-
Radios in the Classroom
Radio technology first enters the classroom. Radio technology helps improve penmanship, history, accounting, and mathematics as teachers are able to reach wider audiences. -
The Overhead Projector
In the 1930s overhead projectors, originally used for military instruction, entered the mainstream classroom. Instruction was enhanced visually with the use of this technology. -
Film Enters the Classroom
Audio-Visual Teaching became mainstream: More than half of all classrooms are using silent film for instruction by the mid-1930s. -
The Autotutor
The teaching machine was a mechanical device that was designed to aid in the teaching and learning process. It was an early form of computer-based learning that used programmed instruction to teach students. B.F. Skinner, a psychologist, developed the machine and believed that learning was a behavior modification process. His theory was that learning could be achieved through small, incremental steps reinforced by rewards. The machine provided immediate feedback but was difficult to program. -
The Personal Computer
The Personal Computer, or PC, was developed in the mid-1970s by technology pioneers such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, among others. The PC was a revolutionary device designed to be used by individuals rather than large organizations or institutions. The PC was initially developed as a tool for hobbyists, but it quickly gained popularity among educators and students as a powerful tool for learning and instruction. -
Educational Software
The personal computer brought new educational software that made learning more fun and accessible to students. Software such as "The Oregon Trail," "Math Blaster," and "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" helped students learn history, math, and geography in a fun and interactive way. These educational games were so popular that they became a staple in classrooms nationwide. -
The World Wide Web
One of the most significant contributions of the internet to education was the creation of online courses and e-learning platforms. These platforms enabled students to learn from anywhere in the world, at any time of day, and at their own pace. This was particularly beneficial for students who lived in remote areas or had other commitments that made it difficult to attend traditional classes. -
The Learning Management System
An LMS is a software application that allows educators to manage and deliver educational content and courses online. It provides a virtual classroom experience where students can access course materials, interact with their peers and teachers, and submit assignments. The LMS has transformed the way education is delivered, making it more efficient, accessible, and convenient for both teachers and students. -
Mobile Devices
Mobile devices became popular in the field of educational technology in the mid-2010s. Mobile devices, like tablets, allowed for more personalized learning and helped students build their digital literacy. Mobile devices could access the internet, and educators used learning applications to build engagement in course content. -
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)
MOOCs are online courses that are designed to be accessible to a large number of students, regardless of their geographical location or financial resources. They first emerged in the late 2000s, but not until the mid-2010s that they gain mainstream popularity. The main reason for this rise in popularity was the increased availability of high-speed internet and the proliferation of mobile devices. These two factors enabled people to access MOOCs from anywhere at any time. -
Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT
AI technologies like ChatGPT can personalize learning experiences for students. With the help of AI, students can receive customized learning materials that cater to their unique needs and learning styles. For instance, ChatGPT can analyze a student's writing patterns and suggest improvements to enhance the quality of their writing. This level of personalization can help students learn more effectively and efficiently.