Cunningham Township in Urbana in Champaign County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Computer-Based Education

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

1. Computer-Based Education Marker

Inscription. In 1961, Don L. Bitzer, co-inventor of the plasma display panel, and Chalmers W. Sherwin introduced PLATO, the first computer-based education system, the first time-shared education system, and the home of the first on-line community. By the early 1970s, PLATO included early forms of electronic mail, newsgroups, and computer games and provided hardware and software innovations for the computer industry. By the late 1980s, PLATO offered instruction on approximately 100 subjects to students around the world.

Erected by University of Illinois.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the University of Illinois series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.

Location. 40° 6.725′ N, 88° 13.545′ W. Marker is in Urbana, Illinois, in Champaign County. It is in Cunningham Township. Marker is on South Mathews Avenue, 0.1 miles north of West Green Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is at the northeast corner of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 S Mathews Ave, Urbana IL 61801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Multiphase Fluid Dynamics (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Computers (about 500

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feet away); Quantum-Well Laser (about 600 feet away); Theory of Superconductivity (about 600 feet away); Superfluidity (about 700 feet away); Sound on Film (about 800 feet away); Natural History Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Understanding Photosynthesis (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Urbana.

Regarding Computer-Based Education. PLATO is an acronym (for Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations) that paid homage to the ancient Greek philosopher and educator. As of early 2022 Bitzer was still in academia, at North Carolina State University.

Also see . . .
1. PLATO (computer system). Wikipedia entry on the pioneering system that foreshadowed the Internet. (Submitted on June 12, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Donald L. Bitzer "The Father of PLATO". The creation of the PLATO computer system, the first system to combine graphics and touch-sensitive screens, changed the way we interact with computers. (Illinois Distributed Museum) (Submitted on June 12, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

2. Computer-Based Education Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.