Digital+Timelines

**Digital Timelines**

**Content** Digital timelines can be used as a visual strategy to help students learn different important events in history while incorporating technology.

**Grade Level** This strategy can be used from middle school up until AP history in high school.

**Curriculum Standards** These content standards come from 9th grade social studies standards.
 * SS.0.9.4.1 interpret information using maps, graphs, charts, and timelines.
 * SS.0.9.5.2 trace the evolution of the changing status of women and children throughout the world in all historical periods addressed.
 * SS.0.9.3.1 examine and illustrate the trade patterns of regions of the world across time and explain their significance to the evolution of global economics.

**Description of Practices** In any type of social studies classroom, where dates and events are involved, digital timelines may be used. The timelines should be used as visuals after the students have learned about the dates or events at hand in order for them to have a resource to look back on. Here are a few steps to follow:. **Implementation Considerations** While implementing digital timelines, it might be useful to have students work in pairs to find the information needed for the timeline, but have them complete their own digital timeline. However, it is really up to the teacher. This can work with small groups if time constraints exist or if students with disabilities need extra support. Always make sure to model what is wanted in the timeline in order to prevent too much information displayed or too little.
 * While students are reading and learning about the different events, have them take notes about each important date or event in order for them to glance back at the notes while completing the time line.
 * Once the lessons are completed, have the students complete a rough draft of their timeline on paper, including ideas for pictures that they would like to use
 * If students have never completed a timeline before, explain that each date must be in order and should have information about the event and not simply the date
 * Once students have created a rough draft, model the program that you want the students to use. A few examples are Microsoft Photo story, dipity.com and powerpoint.
 * Have students create their own digital timeline on the computer with support when necessary, such as for finding pictures or saving.
 * Have student present their timeline after they have finished.

**Example** Here is a youtube video of how to use dipity.com, one of the examples to use for digital timelines. [|Dipity]

Here is another example of a website who has created a digital timeline to show different cultural, social, and political events in US history. [|Digital History] **Citation**

Wilson, E., Wright, V., & Peirano, A. (2007). // The impact of using digital timelines in the social studies classroom //. Social studies research and practice. (2) 170-179.