[Wired In raw #13: Computer Kids #1]

Raw footage for "Wired In," a never completed series on the technological trends and innovations of the 1980s. In this video, we watch as children put Apple II computers to use at The Learning Circuit, a computer learning center in California. The crew also interviews the Learning Circuit manager, Professor Stuart Schweitzer. Computer Kids #1.

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

00:50Copy video clip URL Cut to a shot of two middle school children playing a computer game at the Learning Circuit. The children seem to be playing a game about running a lemonade stand. One child relishes his success with the game. Another child gets a little frustrated with not making enough money in the game. The instructor has both children work together to make more money. This lasts for several minutes.

08:02Copy video clip URL UCLA Professor and Learning Circuit manager Stuart Schweitzer speaks with the Wired In crew about the Learning Circuit. He explains that the Learning Circuit was created out of the growing interest in personal computers and the increasing number of people who want to enter into the computer age. The center offers classes to both adults and children. Schweitzer states, “They’re getting an exposure that they’ve never had, not only to computers as computational devices but a wide, wide range of activities to keep their interest in this new technology.” Schweitzer talks about children getting a little more motivation after being exposed to computers. This lasts for several minutes.

11:04Copy video clip URL Schweitzer talks about the dearth of children from underprivileged families who are taking classes at the Learning Circuit. He worries that computer education will become more oriented towards middle class children than to those in the lower class. Schweitzer goes on to talk about children benefiting from computer knowledge and believes that nearly every career path in the future will involve computers in some way, shape, or form. He goes on to talk about the differences between teaching children and adults. This lasts for several minutes.

16:38Copy video clip URL One of the videomakers asks Schweitzer about the skills children gain from being acquainted with computers at a young age. Schweitzer also talks about the developing generation of computer savvy children and what that means for societal progression. He comments on the educational and life changing uses of computers. This lasts for several minutes. “No longer is the computer just the purview of the mathematics oriented child and the science whiz that children with a wide range of background are learning to enjoy this tool and do marvelous things with it.”

21:05Copy video clip URL Tape ends.