Apple Macintosh

During the 1984 Super bowl on January 22, Apple Computer ran a $1.5 million commercial introducing the Macintosh computer. The ad only ran once, but numerous news and talk shows replayed it making it "one of the most memorable ads in TV history". It contrasts George Orwell's book, 1984. The Mac would be made available on January 24, 1984.

The Macintosh had the following specifications:
Processor    MC68000 at 7.83 MHz
RAM            128 KB
Disk            400 KB single sided 3.5" floppy drive
Display        9" black and white built-in, 512x342 pixels
Cost            $2495

To appear like ink on paper, the Mac displayed most of its characters using black letters on a white background in comparison to the majority of others that used light characters on a dark background. The Mac was the first machine to offer multiple fonts that were easy to install and was the first to have a mouse as standard equipment. Macintosh shaped the way computers are designed in today's market.

Apple computers were already being used in classrooms and computer labs before the Mac; however, the mouse allowed for young learners to operate a computer effectively without having typing skills. They were able to more easily maneuver a mouse to interact with software.

Desktop Learning

During the Summer Olympics in August 2020, AT&T introduces Desktop Learning that changes the way students will be instructed. This new system of learning features a flat screen built into each student's desktop. All assignments will display on the desktop, and students will interact using a touch pen to write on the desktop. These assignments will be made available through the various educational publishing companies such as Houghton Mifflin. After the teacher has taught the curriculum and students have completed and submitted the assignments to the publishing company via the internet, the publishing company will provide immediate feedback of the students' successes and areas which need further instruction. From this, the students' follow-up assignments will be customized based on the areas where improvement is required or where enrichment is needed. Progress reports will be made available to the teacher and the parents by using a password to retrieve the students' information online.

This technology will provide a more specialized education so all students are continually challenged and making progress. This will also free the teacher from grading tedious assignments so they can concentrate more on preparing lessons and instructing students.

The Machine Room - Apple Macintosh
Timeline of Microcomputers
Apple Computer Inc. Timeline
Apple Computer
Apple's Televsion Commercial Introducing the Mac
George Orwell's 1984