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Technology in Education
As one of the most present educational tools today, technology has been adapting in the classroom since it's dawn in the 1800's. By tracing back the timeline, the earliest objects used were only able to project pictures and perform basic arithmetic. Today, classes can be organized fully online. This timeline will stretch from the first calculator to modern day computers, exploring the rapid progression of technology in the classroom and how it has increased the value of education. -
Optical/Magic Lantern
Magic Lanterns were usually made of steel/brass. The optical system and light source used wick oil lamps and candles, with a concave mirror to direct light through a glass picture and project it on a wall.
Lanterns were the first form of technology used in an educational format in the 1880's. Originally used by magicians and photographers, but quickly lecturers incorporated it into their teaching style.
Found on the Smithsonian, the metadata did not include exact dimensions nor who created it. -
IBM 650 System
The IBM 650 Magnetic Drum Data-Processing Machine is known as a pioneer in programming. It was the first mass produced computer, able to perform basic arithmetic and programming. It was widely used in high schools and universities to kickstart teaching software engineering after the Vocational Education Act passed in support of using technology in schools.
Found on Computer History Museum, created in the IBM Laboratory by Frank Hamilton, Ernest Hughes, and James Troy.
5ftx3ftx6ft & 1966 lbs -
Handheld Calculator
The first handheld calculator was made with of metal and plastic with buttons. It typed onto a little slip of paper instead of a screen like we are used to today.
Made by Texas Instruments Cal Tech, the handheld calculator was the smallest instrument able to compute basic arithmetic, as large computers were thought to be necessary. It was introduced into schools in the mid 1960's, and produced commercially in the 1990's.
Found on the Smithsonian, created by Jack Kilby.
7/4in x 9/4in x 25/4in -
Google Classroom
Developed by Google and Blackboard, Google Classroom is an internet platform specifically designed for educational purposes with the goal of organizing information for both teachers and students. It was one of the first web platforms specifically made to assist in the classroom, and represented education fully embracing use of the web as an educational tool. It is still used today along with countless other similar sites, including Canvas.
This is a picture of how the material can be organized. -
Modern Day Technology
Comparing these objects to modern day technology, the internet and online learning platforms, the possibilities for education have grown exponentially. Students and teachers are now able to access information and resources from anywhere in the world, making customizable lessons for individual learning styles. Technology has made education more inclusive, accessible, and interactive, allowing students to learn at their own pace in their own way. It has increased the value of the classroom. -
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology has played an ever-growing role in education since its inception, from the earliest projectors and calculators to modern-day computers. The timeline of the progression of technology shows how educators have adapted and utilized technology to enhance their methods, engagement, and improve learning outcomes. In the early days, projectors were a novelty, and laptops were a dream. However, as technology advanced, it became more accessible an integral part of the classroom. -
Sources
Writeup References:
https://www.sutori.com/en/story/history-of-ed-technology--ytqFiQtYAehdVYSHfm2VNDkv
https://home.csulb.edu/~murdock/histofcs.html
https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2013/02/vision-learning-history-classroom-projectors#:~:text=1925%3A%20The%20Filmstrip%20Projector&text=Filmstrip%20projectors%20allowed%20teachers%20to,replaced%20them%20in%20the%201980s. -
Conclusion cont.
The benefits of technology cannot be denied; it has revolutionized the way we learn and has opened up a world of opportunities for students and educators alike. Technology has made learning more interactive, engaging, and accessible for all. This timeline of the progression of technology in education shows us how far we have come and how much more is achievable. As we continue to embrace technology in the classroom, we can see how it has drastically increased the value of education. -
Sources cont.
Objects:
https://www.si.edu/object/triunial-triple-stereopticon-magic-lantern-ca-1890:nmah_760381
https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0020075#?c=&m=&cv=&xywh=-1738%2C-134%2C9728%2C5022
https://www.computerhistory.org/revolution/early-computer-companies/5/111/475
https://www.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/650/650_room.html
https://www.si.edu/object/handheld-electronic-calculator-prototype-texas-instruments-cal-tech:nmah_1329686