Introduction & Rationale

Okay - Don’t laugh! I decided to choose chalk (Yes - Chalk!) as my learning technology to review. It probably isn’t what Chip had in mind, and if it doesn’t fit the assignment - please forgive me. I had a total blast researching it!

Since the beginning of the semester, I have found myself reflecting more and more of technology’s encroachment into our everyday lives. In fact, upon examining these reflections, I can honestly say - I have really mixed feelings about technology. I think I must be part technology junkie and part Ludditte. One part of me wants to embrace technology in all possible aspects in my life, the other "freaks" at the image of a wired/wireless future wherein we can no longer read books because we don’t know where the "on" button is for the ebook. (Too much Science Fiction at a young age I guess).

I am excited about technology’s promise. Eventually I think computers will inhabit every home and every classroom. However, while we are excited about new technologies and new ways to teach using these technologies, I think we need to recognize and examine the role of earlier "new technologies". What can be learned from examining the role that chalk has played in our history? What analogies can be made by comparing the evolution of "chalk technology" to the evolution of computer technology? Is there anything to be gathered from this examination that might guide or inspire us today as we face our common digital future?

Part of my desire to examine chalk as a technology stems from my belief that the spread of computers to the classroom will take longer than we anticipate. I also worry about poorer school environments and the resource disparity that exists even now in low-income areas. If some poor districts can’t afford books and facilities, will they be able to afford computer technology? Will computers make things better or worse? Will computer technology close the gap, or will it widen the gap? Chalk has merits that computer technology doesn’t! It is low tech, cheap and already in widespread use! I imagine that chalk will be used in the classroom for some time to come, possibly even concurrently with computer technology, maybe forever.

So follow along with me as I share the chalk story with you! I used an inquiry based learning process and followed it where it led me. I used reference books and the Internet to locate information about chalk and it’s history. (I find it highly ironic that I used the Internet to research chalk!)

Chalk – Some Information & History

Blackboard chalk is calcium carbonate and is used for the manufacture of putty, plaster, cement, and of course, blackboard chalk. Calcium carbonate is made up of Foraminifera, shells of little dead marine animals. It is found in the earth’s crust during all geological periods and is usually formed in thick deposits around marine, or formerly marine areas. There are other types of naturally occurring chalk, including black chalk and red chalk. Chalk, in its natural state, was used by early man in prehistoric times for cave paintings.

Later, chalk was used as a pigment for artists and it was for artists that chalk was first manufactured into sticks. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1800s that chalk began to be used in the classroom setting. In the reference book "How Products Are Made" (1994) it states that blackboard chalk became common in the classroom when class size increased in the nineteenth century and teachers needed a way to convey information to many more students at once. Of interesting note is that students also used a small blackboard and chalk, until they were older and could be trusted not to waste paper. At that time paper was made of rags and was very valuable.

Chalk and blackboards are still the standard in classrooms today (Chalk & Talk Method). Some alternate technologies are available - but are patterned after the chalk and blackboard principle. For example - dry erase boards. Many analogies can be drawn between chalk and blackboards, and other technologies, not because those analogies are exactly accurate - but because chalk and blackboards are universally recognized. Of course, manufacturing technology for chalk has changed over the years and chalk is offered in many more varieties.

Chalk at a glance

Future Directions

As I mentioned earlier, I think chalk will be around for a long time, probably used concurrently with other developing technologies in the classroom setting. I don't imagine however, that anyone will invent a bigger, better chalk. Chalk technology has probably reached its peak. However - chalk and the chalkboard seem to be the analogy of choice when speaking of computer technology in the classroom. This will most likely continue.

Scope of Chalk

I found many things of interest while researching chalk technology. Chalk's presence in our society is absolutely pervasive. Here are a few things chalk is used for that you may not have thought about -

• Chalk is used when you have a flat tire. Once the leak is locates, it is marked with chalk for repair.

• Chalk is used in the construction industry. Different colors mean different things. Chalk marks are used to indicate where steel should be bent, where pipes should be laid, and where wires should be pulled. Are you familiar with chalk lines? (Etc!)

• Chalk is used to outline the position of corpses for forensic investigations.

• Chalk is used in Billiards (chalking the cue), Rock Climbing, Weightlifting and Gymnastics. Chalk will probably be at the 2000 Olympics!

• Chalk is used every day by for sewing, tailoring, and quilting.

• Chalk is the best hopscotch medium!

• Chalks are still used in art.

• Chalk has been combined with insecticides in other countries and smuggled into the United States where it is sold under different names, such as "Pretty Baby". This insecticide is meant to be drawn across the floor with the idea that bugs will walk through it and die. Unfortunately, there have been reports of this insecta-chalk being eaten by children.

Final thoughts

I think I might just write a book about chalk, reminsicent of Henry Petroski's book, The Pencil. Thanks for visiting my technology review and please feel free to comment. Linda