Technology and Learning

by **Minerva Agatha Zipporah** on June 10th, 2012, 2:26 pm

Hey everyone!

A subject came up during my classes that I thought it would be interesting to see what people from around the world think about. We discussed it in class and it was very interesting, but we're all from the same area so our viewpoints are thus somewhat similar. I'm curious if those of us who live on different sides of the planet would have different answers.

The question is:
What was the first advancement in technology that you felt CHANGED your personal classroom learning experience (as in, after this technology was invented or brought into the classroom for the first time, you noticed a change yourself), and why?

For me, it was being able to use a computer in the classroom for the first time in the early 90's. Educational games added a fun side to the learning experience.

What about everyone else?

by **Sylkra** on June 10th, 2012, 2:50 pm

The invention of school!

Nah, I'm not that old. NOt even the Jamoura are that old.

To be honest, I have no idea.

by **Gossamer** on June 10th, 2012, 3:42 pm

Definitely the Abacus.
I cried when I suddenly didn't have to count on my fingers and toes and use pebbles any more.
I hope you all have one and it changed your life as much as it changed mine.

by **Montaine** on June 10th, 2012, 4:00 pm

Well, I'm of the age that had computers in primary school and while undoubtedly their influence on my learning had the greatest impact it was never seen as anything new, as we had always had them there. The only piece of tech that immediately springs to mind would be the interactive white boards and ceiling mounted projectors my secondary school had installed. It took a fair while for the older teachers to cotton on as to how to use them, but it was so much better than the old OHPs we had when I was much younger, and allowed the projection of a computer screen onto the white board. The old OHPs could only present static sheets of writing, so it was quite a novelty to be able to have an interactive system, and view videos, all projected onto a massive screen in each room.

When it worked, of course. So not often.

by **Daske Baggywrinkle** on June 10th, 2012, 4:19 pm

Slide rules ... how I miss slide rules.

by **Minerva Agatha Zipporah** on June 11th, 2012, 3:19 am

Thanks guys!

I'm gonna mention these in next class. Especially putting things in perspective thinking about the invention of school or the abacus. Things we might take for granted or see as outdated today were quite innovative in their time, and affected how our understanding of education developed.