At one time, the only communication tool used in classrooms was the blackboard. Calculating figures, illustrating lessons, spelling and grammar lessons were all done on a slate blackboard. It was considered essential classroom equipment..

School children crowding the blackboard at recess, [ca. 1917]
John Boyd fonds
Reference Code: C 7-3, 14191
Archives of Ontario, I0020969

Gradually, however, audio-visual media such as magic lanterns with lantern slides, filmstrips, and radio broadcasts were introduced in the classroom. These tools were intended to supplement the curriculum and provide a more creative and imaginative approach to teaching and learning.

In the 1950s radio broadcasts of school lessons were heard over the Canadian Broadcast Corporation's (CBC) airwaves. The Department of Education worked in cooperation with the CBC to produce a programme of 98 school broadcasts covering 15 different school subjects for use in the elementary and secondary schools of the Province.

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Magic lantern slide projector
Photographed by the Archives of Ontario, 2005

These lessons were broadcasted over a network of 23 radio stations directly into the classrooms, and were intended to go along with related teaching aids such as filmstrips, viewmaster reels and books.

This pamphlet was circulated to teachers to outline the scheduled broadcasts, provide teaching suggestions and promote school radio broadcasts as "valuable contributions to your teaching programme".

Today, computer technology and the internet are popular tools used in the classroom. This technology provides access to a world of information, and challenges students to think beyond their textbooks and to make their own conclusions about the world around them.

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Teacher instructing student at computer (Etobicoke Board of Education, French Immersion), October 14, 1988
Julien Lebourdais fonds
Black and white negative
Reference Code: C 193-3-0-1410, negative #20
Archives of Ontario, I0020974

Click to see a larger image (64K)
Boys at a computer, French Immersion (Etobicoke
Board of Education), October 14, 1988
Julien Lebourdais fonds
Black and white negative
Reference Code: C 193-3-0-1410, negative # 24
Archives of Ontario, I0020975

Many libraries and archives are working hard to provide direct access to primary and secondary sources through online databases, search tools and web exhibits.

One particular web resource designed to meet Ontario's curriculum requirements is the Ontario History Quest. For teachers and students in Grades 7, 8, 10 and 12 this website provides an opportunity to learn firsthand about Ontario's history, from 1820-1970, through the use of primary sources.

For more information about Ontario History Quest, visit the website at: http://ohq.tpl.toronto.on.ca/ or click on the button to the right.

The Archives of Ontario likewise is taking steps to provide information to researchers of all ages. The Archives Descriptive Database, the Visual Database, the library catalogue BIBLiON, and an ever-growing series of online exhibits (such as The War of 1812) are all tools intended to connect researchers with information resources held in the Archives holdings.

Laying the Groundwork | A Centre for Learning | Public School Boards | Schoolhouses
Raising the Standards | Curriculum | Fostering Patriotism and Good Citizenship
Education for Life | From Blackboard to Web | Sources and Resources | Ministries and Ministers

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