I think there really is no need to make children familiar with computers any longer... In general, they spend too much time in front of a screen already. In that sense EVERYTHING that offers a hands-on experience rather than a virtual one is positive. So if it is possible to explain a subject *without* using a computer I would always vote for that. The children *I* know will transfer and use the knowledge they have gained to computers anyway.
Also, there is the thing with *understanding* a subject rather than knowing how to use a tool. With some effort in teaching optics and chemics you can come close to give a 14 year old a good understanding of *why* there is an image developing on that paper in that soup... I doubt the same level of understanding is possible with a computer or a bubble jet printer. They may be very skilled in using these and still don't have a clue... Sven ... > > > On May 25, 2004, at 5:20 PM, Kevin Waterson wrote: > > > My childrens school is to be offering photography as > > a subject. I have talked to the principle about this > > and he is very keen about an all digital photo lab > > type set up. > > > > He stated that with a darkroom there was could be problems > > with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) with the use of > > chemicals and children with asthma. Also as the world was > > going digital this would be a real world solution. The > > school is well equipped with computers, so there would be > > no need to build another (dark)room for processing. Added > > to this there is no cost of film. > > > > He did say he could be swayed if there was a compelling > > arguement in favour of film. If you have any reasons why > > children should be learning in a darkroom, I would love > > to hear them and pass them on. > > > > Kind regards > > Kevin > > > > -- > > ______ > > (_____ \ > > _____) ) ____ ____ ____ ____ > > | ____/ / _ ) / _ | / ___) / _ ) > > | | ( (/ / ( ( | |( (___ ( (/ / > > |_| \____) \_||_| \____) \____) > > Kevin Waterson > > Port Macquarie, Australia > > > >
