Early this year Roundarch had the opportunity to work with Nystrom, the industry leader in classroom maps, to create an entirely new way of delivering content to the classroom. In less than 6 months we developed a first-of-its-kind web-based product that delivers all Nystrom wall maps and globes in a 3-D environment. About 730 licenses for StrataLogica have been sold to school districts across the United States thus far. Early adopters of StrataLogica include schools in the states of Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Texas, and Virginia.

The Product
Using the dual-map viewer, StrataLogica allows teachers and students to compare and contrast high resolution, age-appropriate map and globe views side-by-side on a computer screen, projection screen, or interactive whiteboard. Users can overlay any Nystrom reference map, thematic map, or Google Earth view on one side of the screen while simultaneously overlaying a different layer on the other side. Users can also emphasize and display rare perspectives by zooming in and out, flying through, and tilting views while maintaining an age-appropriate presentation of content. The level of customization is unprecedented — and it’s encouraged via an intuitive user interface. Students and teachers can easily enhance these views by using place marks, teacher notes, drawing tools, labels, and icons.

The Impact
The flexibility of StrataLogica stimulates classroom discussion and naturally develops critical thinking about a variety of relationships, including: population, climate, time zones, and physical, political and historical content. Custom views can be saved with teacher notes, so there is no need to waste valuable class time re-creating a lesson, and because StrataLogica is web-based, teachers and students can also access these custom views anyplace with an Internet connection. Since all the information is stored in the cloud updating information based on current events is extremely streamlined and fast. This ability to update information quickly ensures children are working with the most current and accurate information in their lessons and no longer will teachers have to use antiquated maps. Also, by greatly reducing the number of printed maps and materials in classrooms StrataLogica is an eco-friendly option for schools. StrataLogica is doing its part to preserve the world it showcases so stunningly.

The Reaction
“The early reactions we’re getting for StrataLogica have been overwhelmingly positive. We have been demonstrating StrataLogica in school districts around the country since the start of the school year and educators tell us they have never seen anything like it—it’s a true 21st century product.”

Don Rescigno, director of marketing for Herff Jones Education Division.

“StrataLogica involves the student using different modes of learning which allows the teacher to capture students attention and communicate the lesson more effectively. Technology skills acquired by students using StrataLogica will transfer to other applications. Our world is constantly getting smaller, and it is important to have the right tools for students to learn about our world.”

Nancy Moss, Media Specialist, Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School, Montgomery, Alabama

StrataLogica Video Challange
Nystrom is announcing the StrataLogica Video Challenge at booth #409 during the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference (NCSS) in Atlanta, November 13-15, 2009. Using either a purchased license or trial version, educators are tasked with filming a brief video—up to three minutes in length—that best demonstrates StrataLogica in action in the classroom. Videos will be uploaded to a special website. Nystrom and the public will vote on the videos December 21 through January 28, 2010. Prizes will be awarded for the best videos. The challenge will run through December 21, 2009. To learn more and sign up for a free trial visit www.stratalogica.com or www.StrataLogicaChallenge.com.