History of Technology

By Sevgi
  • 2700 BCE

    Abacus

    Abacus
    Used as a counting tool for arithmetic. The simplicity of its use was a major benefit to its users. The first abacus used was a Sumerian abacus, first used in Sumer in modern day Iraq.
  • Jan 1, 1440

    Printing Press

    Printing Press
    Discovered between 1440 and 1450 by Johannes Gutenberg.
  • Jan 1, 1500

    Textbook

    Textbook
    First one was published after the printing press, in 1500s.

  • Chalkboards

    Chalkboards
    A teaching staple since the 19th century (1800s), it allowed teachers to share information with the whole classroom, though they had to erase it and tart over when they ran out of space which was a slight problem.

  • Educational Radio

    Educational Radio
    Known as 'schools of the air' gave remote access to education. Extremely beneficial for students who lived in rural areas therefore could not afford to be in education; it was a cheap alternative to schooling. However its disadvantage was that it was not very interactive; it could not answer the students questions and did not allow the student one to one time with the teacher.

  • Educational Film/Filmstrips

    Educational Film/Filmstrips
    Projected still images on an advancing piece of film, accompanied by an audio recording. The technology remained popular through the 1980s and were invented in 1925.

  • The Computer

    The Computer
    1960s/1970s. Was used for problem solving and tutorial and coaching instruction. It provided education to any adult or child, at the time this piece of technology was revolutionary.

  • Educational Television

    Educational Television
    Included elements of education in children shows such as sesame street etc. Useful for visual learners.

  • The Internet

    The Internet
    Most revolutionary form of technology that is still valued greatly to this day. First discovered in 1990 by computer scientist Tim Bernes-Lee.

  • The interactive white board

    The interactive white board
    Great advance in educational technology. Early versions were wired to desktop computers while the latest models can connect with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and can be projected on any surface.

  • Smarthphones and Tablets

    Smarthphones and Tablets
    Mobile devices give students and teachers more capability in the palm of their hands than astronauts took to the moon 40 years ago. From 2007 interactive apps were designed to enhance learning from companies like Apple and Samsung.