When it comes to interacting with computers and other forms of technology, it is useful to have a fundamental grasp of computers. To what degree are educational institutions, industry, and society as a whole able to profit more from embracing technological advancements than they risk losing out due to the possible downsides associated with these developments?

The question describes a function S(k) which is defined as the sum of the positive divisors of a positive integer k, minus k itself. The function S(1) is defined as 1, and for any positive integer k greater than 1, S(k) is calculated as S(k) = σ(k) - k, where σ(k) is the sum of all positive divisors of k. Some examples of S(k) are given: S(1) = 1 S(2) = 1 S(3) = 1 S(4) = 3 S(5) = 1 S(6) = 6 S(7) = 1 S(8) = 7 S(9) = 4 The question then introduces a recursive sequence a_n with the following rules: a_1 = 12 For n ≥ 2, a_n = S(a_(n-1)) Part (a) of the question asks to calculate the values of a_2, a_3, a_4, a_5, a_6, a_7, and a_8 for the sequence. Part (b) modifies the sequence to start with a_1 = k, where k is any positive integer, and the same recursion formula applies: for n ≥ 2, a_n = S(a_(n-1)). The question notes that for many choices of k, the sequence a_n will eventually reach and remain at 1, but this is not always the case. It asks to find, with an explanation, two specific…

The capability of contemporary computing is impressive.  Exists any anecdotal evidence that computers have played a significant role in education over the past several decades?

The development of contemporary computer technology has made this an actual possibility. How and why has the use of computers grown so widespread in educational institutions over the course of the last several decades?