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Digital Divide
Unequal access to digital technology -
Technology Begins to Enter Schools
Early Computers in Classrooms: Schools start adopting basic computer labs, but access is limited and uneven.
Software Emerges: Educational software focused mostly on drill and practice. -
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Growing Awareness of the Digital Divide
Reports highlight that low-income and rural schools have far less access to computers and emerging internet technologies.
Concern rises about equity and the potential for technology to either help or widen achievement gaps. -
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Internet Expansion in Education
Schools begin installing modems and connecting to the internet.
The concept of the “Information Superhighway” becomes popular, highlighting the internet’s potential in education. -
Launch of Microsoft Encarta
• Microsoft released Encarta, a landmark multimedia encyclopedia on CD-ROM, widely adopted in schools.
• Encarta combined videos, animations, text, and quizzes.
• It was a groundbreaking digital resource for student research. -
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Expansion of CD-ROM Educational Software
• Numerous interactive educational titles appeared on CD-ROM, including:
o Carmen Sandiego series (geography/history)
o Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
o The Oregon Trail (history simulation)
o Early language learning and science simulation software.
• These titles supported self-paced, exploratory learning. -
Department of Education Publishes Report
U.S. Department of Education Report Published “Getting America’s Students Ready for the 21st Century” report released.
Key Components Goals:
• Teacher Training: Priority on equipping all teachers with technology skills.
• Classroom Access: Goal to provide every student and teacher with multimedia computers.
• Connectivity: Connect every classroom to the “Information Superhighway” (early internet).
• Curriculum Integration: Use educational software and online resources effectively. -
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Early Computer-Based Testing and Learning Management Systems
• School districts began piloting computer-based assessments for subjects like math and reading.
• Initial Learning Management Systems (LMS) emerged, helping teachers organize lessons and track student progress electronically (e.g., early versions of Blackboard founded in 1997). -
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Increased Funding and Policy Focus
• Federal and state governments increase funding for educational technology initiatives.
• Emphasis on professional development for teachers grows.
• Expansion of school internet connectivity continues rapidly. -
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Technology as a Tool for Reform
Tech seen as essential to:
• Prepare students for new workforce demands.
• Raise academic standards through innovative tools.
• Enable better student assessment and personalized learning. -
Launch of Google Search Engine
• Google was founded, revolutionizing online research for students and teachers.
• This made finding educational information on the internet much easier and more accessible. -
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Emerging Interactive Technologies
• Early versions of digital projectors started entering classrooms, though still expensive.
• Interactive whiteboards began experimental use in some schools, setting the stage for future adoption in the 2000s.