©2014 Scienceweb Publishing Journal of Educational Research and Reviews Vol. 2(6), pp. 83-88, September 2014 ISSN: 2384-7301 Review Paper Tracing writing technologies through time: A historical reflection of writing systems, writing surfaces and writing implements David G. Mugo1* • Samson Muthwii2 • Paul Maina Gakuru3 1Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957 Karatina – 10300, Kenya. 2South Eastern University, Kenya. 3Mt Kenya University, Kenya. *Corresponding author.
[email protected]. Tel: +254 721 290 330. Accepted 11th August, 2014 Abstract. Instructional technologies, just like any other technology have been evolving over time, and have existed over centuries. This paper develops a historical framework for the evolution of writing systems, surfaces and instruments up to the time their most modern prototypes were developed. The study was a documentary analysis of virtual documents stored electronically for access through the internet, text books, archival repositories and encyclopedia, providing insights into the past of writing technologies, and how these technologies have been changing over time. The study has demonstrated that the systems and instruments that we have today arose not by chance, but by careful thought and intelligent intention to manipulate resources found in nature. The study will provide an understanding of the progression of the most basic instructional technologies over the time of human civilization. Keywords: Hieroglyphics, cuneiform, stone tablets, slates, papyrus, pencils, pens, civilization. INTRODUCTION When elaborate writing systems began to develop around using his fast accumulating intelligence to further his 4,500BC, the beginning of preservation of knowledge goals. And in his cave-like abode, he developed the first with concrete rather than oral records was just beginning.