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netTrekker d.i.'s Dynamic Timeline

netTrekker d.i.'s Dynamic Timeline provides a chronological index of eras, events, arts and innovations, and famous people throughout history. Zoom into a specific period of history, compare and contrast major innovations across continents, or layer artistic works onto periods of history. netTrekker d.i. gives users the power to view history piece by interactive piece.

netTrekker d.i. Timeline
Here's how to use netTrekker d.i.'s Dynamic Timeline:

• Access the Timeline
  Click "Timeline," located in the Features toolbox.

        Example:

  

  
  

• Select a Timeline
  netTrekker d.i. will display the introductory Timeline page. Each level of netTrekker d.i. (Elementary, Middle, or High) will present a selection of timelines appropriate to that level. Select a timeline from the list (e.g. U.S. History), or enter a time span in the boxes provided and click .
  
  

  Example of the Timeline Interface:

  
  
  

• Navigate the Timeline
  netTrekker d.i. will display a Timeline based upon your selections.

  Each timeline is broken up into 5 main categories:

  eras

  The top area of the Timeline, in black, indicates generally recognized time periods marked by particular social and environmental changes such as wars, social issues, leaps in technology, etc.

  events

  The second area of the Timeline, in blue, indicates distinct events or occurrences which took place during a particular time period. Such events have precisely known dates, and can include wars and battles, presidential speeches, newly enacted laws, the signing of treaties, and other events marked in history.

  arts

  The third area of the Timeline, in orange, indicates relevant and influential works produced by writers, painters, sculptors, and musicians during a particular time period.

  innovations/discoveries

  The fourth area of the Timeline, in green, indicates new discoveries, methods, approaches, and ideas in the fields of science and the military during a particular time period.

  famous people

  The fifth area of the Timeline, in purple, indicates the famous people who were alive during a particular time period.

  To get a netTrekker d.i. Search Result on any area of the Timeline, click the link. Each link will bring back a Search Result.
  
  

• Expand the Timeline
  netTrekker d.i. allows you to add to your timeline in many ways.

  Drill-Down Through the Timeline
  The timeline icon ( ) always indicates another timeline. To focus your timeline on just one era or event, click this icon when it appears. A new timeline will be created dictated by your selection.

  Expand/Contract the Categories
  netTrekker d.i. allows you to expand and contract the 5 main categories of a timeline by using the small arrows found within each category. Select the "expanding" arrow to increase the number of items in each category; select the "contracting" arrow to decrease the number of items in each category.

  Example of the Expansion Arrows:
  
  
  

  Move the Timeline (only available with selected spans of time)
  When you select a span of time for your Dynamic Timeline, you are not necessarily restricted to those dates. Use the buttons to move the timeline backward or forward in time.

  Add a Layer (only available in pre-defined timelines)
  netTrekker d.i. allows you to add layers of disciplines on an existing Timeline, creating a cross-disciplinary tool to fit your needs. Select a layer from the pull-down menu at the top of the screen and click . A legend will appear at the top of the screen indicating the new layer(s).

  Example of Selecting a Layer:
  



You only have access to the Save the Timeline feature if you are logged into netTrekker d.i. as an individual user. If you access netTrekker d.i. through your school's IP address, you can register for free as an individual user if you want to use this feature.

• Save the Timeline
  

  Once you've created and expanded a timeline to suit your purposes, you can save it and share it in the same way that you Save Searches and manage your Portfolio.

  Click on at the top of the timeline. This will take you to a dialog box where you can edit the title, add a description and/or place the timeline within an existing folder, if you choose.

  Example of Saving a Timeline:
  

  Click on to include your Timeline in your My Portfolio list.

  Now you can manage your timeline in all the ways you manage other saved searches. For more information on how to handle saved searches, check out the My Portfolio help.

Other Ways to Access the Timeline
netTrekker d.i. also provides instant access to timelines focused around the dates of the lives of famous people and significant events with the People & Events Timeline.