Alan Kay (VPRI Co-founder) – MobilFest Talk (Nov 2007)

Chapters

Abstract

Revolutionizing Knowledge: The Transformative Power of Technology from Books to Personal Computing

This article explores the profound impact of technology on human civilization, tracing the journey from the invention of books, regarded as the original mobile technology, to the groundbreaking innovations in personal computing. It highlights how books and printing technology democratized knowledge, setting the stage for the modern computing era catalyzed by pioneers like Alan Kay. The article further delves into the transformative effects of technology in education, particularly the potential of computers to revolutionize learning for children worldwide. By examining the historical evolution of technology and its current and future implications, this piece underscores the intertwined relationship between human progress and technological advancement.

The Original Mobile Technology: The Book

Often overlooked, the book is a fundamental mobile technology that has shaped human history. Its key attributes, including solid-state storage, high-resolution display, and biodegradability, have made it an enduring and environmentally friendly source of knowledge. Despite the advent of advanced computer technology, books retain unique capabilities that modern devices struggle to replicate fully.

The Importance of Books:

Books, encompassing the entire organization of human knowledge, stand as the most important mobile technology ever invented. Their solid state, mobility, high-resolution displays, and usability anywhere set them apart. With an easy-to-use interface, a wide range of knowledge, unlimited battery life, and biodegradability, books remain unmatched in their overall capabilities.

Challenges in Surpassing Books with Computer Technology:

It remains a challenge to surpass the capabilities of books using computer technology. While computers excel in certain areas, matching the overall functionality of a book proves difficult.

Technology’s Transformative Power: From Printing Press to Personal Computing

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century marked a pivotal moment in human history. It democratized access to information, making books affordable and available to a wider audience. This access facilitated intellectual revolutions by spreading diverse ideas in science and philosophy.

Electronic Technologies and the Evolution of Books:

Electronic technologies, such as desktop printing, led to unexpected changes in the publishing industry. Printing presses enabled the production of inexpensive and diverse books. Initially accepted by the Catholic Church for printing Bibles, the printing press later faced challenges as smaller, non-religious books emerged.

The Impact of Technology on Society:

The printing press, despite initial expectations, brought significant changes in thought and social organization. McLuhan’s optimistic perspective viewed technology as reshaping us positively, while Thoreau’s pessimistic view saw technology turning us into its tools, leading to triviality.

Alan Kay and the Influence of Technology

Alan Kay, a visionary in computing, highlighted technology’s role in shaping human life. He drew from Thoreau’s concern about humans becoming subservient to technology, a notion that resonates in today’s social media-dominated landscape. Kay’s vision of the Dynabook, inspired by early computing systems, aimed to empower individuals, particularly children, with sophisticated mathematical concepts.

The Emergence of Personal Computing:

Alan Kay’s early experiences with computer graphics and Ivan Sutherland’s Sketchpad sparked his interest in dynamic objects. Engelbart’s personal computing system, with its mouse, hyperlinked documents, and collaboration features, influenced Kay’s vision of desktop computing.

Seymour Papert and the Dynabook:

Seymour Papert’s work with children and differential geometry inspired Kay to explore the potential of computing beyond books. The Dynabook concept envisioned portable computers for children, enabling them to learn complex mathematics and physics through programming and simulations.

The Birth of Modern Computing at Xerox PARC

At Xerox PARC, Kay and his team’s innovations laid the groundwork for modern computing. They pioneered several technologies, including object-oriented programming and the graphical user interface, which fundamentally altered human-computer interaction.

Xerox PARC and the Development of Modern Technology:

Kay’s ideas, along with contributions from others, led to the establishment of Xerox PARC. Xerox PARC invented numerous modern technologies, including object-oriented programming, dynamic animation, Windows user interface, desktop publishing, Ethernet, and parts of the Internet.

The Future of Computing:

The transition from discrete transistors to integrated circuits enabled a small team at Xerox PARC to achieve significant technological advancements. The next revolution in computing involves the use of conductive plastics, allowing individuals to create entire computers on their desktops. This shift will reduce the cost of computers and democratize their creation, making them accessible to a wider range of people.

Future Directions: Conductive Plastics and Democratization of Computing

Kay predicts a future where conductive plastics will revolutionize computer manufacturing, making it possible for individuals to create their own devices. This democratization of technology aligns with his belief in the critical role of math and science in driving progress.

