Digital Technologies in Education

Pre-Microcomputer Era (1950-1970s)

1950
First computer used for instruction
Computer-driven flight simulator trains MIT pilots
1959
First computer used with school children
IBM 650 computer teaches binary arithmetic in NYC
1960-1970
University time-sharing systems
Faculty/students in universities across the country use mainframe systems for
programming and shared utilities
Early 1970s
Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) movement emerges
Large-scale federally funded university projects use mainframe/microcomputer
systems with schools
Mid-to-late 1970s
Mainframe and mini-computer applications dominate field
Schools begin using computers for instruction and administration CDC President
William Norris (1977) announces PLATO will revolutionize instruction
Late 1970s
CAI movement declines; computer literacy movement begins
Arthur Luehrmann coins term computer literacy for skills in programming and using
software tools (e.g., word processing)
Molnar (1978) warns that non-computer literate students will be educationally
disadvantaged

Microcomputer Era

(1977-1990s)

1977
First microcomputers enter schools
Using desktop systems, classroom teachers begin to take back control of
instructional and administrative applications from district data-processing offices
1980s
Microcomputer applications spawn movements

My grandma started using a computer in her office at work.

Field focuses on software publishing initiatives and teacher authoring software. The
computer literacy computers-as-tools approach gives way to Logos computerbased, problem solving approach

1980s-1990s
Integrated learning systems (ILSs) emerge
Schools begin to see ILS networked systems as cost-effective solutions for
instruction to address required standards; marks movement away from standalone systems and toward central server with connected computers
My grandmother used a computer as the Super Intendants secretary

Internet Era

(1993-1998)

1993
World Wide Web (WWW) is born
First browser (Mosaic) transforms a formerly text-based Internet into a combination
of text and graphics. Teachers enter the Information Superhighway
1994
Internet use explodes
Online and distance learning increases in higher education, then in K-12 schools
educationally is advantaged
1995
Virtual schooling begins
1998
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) creates standards
ISTE sponsors creation of National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) to
guide technology skills, first for students, the for teachers and administrators

Mobile Technologies

(2005-2010)

2005
Social networking sites such as Facebook gain popularity
2007
Amazon releases first Kindle ebook reader
I was given a Kindle for Christmas
2008
Partnership for 21st Century Skills creates framework
I was given my first cell phone
2010

Apple releases first iPad handheld computer

I made a Facebook account

Future Technology

(2015-Future)

5 Years
I predict more schooling will take place online and that text books will all be digital.
10 Years
I predict much more efficient search engines and computers.
20 Years
I predict holograms with be a part of technology.