- Introduction by Sid Kasivajhula
- Gerald Sussman: Teaching People Thinking: Programming and Powerful Ideas (3:00)
- Hạl Abelson: From Computational Thinking to Computational Action (18:50)
- Questions (33:40)
- Gerald Sussman: Teaching People Thinking: Programming and Powerful Ideas (3:00)
- Hạl Abelson: From Computational Thinking to Computational Action (18:50)
- Questions (33:40)
An interdisciplinary research project exploring the history and ideas behind the influential ELIZA chatbot, created in the 1960s. The project aims to contextualize ELIZA, analyze its code, and examine its cultural impact on human-computer interaction.
This video features an interview with Professor Hal Abelson, a pioneer in computer science education. He reflects on his career, starting from his early work with Logo programming language and its use in education. He emphasizes the importance of computer education for everyone, particularly for children who can use technology to make a real-world impact.
Abelson also discusses the risks associated with artificial intelligence and MIT's decision to make educational materials freely available online, which led to MIT OpenCourseWare. He believes computer scientists should not only focus on technical advancements but also consider the ethical implications of their work, asking "What, in fact, is worth making?". The video also highlights resources like Logo, Scratch, and MIT App Inventor, encouraging viewers to explore these tools.
Abelson also discusses the risks associated with artificial intelligence and MIT's decision to make educational materials freely available online, which led to MIT OpenCourseWare. He believes computer scientists should not only focus on technical advancements but also consider the ethical implications of their work, asking "What, in fact, is worth making?". The video also highlights resources like Logo, Scratch, and MIT App Inventor, encouraging viewers to explore these tools.
The PiDP-10 is a modern reproduction of the PDP-10, powered by a Raspberry Pi and featuring a front panel with tons of LEDs and switches. It's designed for those who want to experience the computing power of the 1960s, but with a modern twist.
Article by Danny Hillis for Physics Today reprinted with permission, describing Richard Feynman's involvement with the Connection Machine project at Thinking Machines Corporation in the late 1980s. Feynman contributed significantly to the project, including designing an algorithm for computing logarithms and working on the router design.
An article by Phillip Morrison exploring the concept of machine thinking in the age of computers. The author discusses the recurring question of why life is different from non-life, with each new generation of machines that simulate aspects of life.
This article discusses the MIT Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab's 'Tourist Policy' and how it impacted students' access to its resources. As a high school student in Maryland, the author shares their experience of using the lab's PDP-10s over the ARPANET and how it inspired them to learn and contribute to the MIT community.
