1970s

  • Qualitative Inquiry In Research

    Qualitative Inquiry In Research
    Qualitative procedures were explored in the world of psychology. Although quantitative research practices remained popular, the need to understand qualities, details, and the human connection brought about the implementation of qualitative research.
  • The Access of Pascal, Mainframes, and Minicomputers

    The Access of Pascal, Mainframes, and Minicomputers
    Pascal was created, and mainframes and minicomputers began to see some usage in schools, but were rarely used for instructional delivery.
  • Division of Materials Research is Established

    Division of Materials Research is Established
    With the founding of the Division of Materials Research established by the National Science Foundation, the NSF has focused its efforts toward making necessary materials accessible to students and future scientists. By making materials available, the NSF enables researchers to make significant advances in science and technology.
  • Invention of the Floppy Disk

    Invention of the Floppy Disk
    In 1971, the floppy disk was invented by IBM and with it software and updates could now be easily uploaded to mainframe computers. The floppy disk helped people more easily save and share data, so workers and students could now work on computers at work or school and at home. As personal computers became more common, the floppy disk became the most popular way to store data for small systems.
  • Gerlach & Ely model introduced

    Gerlach & Ely model introduced
    This instructional design model focuses on systemic planning and is a mix of linear and cyclical design. It has ten elements and can be easily understood and implemented by teachers designing lessons. It lends itself very well to including different types of media in lesson planning.
  • Research focus: Technology in Classrooms

    Research focus: Technology in Classrooms
    A major research focus was the implementation of technology into classrooms. Some research indicated that the idea of implementing technology was far more impressive than the reality of it. Some issues included the inability to match software with hardware and lack of training for educators. Still, some believed that technology in education would one day become its own subject matter.
  • Invention of the Personal Computer

    Invention of the Personal Computer
    In 1974, the MITS Altair 8800 was released and was the first personal computer. This computer, which ran the Altair Basic coding language and had no screen, was created by Paul Allen and Bill Gates and was reasonably priced at $300.00, so many more people now had access to a computer. Not long after, the Xerox ALTO computer was released which could share and print files for the first time.
  • Gagne & Briggs publish Principles of Instructional Design

    Gagne & Briggs publish Principles of Instructional Design
    This book outlined the use of cognitive psychology and information-processing theory to help teachers design and develop instruction. It outlines Gagne’s nine stages of instructional design for use in developing curriculum modules.
  • Research focus: Multimedia Courses

    Research focus: Multimedia Courses
    The founding of Open University allowed individuals over the age of 21 considered “unqualified” for universities, the opportunity to attend from home. Research focused on the implementation of different media including television, radio, and telephone conferences to enhance the quality of education.
  • Access and Donation of the Apple 1

    Access and Donation of the Apple 1
    In 1975, Apple 1 pcs were given to some schools, but schools were still reluctant to use PCs.
  • ADDIE Model developed by the Center for Educational Technology at Florida State University for the U.S. Army

    ADDIE Model developed by the Center for Educational Technology at Florida State University for the U.S. Army
    This instructional design model was adopted by the US Army in 1975 and consisted of five steps (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). Many revisions have been made over the years to make the model more interactive.
  • Invention of the Apple 1 Computer

    Invention of the Apple 1 Computer
    In 1975, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created the first Apple I computer which was the beginning of the personal computer we use today and was the start of Apple's popularity. The Apple 1 was the first personal computer to have a keyboard attached to a screen, so users could instantly see what they were working on versus using the switches and punch cards of previous personal computers.
  • Broader Access in Computers and Instruction

    Broader Access in Computers and Instruction
    Over two million students were using computers in classrooms; 55% of schools had computers and 23% were used for instruction.
  • Access to Teaching Learning Process Friendly Computers

    Access to Teaching Learning Process Friendly Computers
    Software went under development to make computers compatible with the teaching learning process. The term “computer literacy” in education was born, although it was difficult to assign standards at the time. Videodiscs and Logo, a problem-solving skill developer were experimented on, but failed due to the technology being too early.
  • Dick & Carey publish The Systematic Design of Instruction which introduces their Systems Approach Model

    Dick & Carey publish The Systematic Design of Instruction which introduces their Systems Approach Model
    This comprehensive instructional design theory involves nine steps and is curvilinear in nature. While it looks complicated due to the multiple steps and arrows pointing in different directions, it is very effective planning towards an identified instructional goal. It remains one of the most popular and widely-used models.
  • Invention of the first Electronic Spreadsheet - VisiCalc

    Invention of the first Electronic Spreadsheet - VisiCalc
    VisiCalc was the first electronic spreadsheet and it revolutionized the computer and accounting industries. VisiCalc, which was made for the Apple II, was the first program that allowed users to enter and calculate data in a “modern spreadsheet interface” rather than by hand, saving hours of work. For the first time, people were buying personal computers specifically for the program because VisiCalc was so efficient. VisiCalc paved the way for Lotus 1-2-3 and then Microsoft Excel.