Educational Transformation Through Technology

The advent of affordable computers like OLPC and Intel Classmate has opened up new educational possibilities, particularly in the non-developed world. These initiatives mark a shift from large-scale industrial knowledge production to accessible, individualized learning. However, the challenge lies in creating suitable educational environments and overcoming the lack of well-informed teachers, especially in developing countries.

Computers for Children:

Nicholas Negroponte’s One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative has spurred the development of inexpensive computers for children. Companies like Nokia are also contributing to the convergence of affordable communications technologies with education.

Challenges:

Creating children’s computers is easier than developing educational environments and teaching non-trivial ideas. The lack of well-informed teachers, especially in developing countries, is a major obstacle.

Invisible Parts of the Problem:

The focus on physical and easy-to-solve aspects of the problem has overshadowed the more invisible challenges. As computers reach various countries, the question of how to use them effectively arises.

The Evolution of Human Thought and Education

The article traces human intellectual development from attributing phenomena to spiritual forces to adopting scientific explanations. The Greeks initiated this shift with their systematic and logical approach to thought, laying the foundation for modern science and mathematics. However, the limitations of human perception and understanding, particularly in grasping complex, gradual changes, remain a challenge in comprehending modern technological advancements.

Outlook Shift:

Historically, causes and effects were often attributed to spiritual or magical reasons. The scientific revolution shifted the outlook to a more empirical and rational approach.

McLuhan’s Advice and Experiential Learning:

Marshall McLuhan’s advice to understand rather than judge the changes brought by technology is particularly relevant. The OLPC XO computer exemplifies this approach, allowing children to experience abstract concepts interactively, like Galileo’s experiments on motion, thereby enhancing their understanding.

The Transition to Biological Outlook and Distributed Systems

The 20th century witnessed a paradigm shift from Newtonian physics to a biological perspective in various fields. This approach, characterized by distributed, loosely coupled systems, mirrors biological ecosystems and is evident in the internet and object-oriented programming.

Science and Gear-Like Causation:

Greek mathematics introduced a revolutionary approach to thinking, connecting thoughts like gears to create cause-and-effect relationships.

The Illusion of Tabletop Shapes:

Our brains are prone to visual illusions, such as perceiving tabletops of different sizes when they are actually the same shape. Mathematical measurements and reasoning are necessary to overcome these illusions and accurately represent reality.

Human Brains and Incremental Thinking:

Human brains are wired to focus on the present and simple changes, making it difficult to grasp complex, long-term phenomena. This limitation can lead to misunderstandings and poor decision-making, especially when dealing with intricate systems.

Architecture Beyond Simple Aggregations:

Traditional building methods involve stacking bricks in piles or walls, resulting in large structures like pyramids. Architectural innovations, such as the arch, require more complex scaffolding and construction techniques but allow for lighter and stronger structures using fewer materials.

Anthropological Insights into Human Universals:

Anthropologists have studied various human groups and identified a set of traits common to all cultures. These traits include coping mechanisms, social structures, language, culture, fantasies, stories, tools, art, and technologies.

Non-Universal Cultural Traits:

While human universals provide a foundation for understanding human behavior, there are also cultural variations. The notion of progress, for example, is a relatively modern concept that is not found in all cultures.

The Challenge of Mathematical Fluency in Education

A significant educational challenge is the lack of mathematical fluency among K-12 teachers. Developing heuristic thinking and understanding relationships are crucial for effective teaching, particularly in abstract concepts.

Mathematics in Education:

– The lack of mathematical fluency among K-12 teachers is a significant problem in the United States, affecting both math and science education.

– Mathematical heuristic thinking, problem-solving, and looking at things from multiple perspectives are essential skills that are lacking in many teachers.

Distractions from Electronic Media:

– The pervasive use of electronic media has led to an overabundance of distractions that appeal to our innate desires and can hinder learning.

– Examples like air guitar contests on television highlight the shift from meaningful pursuits to mere entertainment.

The Pursuit of Meaning in Life:

– In traditional societies, people often focus on living in the present, making the meaning of life an abstract concept.

– The evolution of civilization has seen a shift from experiencing existence to seeking a deeper understanding of life’s meaning.

– We have the ability to create our own meaning in life, including the belief in equal rights and teaching children to act accordingly.

Conclusion:

– The goal is to move from naturalistic living to a more artificial but potentially richer, more productive, and progressive form of existence.

– By providing every child with a personal computer, we can empower them to learn powerful ideas and strive for a meaningful life.

Notes by: Ain