16 Things Just Don’t Exist in Schools Anymore

source: Fine Art America

Schools have undergone numerous changes over the years, with advancements in technology and teaching methods driving a great deal of change. As a result, some things that were once commonplace in schools are no longer in use. In this article, we’ll explore 16 things that have disappeared from classrooms over the years, and examine why they are no longer in use.

1. Chalkboards

Chalkboards were a staple in classrooms for decades. They provided a simple way for teachers to write notes and draw diagrams while teaching. However, as technology advanced, chalkboards began to fall out of favor. Today, digital boards have replaced chalkboards, allowing teachers to project images and videos onto the screen, and even annotate them.

2. Overhead projectors

Overhead projectors were once widely used in schools to project images onto a screen. However, like chalkboards, they have been replaced by digital projectors, which are more versatile and provide higher quality images.

3. Filmstrips

Filmstrips were a common tool for teaching in the past. They consisted of a long strip of film containing a series of images that could be displayed on a projector. While filmstrips were once the primary way to show movies in schools, they have been replaced by DVDs and online videos.

4. Encyclopedias

Libraries used to have entire sections devoted to encyclopedias, but now students can look up information online. The rise of search engines like Google has made it easy for students to find information on just about any topic they could imagine, rendering encyclopedias obsolete.

5. Phone booths

Some schools used to have phone booths for students to use, but now most students have cell phones. The rise of cell phones has made phone booths unnecessary.

6. Slide rules

Once a popular tool for math students, slide rules have been replaced by calculators. While slide rules were once a common sight in classrooms, advancements in technology have made them largely obsolete.

7. Cursive writing

Some schools no longer teach cursive writing, opting instead to focus on typing skills. The rise of computers and mobile devices has made typing an essential skill for students to learn, which has led to a decline in the teaching of cursive writing.

8. Film reels

Film reels were once a popular way to show movies in schools, but they have been replaced by digital formats. While film reels were once a common sight in classrooms, they have become largely obsolete in the digital age.

9. Mimeographs

This printing process was once common in schools, but it has been replaced by photocopiers. Mimeographs were a popular way to make copies of documents, but the introduction of photocopiers made the process faster and more efficient.

10. Carbon paper

Carbon paper was once used to make copies, but it has been replaced by photocopiers and digital formats. Carbon paper was a popular way to make multiple copies of a document, but the rise of photocopiers and digital documents has made it obsolete.

11. Typewriters

Students used to learn how to type on typewriters, but now they use computers. Typewriters were once a common sight in classrooms, but advancements in technology have made them largely obsolete.

12. Rolodexes

These were once a popular way to keep track of contacts, but now students use digital address books. The rise of smartphones and other mobile devices has made it easy for students to keep track of their contacts digitally.

13. Slide projectors

Slide projectors were once used to show slideshows, but they have been replaced by digital projectors. Like filmstrips, slide projectors have become largely obsolete in the digital age.

14. Map cabinets

Libraries used to have cabinets full of maps, but now students can access maps online.

15. Book reports

While book reports are still assigned, they are no longer the primary way to assess a student’s understanding of a book.

16. Film strips

Similar to film reels, film strips have been replaced by digital formats.

While some of these items may be missed by those who remember them, the truth is that technology has made many of these items obsolete. Today’s students have access to a wealth of information and resources that previous generations could only dream of. As schools continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see what new technologies and teaching methods emerge.