Blog Post 11: Preceden Timeline Maker

https://www.preceden.com/

        This blog post is about the Preceden Timeline Maker (previously named Timeglider), a tool of my own interest found in the list of technologies for TLC- L1: Learning through information process. Preceden's Timeline Maker is an AI-generated tool that automatically makes a visual timeline for any topic. It also gives you the ability to make your own timelines from scratch. Both types of timelines contain many different features including images, symbols, dates, and more that make them very easy to manipulate and reference. After you make your timeline or use an AI-generated one, you can share and export it to use in different forms or programs. You do need a subscription account to create your own timeline from scratch, but the AI-generated timelines are free. 

 

      For ease of use, it varies. Using the AI timeline generator is very easy. All you do is type in a topic, edit the timeline if necessary, and then share it. Creating your own timeline from scratch takes more work, but the variety of timeline layouts and types allows you to easily choose what best fits your needs and begin creating. There are also pre-made timelines for example topics such as "Space Exploration" or "Albert Einstein" that are easy to refer to if you need ideas for your timeline. It is relatively easy to navigate, and its timeline-making tools are very straightforward. 

        Preceden is not a super versatile tool. Its only function is to make timelines and related graphic organizers. However, you can do this in several ways with different tools within the site. Having both the AI option and creating from scratch option gives you more versatility in the site's abilities. There are a lot of different ways you can make the timelines, and I liked that it gives the option to edit the AI-generated timelines. Overall, I'd say the function versatility is low but its options within the timelines are decent. In the PICRAT technology use model, I'd say that the AI capabilities of Preceden make this tool fit in the "IT" part of the model. This is something that can't happen without AI technology, and it is definitely interactive with your ability to edit and adjust the timelines. 

        For the overall likelihood of using this in my future teaching, I can see this being a tool I refer to when I just need a quick overview of a topic to show my students. I would never use it for the bulk of my instruction, but the AI-generated timelines could be a nice way to structure a lesson. It could also be a good tool to refer students to if they want a timeline of a topic so that they can do their own research. I don't see myself using this one on a daily basis, but in specific subjects like history or science, it could be a good resource to keep in mind. 

An example timeline about Albert Einstein: