National Inventors Hall of Fame Honoree Donald Bitzer

The transcript discusses the development of computer-based education in the 1960s, focusing on the role of NSF in supporting these efforts. It highlights the creation of the PLATO system and the plasma display, which were initially intended for educational purposes but later found applications in television. The speaker reflects on the long-lasting impact of these innovations and the surprises encountered along the way.

What was one of the main challenges in education during the early 1960s?

• Lack of qualified teachers

• High cost of education

• Limited access to textbooks

• Poor performance in inner-city schools

How did NSF contribute to the development of computer-based education?

• By providing financial support for teacher training

• By organizing educational workshops

• By helping acquire and distribute equipment

• By developing new educational software

What was the primary purpose of the Plato system?

• To create educational games

• To enhance student learning through computer-based education

• To develop new computer hardware

• To improve television broadcasting

What was the original motivation for developing the plasma display?

• To provide a terminal for educational purposes

• To reduce the cost of computer memory

• To create a new form of television

• To improve computer graphics

What was an unintended result of the plasma display's development?

• It improved internet connectivity

• It became widely used in television technology

• It led to the creation of new educational software

• It reduced the cost of computer-based education

How has the educational material developed with NSF support been used over the years?

• It is used primarily for teacher training

• It has been discontinued

• It is only available in select schools

• It is used by thousands of students daily

What aspect of the plasma display's success was surprising to the developers?

• Its impact on internet technology

• Its ability to reduce educational costs

• Its commercial success in the television industry

• Its use in educational settings