OT: pushing buttons, not understanding (was RE: Another ~1960 computer kit)

19 Dec 1998

...
   Unfortunately,
lots of "fundamental" knowledge gets left out when you
 skip electric lights and go to things much more complex. 
 Somewhat like grade school children using calculators instead of
 really learning mathematics. 
<soapbox>

This is why, as curator of the Slide Rule Trading Post (SRTP), I often
receive comments along the lines that it's a real shame that slide rules are
no longer used in schools.  They are a perfect tool for developing an
understanding of logarithms and how to use them.  They also make you think
about the answer (what magnitude you expect) and help in mental estimates,
rather than blindly relying on the numbers that come up on the screen.

I'd still like to see slide rules return to schools.

</soapbox>

You can visit the SRTP at
http://www.comcen.com.au/~adavie/slide/
I have a pretty dang neat Java slide rule (IMHO), too, at
http://www.comcen.com.au/~adavie/javaslide/javaslide.html

I recommend a visit to JavaSlide, at least :)

Cheers
A

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OT: pushing buttons, not understanding (was RE: Another ~1960 computer kit)