History of Instructional Media
1960-1997
1960
PLATO system (University of Illinois)
+info
1980s
Expansion of CAI in schools and businesses
+info
1997
Blackboard & the rise of Learning Management Systems (LMSs)
+info
1980s
Expansion of CAI in schools and businesses
With falling hardware costs, computer-assisted instruction became widespread in classrooms (especially math and reading programs) and in corporate training modules. Why it matters: Demonstrated that computers could deliver individualized, interactive instruction at scale. LEARN MORE: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/computer-science/computer-assisted-instruction Citation: Reiser, R. A. (2001a). A history of instructional design and technology: Part I. Educational Technology Research and Development, 49(1), 53–64.
1997
Blackboard & the rise of Learning Management Systems (LMSs)
Blackboard (founded 1997) and similar platforms evolved CAI into structured, networked systems, integrating quizzes, assignments, and communication tools. Why it matters: LMSs represented the institutional adoption of CAI, making it central to online education. LEARN MORE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2cO3V46tmM Citation: Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). Blackboard Inc. — company history. https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/blackboard-inc
1960
PLATO system (University of Illinois)
The Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations (PLATO) was one of the first CAI systems. It offered interactive lessons, quizzes, and even online forums. Why it matters: PLATO pioneered features of digital learning environments decades before the internet era. LEARN MORE: https://youtu.be/THoxsBw-UmM Citation: University of Illinois — Grainger College of Engineering. (2020). PLATO. https://grainger.illinois.edu/news/magazine/plato
history of instructional media
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Created on September 11, 2025
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Transcript
History of Instructional Media
1960-1997
1960
PLATO system (University of Illinois)
+info
1980s
Expansion of CAI in schools and businesses
+info
1997
Blackboard & the rise of Learning Management Systems (LMSs)
+info
1980s
Expansion of CAI in schools and businesses
With falling hardware costs, computer-assisted instruction became widespread in classrooms (especially math and reading programs) and in corporate training modules. Why it matters: Demonstrated that computers could deliver individualized, interactive instruction at scale. LEARN MORE: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/computer-science/computer-assisted-instruction Citation: Reiser, R. A. (2001a). A history of instructional design and technology: Part I. Educational Technology Research and Development, 49(1), 53–64.
1997
Blackboard & the rise of Learning Management Systems (LMSs)
Blackboard (founded 1997) and similar platforms evolved CAI into structured, networked systems, integrating quizzes, assignments, and communication tools. Why it matters: LMSs represented the institutional adoption of CAI, making it central to online education. LEARN MORE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2cO3V46tmM Citation: Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). Blackboard Inc. — company history. https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/blackboard-inc
1960
PLATO system (University of Illinois)
The Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations (PLATO) was one of the first CAI systems. It offered interactive lessons, quizzes, and even online forums. Why it matters: PLATO pioneered features of digital learning environments decades before the internet era. LEARN MORE: https://youtu.be/THoxsBw-UmM Citation: University of Illinois — Grainger College of Engineering. (2020). PLATO. https://grainger.illinois.edu/news/magazine/plato