People may use an atlas to travel from one place to another, but will not use paper maps for any other purpose. In addition, it may be easier to access a map by using a search engine and keywords on the web, than by trying to find a paper map at a store or library. Web based maps offer more excitement and flexibility. The user can zoom in and manipulate the maps, even change colors and other details. This hands on approach could stimulate learning.
Web based maps are also more readily available.
I believe web based maps would encourage students to learn geography. The interactivity would help the user to remember locations because they can actually go to a place to get more details with a simple click of the mouse. I would hypothesize that web based maps can help people to become more geographically literate than paper maps. To conduct this research, first, select the paper maps to be used. Maps 2-11 would be individual maps of each state including important cities and physical features.