Pioneers to consider technology, progress

Two of the people most responsible for taking computers out of the laboratory and into the hands of millions are coming to Seattle on Tuesday to talk about how technology can make its next leap and bring progress to an even greater number of people.

Doug Engelbart, who patented the computer mouse, and Alan Kay, who developed technology that enables people to control computers with icons and symbols, will hold a public “conversation” at downtown Seattle’s Town Hall in an interactive event that’s also webcast live at http://www.progressproject.org.

The dialogue, titled “Progress on the Frontiers: Information Technology and Progress,” will be led by journalist James Fallows, best known for his work in the Atlantic Monthly.

The event is the latest in a series of conversations involving remarkable thinkers. It is sponsored by The Progress Project, a partnership of the University of Washington’s Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and The Glaser Family Foundation, founded by RealNetworks Inc. CEO Rob Glaser.

Since its inception last fall, The Progress Project has brought former President Jimmy Carter, life scientist Jane Goodall, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and consumer activist Ralph Nader into a dialogue on how to define, measure and promote progress in the new century. Upcoming speakers, as well as a conference and a scholarly book, will focus on crafting policies to enhance progress.

Engelbart, 75, has made “inestimable” contributions in the development of personal computing, according to PC Magazine. Among his technological firsts are the mouse, hypermedia and groupware. He founded the Bootstrap Institute in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he explores the technologies and processes of future work environments.

Kay, 60, is another pioneer whose work at Xerox and Atari led to the creation of what many people believe to be the first modern computer. He envisioned the laptop in the 1970s and worked with children to design graphical user interfaces. He continues to explore the use of computers in education.

Free tickets to the 7:30 p.m. event at Town Hall, Eighth and Seneca, are available at University Book Store branches. ¶

Steve Goldsmith, News & Information