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806M! Gamma Chrortick Special A grade five student sits in class at a computer terminal with his hands poised above, the keys, - _ .. A _ _ - - Oh tie screen in front ofhim a simulated porthole shows a view of space, and a graphically reproduced pair of hands hovers: over P keyboard likethe stydent's. - _ _ _ _ _ _ Suddenly. a letter floats across space and the graphic hand reaches a finger towards the corresponding letter on its keyboard. The student follows suit and the letter explodes, to be replaced by another that drifts in from a different part of the screen. It may sound like fun and games, but it is more than that - it is a computer program to teach children keyboarding, thinly disguised as fun and games. 7 7 _ - -- The yang man at the keyboard is one of many grade three, five, and seven students participating in a pilot project involving seven public schools in Waterloo region. _ _ __ - _ - The objective of the project is to find out if young students are interested and able to learn keyboarding, and whether or not it is feasible for our public schools to teach them at an early age. - __ BCI Teacher Darlene "ordoff, helps grade mm student, Stephen Locke, overcome probteme as he learns how to use a keyboard. Rodney cum: photo The project evaluates the students' performance on a keyboard before they are introduced to the program, monitors them as they progress through increasingly difficult situations, and then re- evaluates the students abilities after they have spent 12 hours at the terminal. Darlene Nordoff, a teacher at Bluevale collegiate, is on the field test committee for the project and is travelling from school to school to observe and test the children as they work, - A -- - _ "During the pre-test it was obviods that it was needed," said Nordoff "The pilot project is to find out if the program fits the needs of the student." The project has met with little resistance and the only problem so far is that the students' hands are a bit to small for the keyboards. The students however, don't appear to be discouraged by such things. _ - - - __ -_ A A “I think they should always have computers at school," said Globus "If they don't, then some kids will have a lot of experience because they have one at home, and other kids won't - it could become very important." Bilan Globus, a grade five student at Bridgeport public school, reflects the prevalent attitude of his classmates. 7 The projeet will be complete by June 13 of this year, and will then be reviewed to determine what the next step will be. (Continued trom pace I) "No," was the rather convincing response. An interesting scenario will likely develop at next week's final vote. Aid. Bob Henry, who chaired Monday's meeting, will have to vote this time round, and as a long-time ally of the BIA, it appears unlikely he would support the project although he declined comment Monday. . Much debate That would leave the deciding vote to Aid. Lynne Woolstencrolt. who is currently vacationing. and was not present for Monday‘s meeting. During his presentation to council, Dalton said there is a need for the service in Uptown Waterloo, and that his truck would be “clean and attractive." He also said he was willing to clean up the surrounding area as well as pay his fair share of taxes. He told reporters following the meeting that he had set up a similar business in Nova Scotia several years Mo with no problems. "A tench fry truck has a negative connotation but I will quiclty disprove that," he said. Keyboard training Pilot project more than fun and games Mark Bryeon Chronicle Staff A three-party agreement aimed at easing the burden on Waterloo's Adult Recreation Centre was given the hle§§ing tf city council. Monday night. The deal will see the city enter into an agreement with the K-W Royal Canadian Air Force Associa- tion 401 Wing to purchase the facility at 510 button Dr. at a cost of $307,000. _ - in; third birtyin the transaction is the Waterloo Rotary Club who will kick in $45,000 over the next three years towards the purchase. - J . . -ddGeii gave unanimois support for the acquisi- tion, calling it "a welcomg afdition P tht city; "The current one (Adult Recreation Centre) is bursting at the seams. This is certainly a welcome addition," said Ald. John Shortreed, who was so confident of final council approval next Monday that he was already concerned about the naming of the building. Waterloo will take occupancy of the facility on January 15, 1987. It will then be renovated and occupied by July 1, 1987 for the purpose of programming for senior citizens and adult activi- The agreement calls for the city to lease back a 2,800 square foot portion of the 6,600 square foot building to the 404 Wing who will pay their proportionate share of taxes, utilities and exterior maintenance during the lease period. The 404 Wing will also provide Janitorial service for its portion. ties. The terms of payment are especially sweet from the city standpoint. After a payment of $135,000 on Jan. 15, 1987. the balance of $235,000 will be carried in the form of a first mortgage at an interest rate of 0 per cent, meaning the 404 Wing will continue to pay the interest. The principal on the mortgage would then be paid over the next 13 years with the city paying $25,000 on Jan. IS, 1988 and $10,000 on the 15th day of January in each of the years 1989 to 1999. The balance of $100,000 would be paid on Jan. 15, 2000. City treasurer Tom Stockie told council that it can also expect substantial grants from both the Ministry of Community and Social Services " well ARC burden eased with purchase of Wing 404 building WATERLOO CHRONtCLE, WEDNESDAY. MAY 14. 1980 - PAGE 3 as Tourism and Recreation. Community and Social Services will chip in a maximum of $75,000 toward the purchase, if a need can be identified as laid out in the province's Elderly Services Act. Stockie says that need can be illustrated "without a doubt." Tourism and Recreation has a grant of $65,000 available. Their recently-announced grants must be applied for by the end of May and have council approval by that time. The other prerequisite is that capital expenditures must occur before Jan. 30, 187. Thus, the closing date of Jan. 15. _ With the $45,000 Rotary Club donation, that could leave the city with a cost of $235,000 which includes $50,000 worth of renovations to be carried out early next year. The Rotary donation of $15,000in each of the next three years represents one half of the club's yearly fundraising efforts. 7 __ - -- Community Services chairman Ken Ptlug pre- sented the deal to council Monday and outlined the need for the facility. He said the current facility at King Street and Allen Street had grown well past capacity and a new site was necessary to develop new seniors programs and respond to community A detailed report prepared by Pflug and Stockle states that 3,378 people are currently registered in over 120 different programs and service offered at the 9,091square foot facility. .. The Aduft Recreation Celine is open to residents from, throughout the Region, as will be the 404 Wing "There will be no non-resident user fees. We don't do business that way," said Mayor Marjorie Carroll referring to the Kitchener decision to charge non-residents of Kitchener a $25 fee for using the city's library. A _ Tie ennui: King Stieet South facility has tripled in use since 1979, according to the report. 7 _ Council plans to schedule public meetings in the month of June in order to relay to the public and to the specific users of the facility what programs will be available in the future. The purchase of the 404 Wing building is subject to Ontario Municipal Board approval.