-
399 BCE
Socratic Method
Socrates begin to guide the learner through the use of questioning. This allows the student to tap into their previous knowledge and conduct a cooperative argumentative dialogue through asking and answering critical thinking questions -
Object Teaching: Quincy Methods
Variations of object-teaching was employed in Quincy, Massachusetts where students learned through sensory active processes (learning by doing), by using everyday objects to learn about abstract science principles. -
Audiovisual Instruction
Although the teacher was still considered the sole source of knowledge, a variation of object-teaching was employed in Quincy, Massachusetts where students learned through sensory active processes (learning by doing), by using everyday objects to learn about abstract science principles. -
PLATO Invented
The first Computer Assisted System is invented at the University of Illinois. PLATO-Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations-has a profound influence on education systems across the world -
Open University
The British government established the Open University (OU), which worked in partnership with the BBC to develop university programs open to all, using a combination originally of printed materials specially designed by OU staff, and television and radio programs made by the BBC but integrated with the courses. -
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments develops the first ever hand held electronic calculator. This would change the way teachers taught mathematics -
Intel Microprocessor
Intel's first Microprocessor is developed; microcomputers are widely used in the field of business, while software companies begin to develop mini-computer based instructional programs -
WWW.com
Tim Berners-Lee developed the World Wide Web and the Mosaic Web browser, which lead to the graphic and text-rich world of the Internet. Initially, contribution to the Web was limited to individuals who could use HTML code. The creation of the Internet foreshadowed the drastic changes in education. -
LMS-Learning Management Systems
Development of the first Learning Management Systems (LMSs), such as WebCT (which later became Blackboard). LMSs provide an online teaching environment, where content can be loaded and organized, as well as providing ‘spaces’ for learning objectives, student activities, assignment questions, and discussion forums. -
Online Courses
The first fully online courses (for credit) started to appear in 1995, some using LMSs, others just loading text as PDFs or slides. -
Social Media
The first recognizable social media site, Six Degrees, was created in 1997. It enabled users to upload a profile and make friends with other users. Since then we have seen a rise in academic and non academic social networking sites. Educational Social Media sites, such as Edmodo, have risen in popularity since Apps have allowed students to access information on the go. -
21st Century Technology
Apple announces the iPad. Since the original iPad, Apple has impacted the field of educational technology by opening up iTunesU and iBook Author, which curates current content and allows easy creation of interactive books and content. Soon classrooms all over America have personal tablets for student use. -
National Education Technology Plan
The National Educational Technology Plan, "Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology" Is released by the Department of Education. It outlines a vision to "Leverage the learning sciences and modern technology to create engaging, relevant, and personalized learning experiences for all learners that mirror students daily lives and the realities of their futures."
