April Dodge, Critique Of Learning Technologies Timeline

Creating an accurate and comprehensive timeline of learning technologies that encompasses all time is almost an impossible task. The major and obvious breakthroughs in technology are covered, and even some not-so-obvious ones (e.g. the fountain pen, the slinky - although I agree with Nora and think the Yo-Yo might have been a better choice).

After a little reseaching on the World Wide Web, I found some interesting sites that brought to light the vast array of TYPES of learning technologies, and varying DEFINITIONS of learning technologies. What defines a learning technology? What about Benjamin Franklin with his kite and the discovery of lightning? The lightning discovery facilitated the creation of other technologies, such as the light bulb (which, in turn, facilitated reading) and the telephone. A couple of the interesting sites I found were Technology History (http://www.refstar.com/techhist/) and History of Technology (ICE)(http://www.englib.cornell.edu/ice/lists/historytechnology/historytechnology.html). The second site in particular reminded me of the fact that in any academic discipline (engineering, aeronautics, english, mathematics, geology, chemistry, etc.) there are innumberable technologies that have paved the way for new knowledge and the dissemination of knowledge.

The Timeline of Learning Technologies, however, tends to focus more on technologies that influence more mass utilization and transfer of knowledge by the technology. That doesn't, however, diminish the importance of a learning technology in the discipline of say, engineering that mainly only engineers are aware of. Because, it is by their knowledge of these things, that many of us remain blissfully unaware of, that our world is better both in creation and knowledge. Without someone knowing how to build a bridge, there would be no bridge for any of us.

Following along with the Timeline's trend to mainly include technologies that are facilitators of knowledge transfer (rather than technologies that just enhance the ability to obtain knowledge) what about the invention of the projector? There is hardly a classroom at the University of Illinios without one. Or what about Powerpoint? And even so, there is a question as to whether technologies and programs may even impede learning and knowledge because they sort of confine one, in a way, to think only inside the box by having the ready-to-use-formats and templates.

This timeline is unique and creative in that it attempts to streamline major breakthroughs and even add a few humourous attempts at what our world will be like in the future. We can only wait and see where this technology takes us. Or, are we taking technology?

page last updated: Spring, 2002