Alan Kay's talk at UCLA 2024 Feburary 21st.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

1. Introduction to the Talk:

• The talk features Alan Kay presenting on various topics related to technology, society, and future research at UCLA in 2024.

2. Alan's Inspiration for the Talk:

• Alan received an email from Len Kleinrock requesting a talk on current views and rewarding work in his life.
• He was asked to condense his thoughts into a few minutes, which he agreed to.

3. Overview of Xerox Park and Janelia:

• Alan discusses the feasibility of recreating something like Xerox Park today.
• Mentions Janelia, a Biology Institute funded by the Hughes Foundation, with a similar spirit to Xerox Park.

4. Challenges Faced by Young People Today:

• Alan believes young people face harder problems today due to increased business influence and technological advancements since the 80s.

5. Tragic Illusions and Evolution of Education:

• Alan reflects on tragic illusions adults hold and the evolution of education from oral traditions to written forms.

6. Contributions of Xerox Park:

• Discusses the contributions of Xerox Park, including the development of the modern personal computer, GUI, laser printer, Ethernet, and more.

7. Impact of ARPA and DARPA:

• Mentions the contributions of ARPA and DARPA in the development of personal computing, computer graphics, and the internet.

8. Importance of Research Communities:

• Emphasizes the significance of research communities like Xerox Park in fostering innovation and collaboration.

9. Role of Universities and Education:

• Advocates for universities to uphold standards that foster critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills among students.

10. Future of Technology and Research:

• Reflects on the role of technology in society and the need for continued research and development to address complex challenges.

11. Influence of Steve Jobs and Apple:

• Alan recalls Steve Jobs' visit to Xerox Park and the impact of Xerox's GUI on the development of the Apple Lisa and Macintosh computers.

12. Conclusion:

• Alan Kay's talk touches on various aspects of technology, education, and research, highlighting the importance of collaborative innovation and forward-thinking approaches.

By following these steps, you can gain insights into Alan Kay's perspectives on technology, research, and societal challenges, as presented in his talk at UCLA in 2024.