Cave paintings were some of the earliest educational technologies used to teach about animals and hands. In the 1920s, mechanical teaching machines were invented to provide drills for students to practice. During World War II, soldiers were trained using films and other media. In the 1950s, Skinner developed programmed instruction using behavioral objectives. Between 1980-1990, popular educational technologies included Micro Worlds, simulations, hypertext, and the emerging World Wide Web and email.

1. The hisTory of
educaTional
Technology

2. The earliest technological tools
were the paintings on cave
walls. The most common
themes in cave paintings were
large wild animals and
tracings of human hands as
well as abstract patterns.

3. In the 1920’ Sidney
Pressey invented the
mechanical teaching
machines. The aim of these
machines was to provide
drill for students to
practice different items.
.

4. The technological
breakthrough came in the
1940’ in the USA during the
second world war. During
this period soldiers were
trained through films and
other mediated materials.

5. In the 1950’, Skinner,
invented the programmed
instruction. This
consisted of the
formulation of
behavioural objectives.

6. Between the years 1980 and 1990, the
preferred technologies were:
Micro Worlds (They were computer
environments where learners could
explore and build)
Simulation (They were computer
environments where learners could
play with parameters of dynamic
system)
Hypertext

7. Also between the years
mentioned before
(1980 and 1990), www
(World wide web), e-
mail and forums,
became popular.

8. Benefits of using technology in the
class:
Easy to access course
materials.
Student motivation.
Wide participation.
Improved student writing.
Subjects made easier to learn .

9. Disadvantages of using
technology in the class:
Lack of proper training.
Limited access to sufficient
quantities of a technology.
Extra time required for many
implementation of technology.

10. Kinds of technology in the
class:
Computer
Class website
Class blogs and wikis
Wireless classroom microphones
Mobile devices
Interactive white boards
Online media
Digital games