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Chalkboard
Chalk on the blackboard was a revolutionary piece of educational technology. It was first used by George Baron to teach mathematics and James Pillans to teach geography. The chalkboard allowed teachers to write down key notes for students and section out the board for different pieces of information/subjects. -
Typewriter
The typewriter was developed and patented by Christopher Latham Sholes. This invention helped teach reading and writing, motivating children to type efficiently. -
Stereoscope
The stereoscope allowed students to look through lens to view images up close. It was used in classrooms to help teachers emphasize points and images. This made learning much more exciting for students. -
Radio
The radio was invented to transmit information quickly to those far away. It was used by universities and schools to broadcast information and lessons to students through specific channels. This is an efficient form of distance learning. -
Film Projector
The filmstrip projector showed informational movies through still photos to students in classrooms. This invention took over the stereoscope's place in education. -
Overhead Projector
The overhead projector was used in classrooms to assist lectures by allowing students to view a paper that the teacher would then write on and emphasize key points. This eliminated the need for teachers to turn their backs on students when writing on the chalkboard, which ultimately blocked students views. -
Mimeograph
This invention allowed teachers to produce copies of class materials by manually cranking a machine that forced ink onto a stencil. Now, every student could get a copy of the notes or handout in class. -
Skinner Learning Machine
B.F. Skinner from Harvard University developed this invention to help aid learning. This learning machine worked by placing paper disks, which had questions and answers on them, into the machine. The student answers the questions one by one and the correct answer is revealed. This way of learning and test-taking made it more efficient for students who learn at different paces to study alone. -
Handheld Calculator
The calculator helps assist students computing long mathematic equations. At first, a lot of teachers were hesitant to introduce handheld calculators as they were afraid it would compromise the students learning. However, the handheld calculator became an asset to the classroom. -
Personal Computer
Used alongside a CD ROM disk usually, the computer helped store an encyclopedia's worth of information and allowed students to type out material as well. This invention took over the typewriter in classrooms. -
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint allowed teachers to present their materials through a slideshow. This was revolutionary in teaching and is still used today. PowerPoint was initially named Presenter and was developed by Robert Gaskins and Dennis Austin at a computer software company called Forethought, Inc. -
World Wide Web
The internet made it easier for both students and teachers to access new materials and review different resources online. In the 1990s, search engines made it efficient to ask a question online and find an answer in seconds. Wikis made information very accessible and allowed for collaboration. -
Laptop
In classrooms, laptops replaced personal computers for students because of their portability and convenience. Laptops also were used by teachers to effectively store their materials, review lectures at home, and bring them to class. Becoming widely popular in the 1990s, laptops were invented by Apple. -
Interactive Whiteboard
Invented by Xerox PARC, the interactive whiteboard allowed students to interact with the images presented on the screen in classrooms. Additionally, teachers could use them to get feedback from the students by making them answer questions in real time. -
iClicker
The first clicker was introduced in 2000 by Tim Stezler and allowed teachers to gauge feedback with polls from an audience using wireless clickers. Simply, asking a question and polling the audience helps teachers even today with attendance, feedback, and student learning. -
Tablet
Apple released their first tablet, the iPad, in 2010. This allowed for students and teachers to use educational apps and notetaking apps. Many educational apps help teachers view students progress and problem areas. The iPad was cheaper and more portable than a laptop.