Students have a brush with IT

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.