Our+Story

Our Story Claimed by: Nicole Constantatos



Here is the link to access the full timeline:

[|OurStory] User name: nconst04 Password: nyit11

OurStory is the new interactive way to approach the traditional idea of a timeline used in classrooms. The program is run through a website in which the timeline and events can all be labeled and constructed. Above is a snapshot of what the actual timeline may look like, but the timeline is interactive on the website. It allows for movement and text boxes to pop up which makes this visual interesting to the viewer. The website is secure, as it allows for a teacher and/or students to alter privacy settings to either private or open. Furthermore, there are different options to the user which include free services or the purchase of the program. The image shown above is a timeline I constructed to demonstrate a project a student may create. The events were prompted by the questions provided on the website.
 * What is OurStory?**

first, the user needs to create an email address and password to permit access into this program. Then, you are able to select the type of membership you prefer, whether it be free or paying a fee for advanced tools. To construct the timeline, the web tool is helpful because it provides question sets. For some, it may be difficult to think of specific events to include on a timeline. These questions eliminate that problem as there are various topics to choose from to prompt thought. These question sets also allow for a timeline on specific topics or subject areas to be formed. After answering each question, the user has the ability to select whether they want their timeline questions to be public or blocked from others. As the timeline is constructed, the user can posti it for others to see and access. Other users can post comments and questions on each others timelines.
 * How do you use OurStory?**


 * What are the benefits of the tool OurStory?**
 * This website allows for the making of a timeline to be a more creative process**,** rather than the traditional way.
 * The question sets are helpful to the user because they prompt thought of what can be included in a timeline.
 * Each date on the timeline allows for privacy options to be altered if information may be personal.
 * Pictures can be added to the timeline. These pictures can be uploaded from personal photos. Also, OurStory is associated with Yahoo Image Search, which can also be used as a source for pictures.
 * There is an option to customize the color of the background of the timeline.
 * By selecting the option to view the timeline, the timeline will move as dates pop up to demonstrate the interactive approach.
 * Other users, depending on the privacy settings, can view timelines and provide comments and feedback.
 * The timeline can be exported onto another website or even a blog page.
 * The "Help" tab provides a lot of useful information to navigate through the website.


 * What are the negative aspects of the tool OurStory?**
 * While using the free versions, the user is not able to create an unlimited number of timelines and their access is limited. For a $36.00 annual fee, the user can have unlimited access to this tool and create numerous timelines.
 * The homepage of this tool is somewhat confusing and does not provide much direction as to constructing the actual timeline. The user needs to play around and look at comments from others to learn how to maneuver through the site.
 * The "Submit to be Featured" option allows the user to only publish one aspect of their timeline story, rather than the whole thing.
 * The timeline can not be used in a copy and paste manner. The user must have it set to be transferred to another website or a blog page for other members to see if they are not actually part of this web tool.
 * The website explains that they are working on providing more options to the users, which will be added soon.

OurStory provides a different outlook on traditional timelines. In younger grades, timelines are often used to help children categorize dates and events with the help of a visual aid to enhance remembering skills. OurStory presents a fun approach to the old timeline, as students can incorporate technology into this type of a project. This tool is able to be used during the beginning of a school year to introduce classmates to each other. A teacher can even assign specific question sets to be answered to keep students on task. The students can present their personal timelines on a class blog page where classmates and the teacher can provide feedback and comments. This interaction can be assigned to take place both during class time, as well as at home. OurStory timelines can be presented as a form of an autobiography framework for the class, as students research their own lives and past histories. Also, students can identify different time periods of famous writers using the timeline.
 * How can OurStory be used in the ELA classroom setting?**

Another way in which OurStory can be used is to allow students to relate classroom learning to events in their actual lives. There is a travel set of questions on the website. If a class is learning about a trip a character is taking, they can connect similarities and differences through making a timeline of a trip they have taken with their family. By allowing students to make connections through creating a timeline, they will enhance their understanding of materials read and discussed in class.

Lastly, this timeline allows for a teacher to differentiate instruction to various learners and interests. Visual aids are a key component to the learning needs of many students. This is especially true when workking with students with learning disabilities because they are able to connect to visual learning. Categorizing is also key and the timeline allows for a sense of organization for these students. This interactive approach is easy, safe, and fun. By allowing students to use this tool to construct a timeline, they are reseraching their own lives, learning to use a computer, creating a visual aid, incorportating pictures, and are able to connect with other classmates through a blog page.

Nicole, I agree with you when you say that this is not the easiest site to use. When we had to pick a site to become an expert on I check this one out and was discouraged when I tried to play around with it. I also don't like that you have to pay for unlimited access. I do however really like that this could be an option for students to use when having to make a time-line. It allows for them to more creative in the process. ~erin o