MOODLE - H5P in 2 minutes - Create a Timeline activity

This tutorial focuses on utilizing the H5P Timeline module, a feature designed for generating visual chronologies. These timelines serve to illustrate sequential data effectively. For demonstration purposes, the module will be employed to map out a university course schedule for a second semester. Once finalized, the activity presents a structured format for students to follow.

To begin the process within a course, the user navigates to the option to add a new activity or resource. From the displayed menu, the specific icon for H5P Interactive Content must be selected, followed by clicking 'Add' to proceed to the configuration screen.

The first configuration section involves the description field, which allows for detailing the activity; however, filling this out is optional. If a description is provided, a checkbox must be marked to ensure it displays on the main course page.

The subsequent required field concerns the editor selection. This is where the specific H5P module is chosen, either by searching for 'Timeline' in the search bar or by selecting it from the comprehensive dropdown list.

Once the Timeline module is active, various fields require population. The initial step is assigning a title to the activity, which will be visible on the course page listing. Following this, a title must be assigned to the chronology itself; while this can mirror the activity title, it is the text displayed directly on the timeline visualization.

The 'Body Text' section allows for the input of more extensive information pertaining to the overall chronology. Furthermore, users possess the capability to modify the zoom level of the timeline visualization. Additional visual controls appear below this section, enabling the addition and modification of a background image.

In the dedicated media section, external resources can be integrated by copying the resource link into the provided input box. It is crucial to remember to include the necessary credits for any external material used in this area.

The 'Create Content' section defines the primary elements students will interact with first. To establish the initial point on the timeline, a start date must be entered in the 'Date' field. If the event spans a duration, the end date should also be supplied.

Each discrete event requires a title tailored to the specific need. Accompanying this, descriptive text can be added, along with optional media, which can be an image or a linked resource. Once these fields are populated, the first event is complete.

The first event is now finished.

Additional timeline points are added by utilizing the 'Add Item' button. This action prompts the user to fill out the required fields again: start date, optional end date, title, descriptive text, and media assets, allowing for the sequential building of the chronology.

In addition to single events, the module offers the flexibility to define broader time spans, referred to as periods. This feature is useful for illustrating extended eras or phases within the overall timeline structure.

To create a period, the user clicks 'Add Item' and then specifies the required start and end dates for that duration. A title must also be assigned to clearly label the period on the visualization.

Before finalizing the activity, the interface language, which defaults to English, should be adjusted if a different display language is preferred by the learners. The configuration process concludes by clicking 'Save and Return to Course' or 'Save and Display' to view the result.

After saving, an immediate preview of the created chronology is presented. This view displays the main timeline title and the accompanying description directly beneath it.

The image designated as the background is positioned behind the timeline structure. If an external link was included, it appears adjacent to the timeline's title. Navigation between individual events is facilitated either by using the arrows located on either side of the timeline or by clicking directly on the event markers.

Periods are represented by colored bands under the timeline right here.

With these steps completed, the user possesses the necessary knowledge to effectively create and deploy a dynamic timeline activity within the Moodle learning environment.