A collection of interviews and an overview of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC) are presented. (MP)

Features of two versions of the BASIC programing language are compared with the features of the PASCAL programing language. The application chosen for comparison was a word processor. The conclusion was that PASCAL had the best language features, but BASIC had better systems capabilities. (MP)

Discussed is the nature of and the importance of effective documentation in computer programing. (TG)

The repetitious nature of music is thought to be very similar to the repetitious nature of computer algorithms. Subroutines are seen to be very effectively applied to music notation, through reducing repetitious entry and the amount of memory required to represent a musical score. Examples of subroutine use are provided. (MP)

The PASCAL and BASIC programing languages are compared, with the additional features provided by PASCAL described in detail. (MP)

A traditional question is whether or not computers shall ever think like humans. This question is redirected to a discussion of whether computers shall ever be truly creative. Creativity is defined and a program is described that is designed to complete creatively a series problem in mathematics. (MP)

Pocket computers are promoted as an inexpensive means of teaching computer programing, particularly in today's world where there are increasing difficulties of obtaining funds for new curriculum materials. Samples of programs written in BASIC that can be run on pocket computers are presented, and instruction in elementary grades is promoted. (MP)

The major philosophical issues surrounding the concept of intelligence are reviewed with respect to the problems surrounding the process of defining and developing artificial intelligence (AI) in computers. Various current definitions and problems with these definitions are presented. (MP)

The process and history of the development of artificial intelligence is reviewed. Important achievements are noted. Limitations to possible breakthroughs in this field are noted from philosophers and mathematical logicians. (MP)

Background material related to this controversy discusses four points of view and moves to an examination of Turing's formulation of the question. (MP)

An attempt is made to predict what sort of impact computer technology shall have on society by the year 2000. The difficulty and complexity of any prediction of the future is first noted. It is predicted that society shall be dramatically reshaped, with a need for new human goals. (MP)

The views of Dr. Seymour Papert, developer of the LOGO programing language, are presented along with a general discussion of the potential of LOGO to open up computers to young children. (MP)

Instruction using computers is viewed as different from most other approaches to education, by allowing more than right or wrong answers, by providing models for systematic procedures, by shifting the boundary between formal and concrete processes, and by influencing the development of thinking in many new ways. (MP)

The current status of creating artificial intelligence (AI) in computers is viewed in terms of what has been accomplished, what the current limitations are, and how vague the concept of intelligent behavior is in today's world. Progress is expected to accelerate once sufficient fundamental knowledge is available. (MP)

Herbert Simon (Nobel prize-winning economist/professor) expresses his views on human and artificial intelligence, problem solving, inventing concepts, and the future. Includes comments on expert systems, state of the art in artificial intelligence, robotics, and "Bacon," a computer program that finds scientific laws hidden in raw data.…