Technology+Tools+Evaluation

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 * Tool Homepage: || [|http://xtimeline.com] ||
 * Evaluator: || Kathleen McKim ||
 * Description: || * free web-based timeline
 * easy creation and sharing of timelines with pictures and videos ||
 * Upgrades: || Current version: xtimeline 3.2 (BETA) ||
 * User-friendly Rating: || Easy ||
 * Sharing: || * Tag within xtimeline site
 * Embed timelines to blogs, websites or other webpages
 * URL created for each timeline ||
 * Strengths: || * Easy to add events and upload or embed pictures
 * Easy to link to the source of the information
 * The interface for timeline flows nicely, has graphic appeal when compared to other free timeline programs
 * Drop downs add dimension to a flat timeline
 * Blog offers ideas on using xtimeline in the classroom ||
 * Weaknesses: || * Must contain at least 10 events for timeline toggle bar to work properly
 * Resources are only viewable through "event list" mode
 * Several uploads and links failed to "catch" properly
 * Slow to process at peak times--server timed out often
 * Icon box always shows on the slide, even if no icon is available
 * Edits don't always take effect the first time
 * Several attempts to embed video unsuccessful-video does not play (see Late Feb)
 * Creating timeline is repetition of facts; lessons must be planned to ensure students are engaged in critical thinking at some point in the project
 * The technology doesn't work flawlessly or quickly and may cause a problem with classroom management if there is too much down time ||
 * Link to Sample Product as a Model for K-12 Students: || Salem Witch Trials
 * Description of Sxample that describes how this example helps students meet standards || Uses multimedia to organize and communicate facts of a significant event in early American history, the Salem Witch Trials ||
 * Curriculum Connection (TEKS) for this example – include grade levels. Choose ONE from Technology Applications and ONE from a content area such as reading, social studies, or science. || **Technology Applications**, Grade 8 (126.12): demonstrate proficiency in the use of multimedia authoring programs by creating linear or non-linear projects incorporating text, audio, video, and graphics;
 * Social Studies**, Grade 8 (113.20): identify ways conflicts between people from various racial, ethnic, and religious groups were resolved. ||
 * AASL S4L Indicator (choose ONE): || 2.1.4 Use technology and other information skills to analyze and organize information. ||
 * ISTE NETS for Students Standard (choose ONE): || 3. b. Researach and Information Fluency--locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. ||