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The Hornbook
The hornbook was used in the classroom as a technology device that taught basics such as vowels and consonants as well as the alphabet. -
Boston Latin School was founded
This school was opened to prepare boys to read bible. -
The "Magic Lantern"
Although the device was used in homes and theaters, magic lanterns were deployed in the classroom to enhance learning and student engagement. -
Schools are implemented in Colonies
Massachusetts Bay Colony was the first to require towns of at least 50 households to hire a teacher to educate the town’s children. -
School for Working Children Opens
An evening school for working children is established in New Amsterdam (now New York City.) -
First Black School Opens
Quaker school for black students established in Philadelphia. -
First North American school for girls
The Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula founded the first North American school for girls in French New Orleans. -
Chalkboard is Introduced
Had a profound impact on teaching -
Slates and Chalk
During the 1800s students used slates which were small blackboards that were written on using a piece of chalk -
First Public School in U.S.
Boston started the first public school in the United States. -
First Public High School Opens
Boston’s English High School opens with 102 students.The school is the first tuition-free public high school. -
Bilingual Education Begins
Ohio becomes the first state to adopt a bilingual education law, allowing for German-English instruction at parents’ requests. -
The National Teachers Association is Formed
The name later changes to National Education Association (NEA). -
Women Enroll at University for First Time
Women enter the University of Michigan for the first time since its founding at Ann Arbor in 1817. -
First Kindergarten
The board of education in St. Louis, MI established the first public school kindergarten. It started with 42 students. -
Typewriter
The typewriter was limited to capital letters however, other competitors began to use both uppercase and lowercase letters in the latter part of the 1800s. -
Native American School Opens
A school for Native-American children opens in Carlisle, PA with 147 students. -
Classroom Structure Begins to Evolve
The classroom structure began to evolve from a one-room orientation to the graded classrooms we know today. -
School Becomes Required
School attendance becomes required in every U.S. state. -
The Film Projector
The projector displayed still images from a film strip accompanied by an audio recording -
Overhead Projector
Advanced classrooms even more -
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
This is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. -
Drivers Education Begins
Pennsylvania is the first state to establish a driving course for students at a State College High School. -
Headphones
Made using other technology easier. -
Filmstrips Brought Into Classrooms
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The Mimeograph
Used by teachers to print classroom materials and school office staff used them to print out various documents used for daily operations within the school. -
School Lunch is Implemented
The National School Lunch Act of 1946 was approved, creating the
modern school lunch program. -
Performing Arts School Opens
The School of Performing Arts is the first public high school to specialize in music, dance, theater, and broadcasting. -
Ball Point Pen Introduced into Classrooom
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The Slide Ruler
Was commonly used to make scientific calculations -
Videotapes
New and exciting method of instruction -
Segregated Schools are Unconstitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court rules schools segregated by race are unequal and therefore unconstitutional. -
Photocopier
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Whiteboards
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Liquid Paper
Now known as "white out" and was used with the typewriter. -
The Teacher of the Deaf Act is Enacted
It is designed to train teachers to educate students who are hard of hearing or deaf. -
Aid for Elementary is Passed
Congress passes the Elementary and Secondary Education School
Act, providing aid to secondary and primary schools and helping
educate poor children. -
Handheld Calculator
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Scantrons
Helped make testing go faster. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act is Approved
Required states to provide free education for all children with disabilities. -
Apple 1
Apple began donating the apple 1 computer to schools. -
Microcomputers Became Affordable
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Development of the Personal Computer
Caused a push to integrate technology into our nation's classrooms. -
Radios
Radios sparked a new wave of learning; on-air classes began popping up for any student within listening range. -
BBC Micro
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World Wide Web
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Moodle was Created
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Social Media Introduced
Myspace was introduced along with Facebook and twitter. Many schools restrict the use of the platforms, but some are open. -
Nation Education Technology Plan was Published
The plan called for a "revolutionary transformation of education rather than evolutionary tinkering." -
Ipads and Tablets
Started to be introduced into the classroom -
Tablet Sales for the K-12 Market Exploded
These devices are cheaper than laptops, but still give students a 1:1 ratio.