback. Together, we’ll make this blog a dynamic and valuable learning space for all.

Here’s to a great semester of learning, sharing, and growing as Data Storytellers! Let’s make it count.

Michelle Wendt, Instructor, Data Visualizations and Narratives