Configuration

Blackboards

While the materiality of blackboards contributed to their longevity, other considerations led to scrutiny in the early 20th century. A 1938 study published by London-based National Institute of Industrial Psychology, examining the effects of environmental conditions and equipment on students, noted the strain felt by students copying from the blackboard. Experiments were carried out on the effects of students’ eyes when looking at the blackboard at various distances with a number of types of chalk. (Seymour, 12) Such studies were undertaken in the context of changing notions about education, and developments in educational technologies in the early and mid-19th century. Nevertheless, blackboards of some form can still be found in most classrooms in all levels of education. A survey of classrooms and lecture halls at the University of Toronto shows the existence of blackboards, green boards and associated items in most situations.

Please continue to Variability

Room 2115, Sidney Smith Building, University of Toronto. From Tim Whalley.