-
Chalkboard/Blackboard
Children started using them as handheld tablets. The first classroom to use a blackboard is difficult to pinpoint an exact date, but it was used for music education and composition in Europe in the 16th Century. The black chalkboard was used in classrooms as a communication tool in the U.S. in 1801 to teach children reading, writing and arithmetic. It wasn't until the 1960's until it changed to green. Eventually they got rid of chalkboards due to allergies and asthma issues. -
B.F. Skinner Teaching Machine
This machine asked standardized questions and if you answered them correctly, it would reward you with candy. B.F. Skinner believed the teaching machine had instruction potential because it provided immediate and regular reinforcement that maintained students interest. Although other experts argued their issues that with multiple choice formats were not best suited for teaching machines because contingencies of reinforcement would be left to chance and this format would increase student mistakes -
Overhead Projector
It was first used by the military in 1945, it didn't makes its way into the classroom until the late 1950's early 1960's. The projector allowed teachers to project lessons on the wall so that the students can visually see how solutions are completed. This was a low cost factor that made it an easy decision for schools since teaching materials can be pre-printed on plastic sheets, which the teacher can directly write using a dry erase marker. This saves time too. -
Educational Programming
The Public Broadcasting System brought educational programming, such as Sesame Street, into the classroom and homes. In its initial years the federal government provided funding and now 53%-60% of public televisions funding comes from private membership donations and grants. -
Scantron
Filling in the bubble. This popular technological tool became popular in 1972 for testing. As of 2011, ot cost $850 for 6000 sheets. Some teachers believe multiple choice tests and the use of scantrons limit the use of student creativity and wonder if the cost of scantrons are worth it. (http://bcomber.org/features/2011/05/26/the-story-behind-the-scantrons/) -
Desktop Computers
The first Apple II arrived in 1977. However classroom computers became more widespread in the early 1980's. Computers were going to be the way of the future and it was important for students to learn how to use computers to prepare for the global economy. Computers started out in colleges then into elementary and high school computer labs where students learned how to use computers and computer programming. -
Whiteboards
Chalkboards became a thing of the past when whiteboards came into the classrooms. They were easier to see with bright colorful markers, kids enjoyed learning with this new tool. Chalkboards according to the Institute for Asthma and Allergy, caused issues for those with allergies and asthma due to the chalk dust and it also caused dust on the classroom computers. -
The Internet
The internet gained wide acceptance in homes and schools by the mid 1990's. Teachers and administraters realized the benefits of its vast educational benefit. Internet allowed for quick retrieval of information needed for school projects, teacher lessons, etc. With textbooks becoming updated and out of date often, the internet helps to have up to date information for the classroom -
Interactive Whiteboards
The interactive whiteboards allowed the children to interact with the lessons the teacher was using on the board. This meets the needs for all types of student learners. Students with special needs were now able to become more involved with the classroom lesson and become engaged with the rest of the class. -
YouTube
YouTube allows for free educational videos in the classroom. Teachers can show video clips of volcanoes or hurricanes for science or maybe an instructional math video to give a different perspective on how to work out a math problem. The amount of videos available are endless. -
Audience Repsonse Devices
Audience response devices, such as the iClicker, allows for students to answer multiple choice questions during lectures. This allowed classrooms and instructors for quick feedback to know where their students stood with their knowledge on the lesson that was just taught. They can continue to explain or move on without having to call out any particular student. -
Tablets and Smart phones
These mobile devices gives students and teachers more capacity with the ease of the small size. These have grown in popularity and some schools ask to bring your own device or have some to borrow. -
Interactive Mobile Apps
There are a ton of educational apps available to both teachers and students. For example, Khan Academy allows the teacher to view the students progress immediately while the student is working on their math lesson.
