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500
Invention of the quill
The quill quickly became the writing instrument of choice for most scholars. Over time, this stylus evolved to fountain pens, metal-tipped pens, and the ballpoint pens we see today. Link text -
800
Charlemagne standardizes Latin
Language has changed from symbols to letters to full sentences over time. In 800 AD, Charlemagne established standards for the Latin language that would pave the way for English in the near future. The transition from oral to written language allowed for later technological advances. Once language was standardized, people could learn it and true education could begin. Link text -
868
The Chinese invent the xylograph
The xylograph was the forerunner to the traditional printing press. This machine allowed for the mass distribution of written documents, allowing for block printing rather than handwritten documents. The Diamond Sutra of China is known as the world's oldest printed book. Link text -
1000
The first book is written in English
Beowulf was written in 1000 AD and is considered one of the earliest English texts. It was written in Old English, which served as the root for the developed English language in the years to come. The rise of English as a global language begins. Link text -
1450
Invention of the Gutenberg Press
In 1450, the Chinese idea of the printing press finally hit Europe. After years of adapting and testing new models, German innovator Johannes Gutenberg invented the European version of the printing press while politically exiled in France. This invention revolutionized the spread of information and put books in schools. The first documents that were widely print and spread were religious documents like the Bible. Link text -
Henry Mill creates the typewriter
While it did not gain popularity until the 19th century, the typewriter was given a royal patent in England in 1714 when it was invented by Henry Mill. This allowed for an even faster copying and thus distribution of written documents. -
Albert B. Dick creates the mimeograph
For the first century of its use, the typewriter created a need for people to type copies of original manuscripts for bulk distribution. In 1884, Albert B. Dick of Chicago invented the mimeograph, which duplicated documents without the need of a middle-man. Link text -
Chester Carlson creates xerography
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, inventors developed existing technologies. At the turn of the century, Chester Carlson created the xerography process, which he later sold to Xerox. The first office xerox machine was distributed in 1959. Link text -
Creation of the first computers
At the turn of the century, traditional computers began being developed. In 1938, William Hewitt and David Packard created a computer that used binary code in their garage in California. After this invention, computers developed rapidly, getting smaller and more refined with time. -
First laptop created
In 1984, the first laptop was created by IBM, allowing people to go beyond a personal computer that must stay at home to being able to transport it with them wherever they want to go. Around this time, the internet was also on the rise, making the world more connected. Link text -
The rise of e-readers starting with the Sony Librie
Soon after the creation of the laptop computers came the rise of small-scale, handheld devices. This development allowed for portable phones and e-readers where people can access books and other texts from remote locations or store large amounts of content in one place. The introduction of e-readers and other English technology in classes allows students to access content from their fingertips or keep an entire library in one device. Link text -
The future of English technology
Technology has allowed for reading, writing, and English skills to build and spread. This video shows the development of the book in more detail and helps show how things will develop in the future! New technology will revolutionize English education in the centuries to come. [Link text] )https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YqYtdPUis4)
