Paul A. Wussow

Paul has been a pioneer in the field of interactive multimedia for more than thirty years. His wide range of experiences both in the professional and private sector clearly demonstrate his expertise in this ever-changing field.

In one of Paul’s earliest projects, before computers were interfaced with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) to display graphics, he created video simulations off mainframe computers by using storage oscilloscopes. The success of this project led to his involvement with the implementation of the PLATO IV system, a national computer-aided instruction network. When he was frustrated by his lack of access to interfaces on mainframe computers, Paul purchased his own PDP-8L which allowed him to create direct connections between user controls and visual displays. Paul further demonstrated his innovative thinking by developing microprocessor interfaces to control the playback of prototype videodisk players when that technology first appeared on the market. This work was completed using early Motorola 6800 microprocessors programmed in machine code.

As Chief Broadcast Engineer for the University of Illinois at Chicago, Paul oversaw the technical operations for audio and visual production as well as instructional media in the Office of Instructional Resources Development. In his concurrent position of Director of the Chicago PLATO Engineering Development Laboratory, Paul designed and implemented a computer controlled telephone system which allowed foreign language students to access and control audio information from their home telephones.

Paul gained valuable administrative experience from his ten years in the concurrent positions of Assistant Dean and Director of Media Services in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He envisioned applications for information systems at instruction levels ranging from Kindergarten to post-graduate. Paul was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Integrated Student Information System, the master student record system for the university’s Office of Admissions and Records. His efforts earned him the position of consultant to the central administration in a project to redesign the University’s financial accounting system’s interface for networked departmental offices.

Paul formed his own company in order to utilize his diverse talents in the development of networked multimedia productions. He is involved with the development of CD-ROM systems, internet curriculum, commercial advertising and interactive marketing.

Paul is a founding director of the Chicago Education Network, was elected to a full term on the board.

After finishing the Twentieth Century teaching Microsoft Certified Systems Engineering courses at MicroTech Training Center, Paul joined with the accounting firm of Dugan And Lopatka to form Partners In Technology, an IT support division of the accounting firm. As Director of Information Technology at Partners, Paul has many chances to explore the use of computer technology to enhance business and education. He is currently the Director of Information Technology at Adams Street Partners.

Model Railroading is one of Paul’s hobbies. The Perch Lake and Superior Railroad is owned and operated in HO scale by Paul and his family. The railroad is operated by Digital Command Control of course.

Paul also maintains his own web site, for model railroaders at Paul’s Place on the MMWG web site.