For centuries, the end of summer has meant it’s time to start heading back into the Classroom. August also means it’s time to prepare the school supplies. Pencils and notebooks have always been a staple in the classroom, but there are also a variety of school supplies that have drastically evolved throughout the years. New generations of students mean a new wave of technology and advancements in the classroom. 

Chalkboards to Smartboards

One of the biggest staples associated with back to school is the chalkboard. Almost every classroom in America features a board of some kind. The earliest classroom blackboard dates back to Scotland in 1801, where it was invented by James Pillans. What was known as the blackboard soon evolved to the dry-erase board, which eliminated chalk dust.

Today, classrooms throughout the country are home to new Smartboard technology; a common brand being Promethean Boards. These boards take away nearly all of the time spent using the classic chalkboards. Smartboards have features including interactive displays, new teaching software, and easy access to online resources. Say goodbye to the days of clapping chalkboard erasers, and say hello to modern classroom technology. 

Typewriters to Tablets

The original patent for a typewriter was granted in 1714, but it wasn’t until 1878 that the first commercially successful typewriter was invented. One of the largest uses for the typewriter was teaching both reading and writing in the classroom. Eventually, the electric typewriter was developed in order to make the process even quicker.

Flash forward to the early 1980’s when computers were first brought into schools. Often, the only computers available were in a designated computer lab. As time went on and technology evolved, laptops were introduced, giving students even more capabilities to write papers and finish assignments. In the classroom, students have their own iPads and other tablets. This gives the modern day student the ability to quickly do their homework with efficiency.

Adding Machines to Calculator Apps

Mechanical calculators were first invented in 1642 by innovators Blaise Pascal and Wilhelm Schickard. These adding machines eventually made their way into the classroom, giving students the ability to precisely complete math and science problems. When the electronic calculator received its patent in 1972, mechanical calculators became nearly obsolete in schools.

When HP introduced the first pocket calculator, students were given the ability to bring their very own calculator to and from school. This made it easier to complete school work both in the classroom as well as at home. The graphing calculator was also brought to students, making it easier for them to solve tricky higher level math problems. Eventually, the introduction of the iPhone also meant smart phone users would have access to a calculator application at all times. This meant students could do their math homework on the device that many have on them at all times.

The always changing world of technology has made a drastic impact on the world, but it also has brought major changes to classrooms across the United States. Smart phones, tablets and more have made learning fun and efficient. There is no telling what the future of inventions may bring to the classroom, and there is no denying the incredible innovation brought to students over time.

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