Timeline of Technological Integration

By msbluesqueen

  • 1990 World Wide Web

    Invented in 1990 and released in 1991, the internet wasn’t available to the general public until 1993. At that time, all connections were dial up. That made it slow since it used the telephone line and couldn’t handle video. Still, the access to info and people from around the world helped its popularity explode and change the world. Thanks to search engines, one can ask a question and get an answer fast. Even faster with high speed internet.

  • Social Media

    First on the social media scene was the site SixDegrees.com. Not educational technology at all. But let’s credit these platforms for some positives. Like YouTube for instructional videos. And LinkedIn for professional development. Many of today’s schools also use social platforms to share news and events via live feed. And what better way to share a high school graduation with friends and family who can’t be there in person?

  • First Laptop with WiFi

    Apple launches the first Wi-Fi-enabled laptop ever. The event took place at MacWorld in New York City on July 21, 1999. Steve Jobs showed wireless Internet off as he walked about on stage with the laptop in his hand. Then, passed the iBook through a hula hoop while the crowd cheered.

  • Interactive Whiteboard

    The interactive whiteboard is handy digital tool. So much so that many school systems are rolling them out. They use a touch sensitive screen, projector, and computer. Much like the chalkboard and overhead projector that came before. Today’s models make team work easier. Plus, teachers can use them to give feedback.

  • Moodle

    Martin Dougiamas came up with Moodle. It allows educators to build their own e learning website. And is now a well known virtual learning environment. Many people credit it for shaping online programs.

  • iClicker

    The iClicker was one of the first tools that let teachers take polls in real time. It allowed them to offer quizzes and take attendance. Plus, it had the option to share or keep results private.

  • E Reader

    Paperbacks date to the 1930’s. And credit for the idea of the e reader goes to writer and impresario Bob Brown after he watched his first “talkie” then wrote about his invention in the “Readies”. Still, it was only in 2007 that Amazon launched the Kindle eBook reader in the U.S.
    E books bring some flexibility to the classroom.

  • Tablets

    Tablets came after the smartphone. Unlike mobile phones, their use as a learning tool has more teachers on board. Above all since there are educational apps that engage and motivate learners. Plus, teachers are able to track students’ progress.

  • Google Classroom

    Google Classroom came out in August 2014. It marketed itself as the one stop shop to save teachers time so they can focus on teaching. By October 2015, Google estimated some 10 million students and teachers were using it.

  • AR Powered E book

    Hurix Digital launches KITABOO AR. An Augmented Reality Platform that turns paper books into an interactive eBook. In the enhanced version of reality, readers can see, hear and take part in content. Very engaging and interactive.

  • Predictive Learning Analytics

    Big data in the form of PLA gathers attention for use in the classroom. It helps them know where to put resources, change workflows, or target employee training. Plus, it helps teachers identify learners who may not complete a course.

  • Ed Tech Apps

    Mobile apps are making headway both to teach concepts and reinforce them through tutoring. They also address key issues that learners and teachers face. One making a difference comes from the U.K. Mind Moose uses short animations to help primary students learn about mental health. It teaches about brain science and burnout. And aims to foster more self esteem and resilience.