EDU 352: Foundations of Educational Technology Week 2 assignment

Running head: HISTORICAL EVENTS 1

Historical Events of Educational Technology

History of American Education (EDU 352)

HISTORICAL EVENTS 2

Historical Events of Educational Technology

Imagine a time where education was only the passage of knowledge from elders to youths

by grunts, basic language, and cave drawings. This time period was the birth of education and it

has along way from it origins. Technology can come in many forms including tools to better

perform tasks. Throughout history numerous inventions have developed education to its current

state but eight items have made a large impact on education.

In 1800s a headmaster decided to use a large school slate to present information to the

students. The use of the slate as a chalkboard became an instant success and was copied in every

American school. Chalkboards did not make change from its origin until the 1960s, which it was

changed to a piece of steel coated with porcelain. It was called a green board and it was lighter

on the eyes and the chalked was removed with more ease. The blackboard and slate was more

prominent in the states because of the high cost of paper (The History of the Classroom

Blackboard, 2012). The blackboard is still in use today in many classrooms because it allows

teachers to write or draw on the board and students can copy the information and ask follow-up

questions. However, the blackboard is on the wane because of the invention of whiteboards and

interactive whiteboards, which will be discussed later.

After the cost of paper was affordable the pencil was created to be able to write on now

affordable paper. Its invention came in 1900 not long after blackboards. The pencil allowed

students to quickly and accurately write on paper and erase mistakes they may have been made.

The students could take their writing home to repair mistakes or rewrite the required material.

Pencils is a mature tool that will have a place in education for years to come because of its

HISTORICAL EVENTS 3

usefulness. There are few other tools that allow students to write on paper and easily repair

mistakes that they have made.

Unlike the pencil, the invention of television in the 1930s did not allow immediate repair

of mistakes. Television offered a nationwide platform that could educate all the youths by

engaging stories, cartoons, and news. However, as stated previously news could be reported

incorrectly and the only course of correction was a message or announcement. Television also

removed a very important social aspect to children’s lives. It kept children indoors more often,

which is still prevalent today. This technology is very mature and as with pencils will have a

place within society for a long time.

The ballpoint pen was invented around the time of the Great Depression, which in turn

took awhile to actually gain popularity because of its initial high cost. However, the pen showed

greater usefulness over the pencil because of its ability to write on numerous surfaces. This

educational technology was first used by pilots then emerged into all other faucets of life

(Brachmann, 2014). In education, the pen allowed students to write in their textbooks without the

fear of the notes rubbing off. The tool is also mature and will continue to influence educators

around the world.

The hand-held calculator was invented in 1970 and drastically changed education. The

calculator meant that students did not have to rely only on mental calculation to complete their

tasks. Educators had to change they way they taught Math because students could easily do the

work at home. Educators had to not only had to incorporate the calculator into their plans but

mental work as well. The calculator is on the wane because calculators built into smart phones

are ubiquitous.

HISTORICAL EVENTS 4

As calculators are being incorporated into computer technology, the same computers are

steadily becoming connected to the Internet. The internet was created around the 1970s and has

boomed since its arrival. The Internet has changed the face of education in many ways and

continues to do so. Teachers now have a plethora of resources at their fingertips; as long as the

teacher is resourceful and knows areas on the net to find them, then the ideas are limitless.

Teachers are able to share their ideas not just from word of mouth but now by blogs and other

websites. This interconnectedness allows educators from around the world to better themselves

and in turn better their classroom and students. This technology is still emerging due to the high

cost of computers and Internet access in the classroom. Soon every classroom will come

equipped with a computing device and the Internet.

The Internet allowed teachers to interact with other teachers around the world while the

Interactive Whiteboard allowed students to learn in a more engaging environment. This

technology was only introduced to the world 16 years ago in 1999. Interactive Whiteboards or

Smartboards are engaging and can create more student-to-student interactions triggering better

recollection of the material. The technology, just as the Internet, is still emerging because of its

high cost. Usually an Interactive Whiteboard requires a computer, projector and a board. It is a

high price to pay to equip only one classroom.

Lastly, the Apple iPad has greatly influenced computing and education. The iPad took

computing from strictly typing to touch. It allowed students and educators to manipulate items in

four dimensions. The iPad made it debut in 2010, only 5 short years ago. It has been a huge

success for educators who can integrate it into their curriculum. It engages the students and gives

them a visual stimulation that may not otherwise be creatable. This EDtech tool is also emerging

HISTORICAL EVENTS 5

like Interactive Whiteboards and the Internet. The iPad will continue to shape education and the

way educators deliver their lessons.

Education is developing constantly. As new tools and technology emerges they are either

slowing making their way into education or rapidly because of their low cost and great benefits.

References

http://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/timeline3/latest/embed/index.html?source=1-fcQ-

GHPpPmo66j3x4EXN4aBDJUy83O1Hs8IBmmBqWQ&font=Default&lang=en&initial_zoom=

2&height=650

The History of the Classroom Blackboard (8 November 2012). Concordia Online Education.

Retrieved from http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/reference-material/the-history-of-

the-classroom-blackboard/

Brachmann, S. (10 Decemeber 2014). The evolution of modern ballpoint pen: A patent history.

IPWatchdog. Retrieved from http://www.ipwatchdog.com/2014/12/10/the-evolution-of-

modern-ballpoint-pen-a-patent-history/id=52550/