Illinois Featured Content

  • In memoriam: Donald L. Bitzer, father of PLATO

    Jan 2, 2025 11:45 am by Eleanor WyllieLegacy
    Donald Bitzer with the flat-panel display. Photo Credit: Marc Hall/North Carolina State University

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    • Donald Bitzer with the flat-panel display. Photo Credit: Marc Hall/North Carolina State University

    A giant in the field of engineering, Bitzer was known as the 'father of PLATO' for his role in creating the ground-breaking computer-based education system at the U. of I. He was a co-inventor of the flat-screen panel plasma display.