COMMENTARY - From Typewriters to Artificial Intelligence: How the Written Word Changed the World

Sep 08, 2026 at 10:46 am


COMMENTARY - Before keyboards, touchscreens and artificial intelligence put words on a page in an instant, there was the unmistakable clack of the typewriter. What now seems like a relic from another age was once a revolutionary machine that helped put the power of publishing into the hands of ordinary people. And its story is part of a much bigger journey - one that stretches from the earliest forms of writing to the technology we use today... Listen to more from Dr. Burriss HERE

About Dr. Burriss - Dr. Larry Burriss is a highly accomplished professor of journalism with extensive experience in both academia and professional media. He teaches introductory journalism courses, media law, and quantitative research methods at the graduate level.

His academic credentials are impressive, holding five degrees:

Dr. Burriss has a distinguished career in print and broadcast news, public relations, and academic research. He has published extensively in both scholarly and popular publications, covering topics such as presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, adolescent social media use, legal research, and even studies on Middle Earth.

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Burriss has held numerous leadership roles, including director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication, and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. His contributions to the state include being appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents.

A decorated professional, Dr. Burriss has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times. He also has a distinguished military background, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His active-duty service included deployments to Mali, Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe, and the Pentagon.

Dr. Burriss continues to inspire students and colleagues with his vast knowledge, experience, and dedication to the field of journalism and media studies.

 

 

Tags: Artificial Intelligence computers and typewriters evolution of technology evolution of writing first typewriter George Anderson Gutenberg printing press history of communication history of printing history of publishing history of the typewriter invention of the typewriter Johann Gutenberg movable type newspaper history printing technology Remington and Sons Remington typewriter technology history typewriter history typewriter ribbon written communication
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