The History of Ed Tech

Oral Communication

3000 BCE

Oral communication, one of the oldest forms of education, was used in ancient times to convey stories, folklore, histories, and news, making accurate memorization a critical skill. Even today, many indigenous cultures maintain oral traditions. Oral communication remains a vital part of human interaction, playing a crucial role in the transmission of culture and knowledge. (Sullivian, 2013) Socrates argued that reliance on written documents hindered the development of memory.

Written Communication

700 BCE

The role of written communication in education has a long history. It is reported that Moses inscribed the Ten Commandments on stone around the 7th century BC. Written communication has made long and analytical reasoning more accessible, while the invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed written knowledge to reach a wider audience, leading to a rapid expansion of formal education in Europe (Kress, 2010).

Broadcasting and Video

1920

The BBC launched educational radio programs in the 1920s, with the first broadcast in 1924. By the 1960s, television became a key educational tool, leading to the establishment of the Open University (OU) in 1969. OU combined print materials with BBC broadcasts. While radio emphasized oral communication, television used formats like documentaries. The 1990s saw advances in video technology and the rise of platforms like MIT’s OpenCourseWare and YouTube, transforming access to education.

Computer Technologies

1950

The development of computer-based learning began in the 1950s with B.F. Skinner’s teaching machines. The PLATO system emerged in the 1970s, introducing online concepts like forums and email. In the 1980s, attempts to use artificial intelligence for teaching began. The rise of the Internet in the 1990s led to the creation of learning management systems (LMS) and online courses. MIT's OpenCourseWare launched in 2002, followed by YouTube in 2005, revolutionizing access to educational content.