Learning Outcome of creating an Interactive Map of African Writers Honored with the Nobel or the Booker Prizes

Journey to Creating an Interactive Map of African Writers Honored with Nobel and Booker Prizes

Introduction:

Inspired by Dilip Barad's suggestion, I embarked on a mission to create a comprehensive poster featuring a map of Africa pinpointing the locations of writers who have been honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. To add another layer of recognition, I decided to include writers who have received the Booker Prize as well. The initial idea was to create a digital poster, but I later shifted my focus to an interactive map, allowing users to click on specific countries to discover the accomplished writers.

Challenges Faced:

As a literature student with limited coding experience, I initially followed the guidance provided by ChatGPT. Despite the detailed steps, coding proved to be a formidable challenge. The intricacies of spacing, syntax, and brackets became stumbling blocks, and I realized that even a minor error could lead to disastrous outcomes. Undeterred, I delved into YouTube tutorials, spending the entire night learning the coding process.

The Learning Curve:

I began by inserting code snippets as demonstrated on YouTube. However, I soon discovered that understanding the logic behind the code was crucial. Every space, word, or bracket played a pivotal role, and precision was paramount. At 5 o'clock in the morning, I finally achieved the desired outcome. However, to my dismay, I realized that the result did not align with my initial intentions.

Refining the Approach:

Determined to succeed, I continued experimenting with different prompts for ChatGPT, seeking guidance on how to create an interactive map on my Google site. After several attempts, I learned that different platforms have varying compatibility with websites. ChatGPT pointed me towards the simplest solution - using Google My Maps to create the interactive map and embedding it on my website with a straightforward HTML code. Here, I am attaching the response generated by ChatGPT if you want to create this sort of map.

Creating a digital map with popup Nobel Prize-winning writers and embedding it on your Google Site involves several steps. Here's a guide to help you achieve this:

1. Prepare Your Data:

Compile Data:

  - Gather information about Nobel Prize-winning writers, including their names, countries, and any additional details you want to display in the popups.

2. Create an Interactive Map: Google My Maps

1. Go to Google My Maps:

   - Open [Google My Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/d/).

2. Create a New Map:

   - Click on "Create a new map."

3. Add Markers for Writers:

   - Add markers for each Nobel Prize-winning writer. You can manually place markers on the map and provide information in the marker descriptions.

4. Customize Marker Icons:

   - Customize marker icons to represent different categories of writers (e.g., literature, peace, etc.).

5. Share Your Map:

   - Click on the "Share" button.

   - Choose the "Embed a map" option.

   - Copy the provided HTML code or link.

Embed Map on Google Site:

1. Open Your Google Site:

   - Open the Google Site where you want to embed the map.

2. Insert the Embed Code or Link:

   - Click on the page where you want to add the map.

   - Click on the "+ Embed" option.

   - Paste the copied HTML code or link into the Embed box.

3. Preview and Save:

   - Preview your site to ensure the map is displayed correctly.

   - Save your changes.

Additional Tips:

- Popups for Writers:

  - If you're using Google My Maps, you can add detailed information about each writer in the marker descriptions.

- Icons for Different Categories:

  - If you have different categories of Nobel Prize-winning writers (e.g., literature, peace), customize marker icons accordingly.

- Testing:

  - Test your map to ensure that the popups and markers function as expected.

 

Final Outcome:

On my website, users will discover an interactive map that goes beyond the static confines of the poster. Clicking on markers provides detailed insights into each writer, accompanied by captivating photos. This immersive experience fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the literary achievements scattered across the African continent. I have also inserted that map here in this blog as well.

   

         I've also designed a poster as well for the department's notice board featuring both a QR code, upon scanning the QR code, users will be redirected to the website, where they can explore the attached interactive map showcasing African Nobel and Booker Prize-winning authors.

Reflection:

This entire process became a profound learning experience. It highlighted the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and the tendency to overlook simple solutions while navigating seemingly complex problems. It also reflects that sometimes, there are the simplest solutions and ways are available, but we are not reaching to that way. But glad that I have learnt so may things together. The journey from conceptualizing the map to its final execution underscored the value of continuous learning and adaptation.

Thank you Barad sir for suggesting the idea, my gratitude to Prakruti ma'am the suggestion to add writers that missed to incorporate and yes, a big thanks to Guruji(ChatGPT) for paving me a path to meet my expectations, without you it won't be possible. 

Thanks for visiting...