EME3813 Ed Tech Timeline

  • Invention of the iPad

    Invention of the iPad
    The iPad, released in 2010, became a revolutionary and versatile tool in classroom settings. Allowing students to receive information from a new, exciting, and engaging vessel, the iPad successfully initially connected many students to the world of educational technology.
  • Personal Learning Environments

    Personal Learning Environments
    A personal learning environment is a space in which a student can highlight their academic activities, providing examples of their work through a variety of modalities. This advancement in ed tech afforded students the ability to connect with each other, creating necessary networking opportunities.
  • Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

    Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
    A MOOC is a free web-based educational program providing classes through a university to students who are spread all over the globe. MOOCs revolutionized the way in which learning can be disseminated to students, connecting thousands from around the world.
  • Nearpod Released

    Nearpod Released
    The interactive-lesson guru Nearpod was founded in 2012. In essence, Nearpod engages students in the learning process by allowing instructors to employ a variety of teaching methods through the integrative multimedia approach the platform provides.
  • Google Classroom Introduced

    Google Classroom Introduced
    A self-proclaimed "one-stop shop" for educators, the popular Google Classroom platform was first introduced in 2014. The application allows teachers to easily manage classes, distribute paperless materials, post announcements, and give direct feedback. For students, the platform serves to house their classwork and materials in an organized and accessible fashion to support academic growth.
  • Nationwide shift to 1:1

    Nationwide shift to 1:1
    2015 saw many school districts across the nation recognizing the true impact of technology on overall learning, causing great investments toward ensuring each student had a piece of technology in the classroom. Since then, the push to expand 1:1 offerings has grown stronger so every student can operate a personal learning device.
  • Federal Push for Computer Science Education

    Federal Push for Computer Science Education
    In his 2016 State of the Union address, President Obama declared that students should be taught hands-on computer science to one day prepare them for the jobs they would hold in the future. This started a nationwide effort toward ensuring the digital literacy of all students to prepare them to become active members of society.
  • Virtual Reality Learning Popularizes

    Virtual Reality Learning Popularizes
    While on the rise for a few years prior, 2017 saw a boom in VR offerings. One in particular was the Veative Labs VR learn headset, which allowed students to explore STEM modules in an immersive, 360-degree environment. In general, the extensions of VR during this time made learning more engaging and fun for students in all-encompassing settings.
  • Grasshopper Released

    Grasshopper Released
    The Grasshopper application opened the door for students to build upon their digital literacy skills through coding. The free app allowed students to explore the world of coding, specifically JavaScript, through the creation of interactive animations. Since then, many have built upon the demand for students to learn how to code as it has become an essential skill in many workplaces.
  • Smartboards Integrated into Classroom Learning

    Smartboards Integrated into Classroom Learning
    While Smartboards, whiteboards that allow for interactive displays, had been around for quite some time, 2019 saw a drop in price. This triggered more school districts to acquire the technology. Since then, teachers have been creating more dynamic and engaging lessons that cater to the various learning needs of students.
  • COVID E-Learning

    COVID E-Learning
    COVID, though somewhat disastrous to student academic achievement, caused many districts to shift to entirely e-learning-based methods of instructional delivery. Since then, many districts have continued to offer virtual instruction opportunities to students, both in full- and part-time capacities. Many districts have been fine-tuning these online learning platforms, increasing overall student enrollment across the nation and maximizing learning outcomes.