History of Technology in Communication

By jgriff
  • 500 BCE

    Oral Communication

    People communicated orally by sharing stories and information that could be passed on from person to person.
  • 1400

    Invention of the Printing Press

    Invention of the Printing Press
    Printing press invented in the 15th century, expanding access to written communication.

  • Blackboards and Chalkboards used in the Classroom

    Blackboards and Chalkboards used in the Classroom
    Educators began using Blackboards and Chalkboards to share information with all students in the classroom.

  • First instance of Correspondence Education

    First instance of Correspondence Education
    With the creation of the US Postal Service, correspondence education became an opportunity for students and faculty to communicate, and provide students located far from traditional universities with educational opportunities.

  • Creation of the United States Postal Service

    Creation of the United States Postal Service
    The United States Postal Services is created to connect people across the country via written communication.

  • Projectors Introduced in the Classroom

    Projectors Introduced in the Classroom
    The military used projectors to communicate information to train soldiers in Word War II. This is another example of how a technology can be used to communicate the same information to multiple learners at one time.

  • Audio Conferencing Introduced

    Audio Conferencing Introduced
    Audio Conferencing via telephone connects people from multiple locations.

  • Video Conferencing Introduced

    Video Conferencing Introduced
    Users can now communicate face-to-face using video conferencing.

  • World Wide Web Introduced

    World Wide Web Introduced
    The Internet connects people virtually, allowing people to communicate with each other without the delays associated with sending communication via the US Mail.

  • The First Learning Management Systems Introduced

    The First Learning Management Systems Introduced
    Learning management systems, such as Blackboard, allow users to connect with others in a educational setting. Discussion forums allow students to post ideas, assignments, and learn from their peers and instructor.

  • Future of Communication and Technology

    Future of Communication and Technology
    The future of communication and technology includes more synchronous communication opportunities for students and faculty through blending learning and physical spaces supported by technology.