Students have a brush with IT

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Dozens of teenagers crowded around computer monitors on Saturday that displayed a series of interviews conducted around Kolese Kanisius school by student "journalists".

The screening in the school's computer room was part of the information and communication technology-themed Canisius Fair, held on the school's campus on Jl. Menteng Raya, Central Jakarta, to mark its 78th anniversary.

Attended by around 4,000 people -- students, parents and the public -- the fair was a first for the school.

Classrooms were transformed into stands for both companies and students to present their products to the public.

The fair's theme was evident even in the Manga Room, which was packed with students watching a manga film on a wide-screen computer notebook.

The school's director, Baskoro Poedjienoegroho, said the fair was an effective way to educate students on the use of IT and its impact on society.

"In this era, IT has sneaked into every aspect of our lives and changed human behavior," said Baskoro.

Almost every stand in the hall had a notebook computer that was used to record sales.

PT Nugindoprima Indah, which provide products and machinery to the advertising sector, was among other IT product providers that participated in the fair.

Since the school asked companies participating in the fair to educate both students and visitors on the uses of products, rather than just their features, Jackson, a sales representative from the company, explained to the students how a scrawl can turn into an eye-catching logo.

Korean electronics producer Samsung, another participant, held a digital photography class and photo competition.

"In this digital era, people are starting to leave conventional cameras behind and move to digital cameras. I think that it is important for children interested in photography to get familiar with digital cameras," said Damar, a graphic designer from Fotoplus Magazine, who taught the short course.

Kanisius student Antonius, 15, said the fair helped him to understand more about IT applications and its optimum use.

"I can use IT to enhance my creativity and, through the fair, I have a better understanding of state-of-the-art technology," said the junior high student who excels in science and math.