PLATO: How a 1960s Educational Computer System Shaped the Future
2024-12-16
PLATO, a groundbreaking educational computer system from the 1960s, significantly impacted the development of modern computing. Preceding its time, it pioneered features like forums, instant messaging, and multiplayer games. Its innovative gas plasma display, the TUTOR authoring language, and its advanced networking capabilities for simultaneous users were revolutionary. While PLATO's home market success was limited, its influence on graphic displays, networking, and user interfaces remains undeniable. Its legacy continues through emulators and modern reimaginings, preserving a piece of computing history and its vision for the future of education and interactive technology.