* On 03-10-21, Ron Johnson wrote: > Why expose children to computers at such a young age? Shouldn't > they be running and jumping, playing with toys, coloring, cutting, > riding bike/scooter, etc, instead?
Ooo, dear, there's a can of worms ;-) I would like to say this on the subject, and then will try never to rant again: I got my first computer experience when I was 4 years old (PDP-11, no screen, teletype, and FORTRAN... I wrote a program that counted whee!) Later, I got my first computer when I was approx. 5-6 (Atari 400, 16K and membrane keyboard). I really attribute my knowledge and aptitute today to that early computer experience. I had taught myself basic C by the time I was 8, and had already exposed myself to what I would later discover to be Algebra because of it. I think that computer experience very young is an /exceptionally/ good thing. For one, it helps the child not to be afraid of technology (which is a HUGE boon). For another, depending upon /what/ the child has experience with, it can really help out with logic and problem solving. Heck, it can even help teach creativity. I would also like to point out that some of the most bright persons I currently know in the computer field are people who had such early experience with computers (Bill Kendrick anyone? The guys a coding machine... ;-) Granted, it's not going to be for everyone... but certainly it can really be a great thing to at least experience. -- Sam Hart University/Work addr. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Personal addr. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Alternative <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> end
