Final answer:
The printing press revolutionized education during the Renaissance by increasing access to books, promoting literacy, and spreading new ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The printing press had a significant impact on the role of education in society during the Renaissance. Before the printing press, books were handwritten and expensive, making them accessible only to the wealthy and privileged. However, the invention of the printing press allowed for the mass production of books, making them more affordable and accessible to a larger population.
This accessibility to books led to an increase in literacy rates as more people had the opportunity to learn how to read. Schools and educational institutions benefitted from the printing press by being able to acquire and distribute textbooks more easily, enabling a wider dissemination of knowledge.
In addition, the printing press facilitated the spread of new ideas and knowledge, contributing to the rise of humanism and skepticism during the Renaissance. Scholars were able to publish their works more widely, challenging traditional beliefs and encouraging critical thinking.