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Commercialization of the Mouse
With the introduction of the LISA mouse by Apple, the world had one of its first commercial releases of the mouse input device. Today, nearly every desktop computer has a mouse attached. The first computer I received after my Commodore 64 had a mouse and I've relied on one daily ever since. Image credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Mouse#Lisa_Mouse_.28A9M0050.29). -
Microsoft QBasic
Microsoft's Quick Beginners all purpose symbolic instruction code was a programming language that was introduced to me by my grandfather who was one of the first computer programmers in the tri-state area working for local businesses. This interface allowed for groundbreaking editing and debugging to be done in real time and would help lead to further evolution in computer programming languages. Image credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QBasic). -
AOL released for DOS
AOL was my first access to the Internet. We connected via a modem on dial-up. AOL was one of the pioneering ISP's and many people of my generation owe their beginnings on the internet to its services. Image credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AOL). -
IBM Introduces Simon
IBM introduced what is generally considered the first "smartphone" with the Simon in 1994. This device could send faxes, had an appointment calender, enabled used of a calculator, took handwritten notes, and could send and receive e-mail. This device would revolutionize the world of cellular phones and allow us to instantaneously access important information in 2015 by pulling a handheld device from our pocket. Image credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Simon). -
WiFi 802.11 Released
Today, we are capable of connecting dozens or even hundreds of devices to a single connection using WiFi connectivity. In the past, this would lead to cables snaking all over the place to make sure each device was connected to the internet. My parents built their house in early 1997 and put in connections for CAT-5 wires to be plugged in and run to a central hub so you could connect a computer anywhere in the house for Internet. Image credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi). -
LCD Monitors Introduced
The Eizo LCD L66 monitor was introduced in 1998. This brought monitors of smaller size to computers and would eventually lead to a phasing out of the older CRT models due to the reduction in size, weight, and power consumption. LCD is used today in many different technologies including televisions and smart phones. Credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor#Liquid_crystal_display) -
iPod Introduced
The birth of what would eventually branch off into the iPhone and iPad, the iPod revolutionized the way we listen to music and interact with digital media. I received the first model on Christmas 2001. Image credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod). -
iPad Introduced
One of the first tablets to be used on a mass scale in a educational setting was the iPad. Today, we use iPads in our classroom daily to complete lessons and look up information without being tethered to a PC. I personally own two iPad's of my own. Image credit to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad).
