Using timelines in the classroom can help students make connections to the target culture and better understand the history of its people. Timelines help students make connections between the past and the present.
Timelines are…
- Visually appealing
- Show events in chronological order
- Can be created digitally
- Appeals to the creative side of people
Who are timelines for?
Timelines are great for everyone but really appeal to the visual learner. However, timelines can help all learners better understand chronological events and improve their vocabulary. Students can create timelines to describe specific historical events, their own life story, or other complex ideas like future plans.
What are some ways to use timelines?
Timelines can be used at any age level. Younger students can use images for their timeline while older students can use text, media, and more in-depth content to show what they know.
De’VIA – Students can choose an artist and map out the highlights of the life and work of the person they are interested in based on De’VIA.
History – Students can make a timeline of a specific number of events that have occurred in the Deaf community and explain their impact.
Technology – Students create a timeline of the technology that has enhanced the lives of members of the Deaf community.
DPN – Deaf President Now comes with its own timeline that students can turn into a visual and explain what happened day to day in this historic event.
Ideas for Creating a Visual Timeline
There are a number of tools that can be used for creating timelines. Of course, students can always go old school and use paper and markers to create their masterpiece. But you can also use digital tools to create the timelines.
Easl.ly – This free website allows users to create timeline infographics using pre-made templates and drag-and-drop design elements. Users can use the extensive library of images on the site, or their own images.
Dipity – This free website offers digital timeline creation that integrates video, audio, images, text, links, social media, location, and timestamps.
TimeToast – A free, public account allows you to create and publish timelines online. While it is not as visually appealing as other options, the learning curve is low so it is easily accessible to students.
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