Interactive Timelines

INTERACTIVE TIMELINES
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This week's ICT tool is not just one website, but concerns a number of websites that provide the same service: Interactive Timelines.

Although the first subject that comes to mind when thinking of an interactive timeline may be history, it's actually applicable to many other subjects, too. Think about the stages of life (biology), use of different tenses (languages) or the correct order of ice ages (geography).

Apart from that, it can be used for other purposes, too. One time I had to kick a student out of my classroom, because he wouldn't stop distracting other students, despite several warnings. I had him make a timeline of our lesson. What happened first and what went wrong at what time? He had no problem identifying how he misbehaved after that.

What I personally like about interactive timelines is the overview you create, while allowing students to be creative. They can add pictures, videos, names, and links. They can incorporate all the information known to them and get a clear overview of the story.

My favourite tools (personally) are Hstry and Dipity. Other tools are Capzles, Chronozoom, Timeglider, and Timetoast. Each of them has similar features, it's just a matter of preference.


Requirements
- Device (preferably with a somewhat bigger screen)
- Internet connection

Pros
- Easy to set up
- Creates wonderful overview
- Suitable for many subjects

Cons
- Often requires account set up
- Students may take quite some time to perfect their assignment, causing them to lower learning efficiency (but is that really what matters?)

Have you ever used an Interactive Timeline? Please leave a comment!

Any suggestions for another ICT tool? Please let me know!

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