Technology Interactive Timeline (1900-1990s)

  • Magic Lantern

    Magic Lantern
    The Magic Lantern is a primitive version of a slide projector. It projected images printed on glass plates. By the end of World War I, approximately 8,000 lantern slides were circulating through the Chicago Public Schools System. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_lantern
  • Radio

    Radio sparked an entirely new way of learning. On-air classes began popping up for any student within listening range. Universities used radio and popular "Schools of Air" were created.
  • Visual Media

    Followed by the invention of photography in the 19th century, the Visual Instruction Movement was born. Visual media became widely accepted. Then came the publication of audio-media texts.
  • Mechanical Teaching Machines

    Mechanical Teaching Machines
    These machines followed the invention of educational film. They were invented by Sidney Pressey. These combined inventions are thought to have begun the educational technology movement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teaching_machine
  • Educational Films

    During the the late 1920s, the visual media movement continued. This was spurred by the invention of the filmstrip projector in 1925. Also, educational films were introduced and dispersed.
  • Programmed Learning

    This research was done by Pressey. He wrote about programmed learning. This idea was that a machine could be used to test and confirm a task.
  • Instructional Television

    The first instructional TV program was aired. It was aired at the State University of Iowa. Also, during this time, came the introduction of the 16 mm sound motion picture which became the educational workhorse during the Audio/Visual Movement.
  • Overhead Projector

    Overhead Projector
    The overheard projector was invented by Roger Appledorn. Although it was created in 1935, it was originally used by the military. It did not gain popularity in schools until the 1960s. https://www.whoinventedit.net/who-invented-the-overhead-projector.html?_ga=2.195042859.667660224.1585964922-124777448.1584707833
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    Electronic Computer Systems (First Generation)

    Used vacuum tubes in electronic circuits. Used punch cores to input and externally store data. Required a compiler. Had up to 4K of memory. Programmed in machine and assembly language.
  • Computers for Instruction

    Although computer had been used prior in the business world, this was the first time that they were used for instruction. In this case, the computer was used as a flight simulator. It was used to train military pilots at MIT.
  • Learning Labs

    These labs were created by the military. They were created in response to World War II. They were to be used as a way to study and quickly learn a foreign language.
  • Taxonomy of Intellectual Behaviors (Bloom)

    Taxonomy of Intellectual Behaviors (Bloom)
    Bloom endorsed instructional techniques that varied both instruction and time according to learner requirements. He advocated a mastery approach to learning. They correspond to today's "e-contents" that often form the core of "e-learning" set-ups, sometimes also referred to as web-based training (WBT) or e-instruction. https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/blooms-digital-taxonomy
  • GLIDER- The Skinner Teaching Machine

    GLIDER- The Skinner Teaching Machine
    This machine produced a combined system of teaching and testing. It provided reinforcement for correct answers so that students could move on to the next lesson. This machine allowed students to learn at their own pace and led to programmed instruction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTH3ob1IRFo
  • Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)

    Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)
    The theory deals with the nature of knowledge itself and how humans gradually come to acquire, construct, and use it. Piaget believed that children experience the world through actions, representing things with words, thinking logically, and using reasoning. Child-centered classrooms and "open education" are direct applications of his views. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWogkuARmmk&disable_polymer=true
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    Electronic Computer Systems (Second Generation)

    Used transistors developed by Bell Labs. Had up to 32K of memory. Programmed in computer languages such as FORTRAN or COBAL.
  • Digital Computer

    The IBM 650 becomes the first commercially available digital computer. It had a memory of 2kb. The total cost was $500,000.
  • Mainframe Computer System

    It was first used in New York City Public Schools (elementary schools). It was used to teach binary arithmetic. Federal funds supported many projects in Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) in schools, college and universities through the 1970s. They were designed to support personalized learning master. For example, Standard offered the first multimedia learning station (course writer).
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    Electronic Computer Systems (Third Generation)

    Used integrated circuits. Had up to three million bytes of memory. Benefits included: lower cost, smaller size, increased processor speed.
  • Logo (Papert)

    Logo (Papert)
    Logo is a programming language that was created as a tool to improve the way children think and solve problems. A small mobile robot called the "Logo Turtle" was developed, and children were shown how to use it to solve simple problems in an environment of play. Papert insisted that through simple language children can learn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG9cYhekB8A
  • Scantron

    This was a system of testing. It was introduced by Michael Sokolski. It allowed educators to grade tests more quickly and efficiently.
  • Microcomputers

    Personal computers (PCs) were introduced. They cost around $2,000 or less and were able to process 1 billion operations/second. They could operate as "stand alone" or connect to other computers as part of a network. These were adopted by public schools in the 1980s and included Apple II, Commodore PET, and Radio Shack TRS-80.
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    Electronic Computer Systems (Fourth Generation)

    Intel developed the 4004, the first microprocessor chip. Altair sold the first personal computer as a kit to be assembled. Apple Computer was formed. Advances continue in memory size, storage space and processing.
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    Computer-Based Learning (CBL)

    Based on constructivist and cognitivist learning theories, CBL environments focused on teaching both abstract and domain-specific problem solving. Preferred technologies were micro-worlds (computer environments were learners could explore and build), simulations (computer environments where learner can play with parameters of dynamic systems) and hypertext. Digitized communication and networking in education started during this time. http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Educational_technology
  • Personal Computer (IBM)

    The first portable computer weighed 24 pounds. it cost $1,795. It was named Time Magazine's "Man of the Year." This helped to lay the foundation for immediate learning capabilities. http://techland.time.com/2013/01/04/times-machine-of-the-year-30-years-later/?_ga=2.240005380.667660224.1585964922-124777448.1584707833
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    Personal Computers

    Toshiba released the first mass-marked consumer laptop (T1100). Apple's Mac became available. The introduction of these devices greatly propelled the technology revolution and brought it into homes. http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa051599.htm?_ga=2.240530052.667660224.1585964922-124777448.1584707833
  • World Wide Web

    The World Wide Web was given life through the introduction of Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML). Also, the National Science Foundation removed restrictions on the commercial use of the Internet. This lead to a new frenzy of newfound research and communication. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Science_Foundation?_ga=2.193861162.667660224.1585964922-124777448.1584707833
  • Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

    Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
    PDAs were released by Apple Computer Inc. This release made access to computers an everyday part of life. It also led to increased usage in schools and at home.
  • Digital Revolution

    Only 3% of schools had internet access. President Clinton challenged the nation to connect every school to the web. This marked the beginning of the Digital Revolution, including on the World Wide Web. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcnRKRlCCf4
  • ACTIONS Model (Bates)

    ACTIONS Model (Bates)
    This model is intended as a tool to evaluate large-scale innovations and distance learning. It can be applied to tools, applications and programs. It was recently revised. It answers questions related to accessibility, cost and teaching. https://www.slideshare.net/tonypickford/tony-batess-actions-model
  • Rethinking Technology & The Research Agenda (Reeves & Reeves)

    The role of educational technologies in improving educational practices and outcomes has been criticized as insignificant. With few exceptions, the state of education has changed less than expected as a result of tools such as computers and the Internet. Thus, Reeves & Reeves state the importance of elevating the use of technology research, specifically design-based research, in technology education. https://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.11.4.29?seq=1