In addition to the abilities of seeing, listening and speaking, computers use commercial data processing "to track, store and organize information, allowing for business-related applications like accounting programs." (Source: NTT)
The futurist Ray Kurzweil, who pioneered digital pianos used by Stevie Wonder and now works at Google, predicted that technology will eventually reach a point, known as the Singularity, where it will pass the Turing test and simulate higher-order thinking. Movies such as Her and Ex Machina have fueled popular interest in the concept.
Outside-the-box thinkers, including philosophers and physicists, have also been pondering the question of what reality is. One of their brainiac ideas is simulation theory, which suggests that we're likely living in an ultra-high-tech computer simulation where we sim-live, sim-work and sim-laugh. (Think The Matrix.)
Experts maintain that regular opportunities to engage in activities that require the use of higher-order thinking skills can significantly improve students' achievement, as measured by standardized tests. For example, video production requires students to use visual thinking skills as they work to identify a topic that can be explained or summarized in one minute.
