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Pencil
When pencils and papers finally became mass produced, they replaced the typically used school slate. -
First Film Projector
Although having videos in class seemed to me like it would have been a more recent invention, the creation of the film projector happened quite some time ago. It started with great support and even had Thomas Edison believing it would replace textbooks altogether. He said, "Scholars will soon be instructed through the eye." -
Ballpoint Pen
Ballpoint pens originally cost $9.75. It's no surprise then that it took them almost 50 years to gain popularity. -
Handheld Calculator
Do you want to be the first to buy a handheld calculator? Although the calculator in the advertisement is by Sharp, Texas Instruments invented the very first handheld calculator. These tools were slow to be adopted by classroom teachers, worrying that the use of such a device would train students to be less invested in learning the math for themselves. -
Scantron Machine
This particular invention is one that I feel so wonderfully represents the benefits of technology in education: time is saved so that students and teachers alike can focus more on the learning. While many teachers often feel that technology undermines their teaching, the scantron machine simply enhances it. Grading accuracy is improved, teachers spend less time grading, and students wait less time to know their grades. -
Personal Computer
Access to computers in the classroom opened countless doors for students. -
"Oregon Trail" Educational Game
Oregon Trail was one of the earliest educational games to be accepted by schools. It paved the way for using computer games as a means of education, and it would not have been possible without the use of personal computers. -
Internet
Access to the internet was a major game-changer in education. Students were suddenly able to access search engines, countless sources, and numerous opportunitites for collaboration and discovery. -
First SMARTboard
Want to learn more? Visit their website! SMARTboards are faster, clearer, and less messy than chalkboards or whiteboards. They also save time, allow for more student interaction and manipulation, and they give even more clarity than projectors. -
University I-Clickers
I-Clickers are an excellent way to keep all students engaged and to allow for participation from everyone, regardless of their level of extroversion or introversion or their confidence with the material. -
iPad
Video: iPads in the Classroom iPads are now being adopted by schools all over. They can replace textbooks, paper assignments and handouts, and so much more. They facilitate collaboration between students and provide access to everything that computers have but with added mobility.
