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From the Neanderthals to the modern man, the need to write and draw has been a near necessity. Man has used several different surfaces and objects to depict his feelings, thoughts and creativity. From the stone cave walls during the Stone Age to the current day palmtop computers, each one of them has held their own significance. However, few have had a lasting impact like the slate chalkboard.
These simple instruments revolutionized the education process ever since they were invented. Slate chalkboards were developed in the 1800s and soon evolved as the most common and widespread medium of spreading education. The main component of the chalkboard is slate, which is a homogenous, metamorphic rock that is derived from a sedimentary rock, composed of volcanic ash and clay.
In the first stage of slate chalkboard evolution, shards of slate were used to engrave on a board that was held within a wooden frame. Later, after chalk was discovered, it replaced the slate shards completely. Slate chalkboards in classrooms helped teachers appeal to the entire classroom at a time, instead of writing individual assignments. Moreover, the chalkboard proved an affordable option for many as paper and pencils were very expensive at that time. In due course of time, colored chalks were developed, which made presentation on the slate chalkboards more attractive. Soon chalkboards became popular not only in schools and colleges, but also in various organizations, where they were used to conduct meetings.
Recently, some people have replaced the slate blackboard with the whiteboard, which is considered a cleaner option. However, the slate blackboard still holds some advantages over its white ‘cousin’. The slate board is cheaper than the whiteboard and some say that the slickness of the whiteboard causes problems for young writers.
With all their pros and cons, it cannot be denied that slate chalkboards have played an invaluable role in promoting education around the world.
» left by bjbkjb from knnknkn (3 years 63 days ago.)
dude this is soooo retarded we can t even get like a awnser for who invented it Respond to this comment
» left by Henrietta Stroph from Wyoming USA (2 years 3 days ago.)
Another more cogent reason for the demise of the slate chalkboard is the dust generated by the chalk that is used. Not only is this chalk dust inhalable, causing respiratory problems both in the children and adults using the boards and cleaning the erasers, but in more recent years it has caused numerous problems in environments where computers are used. Respond to this comment
» left by MR from California (1 year 304 days ago.)
Really a wonderful invention, there is nothing like taking a piece of chalk and sliding it across a chalkboard. The result is amazing and the process so tactile impressive. I use slate to teach writing and settle for nothing less. Children have their own slate chalk board (not the synthetic look alike cardboard ones, but real slate rock) and they love the experience as well. Respond to this comment
» left by hailey from boise idaho (180 days 14 hours ago.)
This was an incredibly written paper, the words slid off the page with grace. Thank you for sharing your intelligence!
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