The K-Net kids learn how computers provide solutions using a wide range of software In the foreground - Natalie Mat, Brett Manson, Yair Sappir, Nicholas Caddy

Workgroup Distribution to support K-Net

Workgroup Distribution has pledged its support for K-Net, the technology network for children and teenagers which provides hands-on experience on all the major software products.

Workgroup Distribution's Lynn Strathern said the function provide by K-Net will give immense benefit in terms of computer literacy in the workplace.

"In the long term, it will produce young adults with excellent computer skills covering a wide range of computer applications. This in turn will strengthen their post school education and enhance their careers," she added.

"We believe our support of K-Net will further enhance the organisation's ability to provide a wide range of software for students to learn."

"The list is already impressive and includes products such as CorelDraw 5, Microsoft Encarta, Microsoft Publisher, PowerPoint and Paint Brush."

K-Net managing director Jil Hrdlickza explained that K-Net already has over 900 registered children and teenagers in Johannesburg alone. We also provide remote club membership for kids and teenagers countrywide who participate in club projects every two weeks," she added.

Hrdliczka said course duration is about 12 weeks, running about one and a half hours a week. She said three-year olds are introduced to computers on Computer Magic, a computer orientation course done in groups of six, and this is proving to be highly enjoyable and effective.

"Three-year olds learn very quickly, and it is an ideal age to start learning how to use a computer as a tool. For older children, we believe computer education is not merely teaching people to use a spreadsheet or word processing package.

"We believe that education must include complete solutions which incorporate graphics, multimedia, faxing, email and that within this solutions lies the mastering of a spreadsheet and word processing package."

Kids and teenagers are also given exciting projects which require them to access information from an encyclopaedia such as Encarta, select the appropriate topics, and produce their own diagrams and text graphics using PowerPoint.

A publishing package such as Publisher is used to produce professional looking documents. CorelDraw is used in the graphics and animation courses and K-Net members learn how to produce professional, print-ready designs.