Printing and education
The invention of printing as we know it today became the third great milestone in the history of education. The first two milestones were the invention of language in prehistoric times and the invention of writing. About 1440, a German metalworker named Johannes Gutenberg invented movable type in Europe. He also devised a special press to print from his movable type. Almost immediately, large numbers of low-cost books and pamphlets became available. As a result, thousands of people wanted to learn to read and write. In addition, the great quantity and variety of printed matter enabled people not only to learn without an instructor but also to acquire the knowledge needed to become teachers themselves in many fields. Moreover, printing spread knowledge faster than ever before. People could thus quickly learn about new theories, experiments, and discoveries.
Excerpt adapted from the "Education" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999