A.I. & The Turing test

Humans have been building machines and computers for decades. The first devices you would recognize as a computer were the size of a large classroom! Over time, though, they have shrunk to fit in the palm of your hand. The gap between human and machine is slowly closing...to the point where it is sometimes difficult to tell if a computer is really a machine or a person. In this activity, you will explore what intelligence is and whether or not computers today are intelligent.

Part 1: Rise of Personal Robots


Directions: In the following talk, Cynthia Breazeal explores how expressive personal robots could be powerful tools to facilitate personal investment, promote creativity, and give the feeling of connection in long-distance communication. While you’re watching the talk consider how the projects created by Breazeal and her group could change the way you personally communicate, play, create, and live.

Journal Reflection #1: Describe an experience you've had with a piece of technology (like a device, a website, a program, a game, etc.) where the way you interact with the material impacted your experience, either positvely or negatively. Why do you think you had that particular reaction?

Journal Reflection #2: Did the computers in the video have "intelligence"? Why or why not?

Part 2: What is the Turing Test?

Directions: Click on the article link and read about the Turing Test. Answer the following questions in your journal.

1. Who was Alan Turing? What was his BIG achievement?

2. What is the Turing Test?

3. Has the Turing Test ever been passed?

4. Would any of the computers from the Ted Talks video have passed the Turing Test? Why or why not?