I am intrigued by the symbiotic relationship between adults and children in furthering the education of both.  The Newspapers In Education program is an important initiative that adults developed to encourage youngsters to read newspapers.  On the other hand, children have become involved in assisting adults adapt to the computers and the Internet.  Children are simply unencumbered by the fears and trepidations that most adults have about computers.  They approach the computer with aplomb and a focused intent.

One could do well to listen to their teachings.  The fifth grade class of Bess Shepherd elementary school in Chattanooga offered several pearls of computer wisdom which their teacher, Carolyn Campbell, sent to me recently.   In their words (my comments in parenthesis).

1.  A computer is a delicate machine.
2.  Don’t eat or drink around the computer.
3.  Don’t press the keys when the computer is off.
4.  A computer is very smart - do not erase anything.
5.  A computer is very heavy!  Don’t try and pick it up.
6.  Don’t throw things at the computer!
7.  Don’t punch a computer!  (but boy do I want to sometimes!)
8.  Don’t play around the computer.
9.  Never bite the wires! (I have to wonder if this is a problem in our schools!)
10. Don’t push “shut down”
11. The keyboard isn’t a piano!
12. Don’t hit the computer - it won’t change channels!  (But it worked on my old Sylvania TV!)
13. Never click on the trash!
14. Do one step at a time and don’t mess up!
15. Memorize the keys and don’t drool on them.
16. Learn where to go and what to do.
17. Learn how to print.
18. Don’t surf to places you shouldn’t, you naughty boy!
19. Don’t steal anything
20. Don’t take the computer out and put I in your backpack and try to take it home.
21. Don’t bang the mouse!
22. Dust the screen....don’t have your eyes checked.
23. Never push 1-800-98JENNY CRAIG, because its not a telephone.
24. Never push the CD in!
25. Don’t throw your computer at the window to test the force of gravity.
26. If you need help, ask!

and my favorite..

27. ALWAYS SIT WITH SOMEONE WHO IS SMARTER THAN YOU.

A simple rule that goes a long way.  Find a mentor, regardless of age, that knows more and is willing to help you along.   My teenage son is one of my most valuable resources.

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If you have noticed articles in national media regarding taxation of the Internet you may recall that there is pressure being applied by many states to apply sales taxes to Internet transactions.   As more commerce moves to the Internet, state revenue offices have been eyeing this as a means tax revenue.  Opponents of this taxation cite the stifling affect it would have on fostering the Internet as an electronic commerce medium.   I remind readers that our Okaloosa County Commissioners took a stand against taxation on August 6, 1996 with County Resolution 96-77.  The resolution (the early draft of the resolution was written by members of the chamber) may be viewed in its entirety at
http://mindlace.com/resolut.htm.  The upshot is that taxation of the Internet would not be pro-business.

— — —

Silicon Beach Expo 98 is slated for Nov. 20-22, 1998.  Johnathan Van Houten of Nucleus Communications has the web site up and running for the expo.  Check it out at http://www.nuc.net/expo Johnathan has been keeping after this site since the first expo and we certainly appreciate his work.  Ann Carr, formerly of Gulf Coast Internet Company is back on the Silicon Beach planning staff.  Great to have you back Ann.  She is now with LDDS/WorldCom and has just joined the chamber.

This article was published in the March 1998 issue of Coastlines, a publication for the Fort Walton Beach (FL) Chamber of Commerce courtesy of the Daily News.

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