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The Digital Era

By  Ben Myers and 
Erica Lusk
December 15, 2016

A time of transformation

In 2016, higher education and technology are inextricably intertwined. Learning and teaching have evolved so that vast, almost infinite, amounts of information can instantly be called forth with a flick of a finger. Thanks to the internet, wireless broadband, and mobile computing, the modern classroom extends far beyond its walls.

Just 50 years ago, though, all of that was barely imaginable. Information was stored in books, as it had been for much of human history. Technological advances were limited primarily to conveniences like typewriters and overhead projectors. Little did most people know that in the 1960s, higher education was on the precipice of a digital revolution that would make information accessible to nearly everyone, setting the stage for a future where technology is integral to academe.

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The Digital Era

How 50 years of the information age transformed college forever

By Ben Myers & Erica Lusk December 15, 2016
Programmers operate the ENIAC computer at the University of Pennsylvania's Moore School of Engineering, 1946.U. of Pennsylvania

> Introduction

> 1960s

1960

1965

1967

1969

> 1970s

1970

1971

1972

1974

1974

1974

1977

1977

1979

2000

> 1980s

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

Rapid adoption of technology for teaching

College faculty were quick to add technology to their courses. In just six years, the use of email increased over 600 percent, and the use of internet resources increased by almost 300 percent.

60% of college courses

Email

50

Internet Resources

40

Course Web Page

30

20

10

0

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Campus Computing Project

Rapid adoption of technology for teaching

College faculty were quick to add technology to their courses. In just six years, the use of email increased over 600 percent, and the use of internet resources increased by almost 300 percent.

Email

60% of college courses

50

Internet Resources

40

Course Web Page

30

20

10

0

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Campus Computing Project

> 1990s

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

1980

Cost of computers over time

Over the course of 50 years, computers decreased in price from something only the largest corporations and government agencies could afford to a routine purchase for the average American.

1000

CPI

800

600

400

200

0

1998

2000

2012

2014

2016

2008

2010

2002

2004

2006

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Cost of computers over time

Over the course of 50 years, computers decreased in price from something only the largest corporations and government agencies could afford to a routine purchase for the average American.

1000

CPI

800

600

400

200

0

1998

2000

2012

2014

2016

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

1980

Students enrolled in online classes

30% of students

25

20

15

10

5

0

2007-8

2011-12

2003-4

National Center for Education Statistics

Students enrolled in online classes

30% of students

25

20

15

10

5

0

2007-8

2011-12

2003-4

National Center for Education Statistics

> 2000s

1980

2000

2000

The rise of the personal computer

In the span of 20 years, personal computer use for adults attending school rose from 31 to 85 percent, eclipsing the percentage of those using computers at home.

School

Home

80% of adults

60

Work

40

20

0

1984

1989

1993

1997

2003

Current Population Survey

The rise of the personal computer

In the span of 20 years, personal computer use for adults attending school rose from 31 to 85 percent, eclipsing the percentage of those using computers at home.

80% of adults

Home

School

60

Work

40

20

0

1984

1989

1993

1997

2003

Current Population Survey

2000

2000

2000

2000

2000

2000

2000




Ben Myers is a News Applications Developer and Erica Lusk is a Photo and Video Editor for The Chronicle.

—

* Clarification (12/19/2016): In the spring of 2016, Blackboard and Moodle formed a partnership which has since helped to increase Blackboard's marketshare.


Marking a half-century of The Chronicle


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We welcome your thoughts and questions about this article. Please email the editors or submit a letter for publication.
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