Keyed For Success

Illawarra Mercury

Friday September 11, 1998

The mysteries of computers hold no fears for today's youngsters who have grown up with keyboard knowledge and the ability to turn out professional looking schoolwork.

All that is a far cry from the days of inkwells and pens with nibs that sprayed unsightly and permanent ink blobs.

All Year 7 and Year 8 students at Edmund Rice College use computer technology as part of design and technology courses, setting the rhythm for the rest of their lives.

Teacher Jeff Palmer said it was extremely important that all students had a chance to work with computers.

``It doesn't matter what sort of job one goes for nowadays - everyone is looking for computer qualifications," he said.

In the senior school 50 per cent of Higher School Certificate students this year were studying computer subjects. ``Next year we will be offering senior students a TAFE accredited information-technology course to help with their future career paths," Mr Palmer said.