INSTRUCTOR’S GUIDE TO DIGITAL TIMELINE ASSIGNMENTS

Basic Timeline

Some students will want to make a simpler timeline using fewer of ClioVis’ features. Below is an example of what you might ask students to do.

  1. Create a ClioVis account.

  2. Create a new project and add your timeline following this tutorial.

  3. Make your timeline by populating it events and eras.

    1. Create at least 2 eras to contextualize your argument within its background context.

    2. Make at least 10 events to serve as evidence for your argument.

    3. Create at least 2 categories to sort your events by important themes.

    4. Draw at least 5 connections between your events to show cause and effect.

    5. Cite your sources in the “references” section of each event, era, connection, etc.

  4. Present your timeline in class.

Going Further

For students who have an interest in developing digital timeline skills, we encourage them to add extra elements to their timelines, such as images and audio clips. These students will consider the visual appeal of their timeline in addition to the quality of the content. 

  1. Create a ClioVis account.

  2. Create a new project and add your timeline following this tutorial.

  3. Make your timeline by populating it events and eras.

    1. Create at least 3 eras to contextualize your argument within its background context.

    2. Make 15-20 events to serve as evidence for your argument.

    3. Create at least 5 categories to sort your events by important themes.

    4. Draw at least 10 connections between your events to show cause and effect.

    5. Add images to at least 5 events.

    6. Add audio clips to at least 2 events.

    7. Cite your sources in the “references” section of each event, era, connection, etc.

  4. Present your timeline in class.

Guiding Questions

Students might encounter the following questions through this assignment:

  • How can I use eras to contextualize my argument? What is the background my reader will need to know as I make my case?

  • How many events, or pieces of evidence, do I need to build out an effective argument?

  • How will I group these pieces of evidence together using ClioVis’ categories to organize/structure my argument? 

  • Where can I draw connections between different pieces of evidence? What is the throughline of my argument?

  • Am I making sure to properly cite all the sources I consult? Adding a citation to a ClioVis event functions much like adding a footnote to a claim in an essay.