ClioVis

ClioVis is a website platform that allows its user to make mind maps and timelines as a visualization tool. It is especially useful for classrooms, where both students and instructors alike can use it to display ideas, events, and other important information from/for a lesson. This platform was developed with this in mind, with funding from the University of Texas at Austin, where it is now labeled as a Critical Literacy Tool.

Clovis has some very interesting features on its platform to make it a good tool for online learning. It doesn’t have resources, per say but has the ability to add sources and cite them on the platform when making connections. You are able to work with others on the platform through collaborating on making connections and presentations. ClioVis also has a syllabus generator, where instructors can put class information in and have it made into a document. The site also hosts a list of digital archives that can be used to make timelines on their platform, as well as a best timeline contest. These features can also be used for other forms of presentation besides mind mapping and timelines, such as in genealogy projects or even museum exhibits. Having students create their own exhibit would be an excellent way to integrate historical thinking skills with digital literacy and thinking about how to best present information to others.

One very important feature of the website is its tiered pricing, meaning that there is a free option, but the more inclusive options do cost money. For free, a user receives 1 project and unlimited timelines, but for the paid option, users can create multiple projects, invite others to collaborate on their boards, and upload much more image or audio files to projects. Discounts are available for those with a .edu email address, but the cost may still be prohibitive to some users.