Computer Kids #5

The tape features raw footage from the television show "Wired In." While the  program never actually came to fruition, the footage and demos put together are an interesting look into the the technological trends and innovations of the 1980s. In this video, we watch as children put computers to use at The Learning Circuit, a computer learning center in Los Angeles, California. The videomakers also interview several children about their experiences with the new technology.

00:00Copy video clip URL This tape begins with color bars.

00:36Copy video clip URL Cut to a shot of four children sitting in front of a row of computers. The filmmakers continue to interview the children about their experiences with computers and how they will evolve in the future. One child believes that the world will become more confused with computers as they make their way into modern society. Other children talk about some of their favorite computer games. This lasts for several minutes.

10:11Copy video clip URL Cut to a shot of a child by the name of Matthew who takes the filmmakers through a game he created on the PET computer. Matthew was able to give his computer a name and program it to present the game player with a slew of math questions.

13:05Copy video clip URL When asked whether he would rather have a computer of person teach him, Matthew states that he would want a person to teach him because “they have more feelings than a computer because a computer doesn’t have any feelings.” Matthew explains his reasons for taking the computer course and how it will benefit him in the future. He goes on to say that computers “think much faster than a human’s brain.” He goes on to comment on how computers will change society, specifically in modern warfare.

15:34Copy video clip URL When asked what he would do if he could make a computer do anything, Matthew states that he would “make it have feelings.” He goes on to comment on the possibility of computers taking over the world and says that he “[doubts] that will ever happen.” Matthew then talks about a dream he had about computers. This lasts for several minutes.

20:10Copy video clip URL We watch as an instructor at the Learning Circuit aids children in plotting a program. Twin sisters work on plotting points with each other. This lasts for the remainder of the tape.

22:37Copy video clip URL Tape ends