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Hornbook
One of the first examples of the educational technology that was used to aid in teaching reading. A hornbook was a small, wooden, paddle shaped instrument. Though it was useful at the time, the hornbook became old-fashioned because, the cost of printing decreased and texts became more widely available. -
The Sandbox
In 1806, the Lancastrian methodology of schooling was introduced in New York City. Then, this new method brought a new educational technology form. This method needed a masterteacher and monitors in order to teach in large classes. The students were using a sandbox to practice the alphabet. It was used with their fingers to trace the letters. -
Blackboard
While individual slates were used in classroom during the early 1800s, it was not until 1841 that the classroom blackboard was introduced. By the late 1800s the blackboard had become permanent in most classrooms. -
Magic Lantern
It became popular around 1870. It can be called as the predecessor to the slide machine. The magic lantern was used to project images on glass plates. -
Lead Pencils
Around 20th century, mass produced pencils and paper were available and they gradually replaced the school slate. -
Film
When American educational system developed, the price of producing paper and printing books also dropped. This enabled paper to replace slates. Then, each child had his/her own books. When the books became available, any form of the educational technology began to emerge. It was film. The kinetoscope (motion picture) was invented in 1889. In 1902, the first educational films began to be shown. -
Radio
Radio was used in the early 1920s. It was presented as a tool which would revolutionize the classroom teaching. Normally, educational radio programs lasted 30-60 minutes and were broadcasted a few times a week. -
Overhead Projector
It was widely used by the U.S. military in the 1930s. The aim was to train forces during World War 2. Then, it spread to the schools. -
Television
Though it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that instructional television reached its peak. -
Computers
Computers were used for educational purposes in the 1960s. It was intended to individualize the intruction. Then, a method existed. It was called as Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI). CAI was intended to teach students a specific content area. -
The Internet
In today's world, Internet is one of the most popular forms of educational technology that is used in classrooms. Though some of the college courses can be taken online mostly without student- teacher interaction. This kind of usage is beginning to integrate K-12 public schools, especially at the high school. -