History of Educational Technology

By dogatas
  • 10 BCE

    Oral Communication Era

    Oral Communication Era
    In ancient times, stories, folklore, and news were shared through oral traditions, a practice that persists in many indigenous cultures today. Despite the existence of various written documents and technological tools over the years, none have fundamentally altered the oral foundation of communication in education. For the ancient Greeks, oratory and speech were the means by which people learned and passed on learning. (Teaching in A Digital Age, p.215)
  • 7 BCE

    Written Communication Era

    Written Communication Era
    The Bible indicates that Moses inscribed the Ten Commandments on stone tablets around the 7th century BC. Despite Socrates's criticism of writing, it enables clearer, reproducible arguments that are easier to critique than spoken words. The 15th-century invention of the printing press revolutionized access to written knowledge, akin to the Internet's impact today, leading to increased literacy and analytical skills, and fostering a rapid expansion of formal education across Europe.

  • Broadcasting and Video Era

    Broadcasting and Video Era
    The BBC launched educational radio programs in the 1920s, followed by its first adult education broadcast in 1924 (p.217). In the 1960s, educational television emerged, and the Open University was established in 1969 with the BBC to improve access to higher education. The 1980s saw the rise of satellite broadcasting, including India’s INSAT satellite for local language programs. The 1990s brought lower video production costs and the emergence of online platforms like OpenCourseWare and YouTube.

  • Computer Technologies Era

    Computer Technologies Era
    Educational technology began in the 1950s with B.F. Skinner's teaching machines for automated learning. The PLATO system introduced important online concepts and lasted nearly 40 years. The 1991 launch of the World Wide Web enabled Learning Management Systems (LMS) and MOOCs by 2008, alongside the integration of social media in education. Overall, new technologies often complement older methods, indicating a significant shift in educational paradigms. (Teaching in a Digital Age, 2019)