CAMPUS/AREA
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Tuesday, January 25, 1994
3
Macintosh redefines computers
University adapts to 'classroom and office standard'
Brian Vandervliet / KANSAN
By David Stewart Kansan staff writer
From a little mouse, mighty things have come.
Introduced 10 years ago yesterday as "the computer for the rest of us," the Apple Macintosh has grown out of its image as a "toy" computer to become a mainstay at the home, in the office and on campus.
With the acquisition of 80 Macintoshes in 1985, the computer science department took the first step in building the University's current collection of 2,100 Macintoshes.
When looking to add new computers in the mid-1980s, the computer science department formed a committee, which included former student Tim Thurman, current manager of computing resources for the department.
Thurman said the Macintosh won the committee over with its ease of use and intuitive operating style.
"The Mac allowed people to do more things more easily," Thurman said. "Like the ad said, 'If you can point, you can use a Mac.'"
Some computer operators thought the idea of using a mouse to run a computer was only a gimmick, Truman said. But by no longer requiring people to know the specialized language of a disk operating system, or DOS, the Macintosh opened the previously abstract world of computers to the masses, he said.
"When entering commands, it's intimidating with words, sometimes cryptic words, on the screen," Thurman said. "The Mac means you can click on an icon. That's much easier."
The Macintosh also connects with other computers more easily than DOS-based personal computers, said David Ryan, computer systems specialist for systems development, which services the technology for the admissions, placement and registrar's offices.
Last week, staff members at the enrollment center wanted to add four more terminals during the add/drop process Ryan's office could quickly plug in Macin
toshes, he said.
"It was revolutionary, dealing with a mouse and an
icon."
lighting for them in our division. We don't really have any requests for PC's."
While several professors of computer science and Macintosh users said the computer had developed into the office and classroom standard, the majority of college students coming out of high school remain committed to IBM-based systems, said Jim Roberts, chair of the electrical engineering and computer science department.
Jim Roberts chair of the electrical engineering and computer science department
Of the freshmen taking Roberts' introductory computer science class, only 10 percent are Macintosh users, he said. In contrast, old stu
dents had accepted the Macintosh more readily.
"I was stunned by the almost instant acceptance," Roberts said. "It was revolutionary, dealing with a mouse and an icon.
It was a really different feel with the Mac. "
Roberts said that some of the graphics, such as the smiling computer that welcomes users, and the special sounds made by the Macintosh added to its acceptance.
"There's a bit of cultism as well," he said. "People relate to the Macs more easily. It added some whimsical aspects to computer use."
Though the Macintosh cost a lot more than the standard personal computer, its intuitive approach and speed of use had made it a clear choice for new computer acquisitions, said Kanishka de Lanolerelle, systems manager and lab supervisor for the computer science department from 1985 to 1992.
"It was like having a Ferrari instead of a Ford," de Lanterelle said. "It was a lot more expensive, but it would get everything done a lot better and a lot more quickly."
ON CAMPUS
Applications for the undergraduate National Security Education Program (NSEP) grants have arrived. For students who want to study abroad, $8,000 per semester is available. Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad, 203 Lippincott Hall. For more information, call Mary Elizabeth Debicki at 864-3742.
LesBiGaySK encourages anyone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or unsure to call Headquarters at 841-2345 or the University Information Center at 864-3506 about confidential meetings.
OAKS—Non-Traditional Students Organization will have a brown-bag lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Rock Chalk Room in the Burge Union. For more information, call Gerry Vernon at 864-7317
The Office of Study Abroad and Western Civilization Program will sponsor an informational meeting for students interested in fulfilling their Western Civilization requirements, or studying history/art history in Italy or France at 3 p.m. today at 3 Lippincott Hall. For more information, call Nancy Mitchell at 844-3742.
KU Karate Club will meet at 5:30 p.m. today at 130 Robinson Center. For more information, call Brad Bernet at 822-2157.
in Amnesty International will meet at 6 p.m. today at Alcove in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Daneille Myron at 842-5407.
■ Inspirational Gospel Voices will meet at 6 p.m. today in 328 Murphy Hall. For more information, call Kim at 749-3819.
KU Pro-Choice Coalition will meet at 6 p.m. today at Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread. For more information, call Stephanie at 842-6894.
Public Relations Student Society of America will meet at 7 tonight at the Pioneer Room in the Burge Union. For more information, call Shaunda Wenberg at 864-7318.
KU Dr. Seuss Club will meet at 7:30 tonight at Alcove G in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Jessica Pinchinief at 841-2558.
KU Fencing Club will meet at 7:30 tonight in 130 Robinson Center. For more information, call Jen Snvder at 841-6445.
"Windblown," the student organization of the Mustard Seed Christian Fellowship, will meet at 7:30 tonight at Alcove F in the Kansas Union for worship, bible study, prayer and fellowship. For more information, call Hugh at 841-2647.
St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center will sponsor an informational meeting about Spring Break Alternatives at 7:30 tonight at the St. Lawrence Catholic Center, 1631 Crescent Road. For more information, call Wendy at 843-0357.
KU Triathlon and Swim Club will meet at 7:30 tonight in Robinson Center. For more information, call Sean Roland at 865-2731.
Christian campus ministries will sponsor Taize Prayer at 8:30 tonight in Danforth Chapel. For more information call Lea Peck at 841-8912.
Class provides parenting help for African Americans
Course to include history lessons on African Americans
By Denise Nell Kansan staff writer
Kevin Johnson said he had grown discouraged about the problems that faced African-American youth.
Better parenting is the solution, said Johnson, director of the Douglas County probation department.
"The only way to alleviate those problems is to make parents aware of what's going on out there," he said. "If we can work with parents and show them their options early on, we can change things."
Johnson will team up with Sharon
Gooldsby, school nurse at Central Junior High School, to teach a 15-week course called Effective Black Parenting. The first course will be offered at 6:30 p.m. today at the First Missionary Baptist Church, 1646 Vermont St.
Johnson and Goolsby received certification to teach the class by taking a 35-hour training course offered through the California-based Center for the Improvement of Child Care.
The course, which will meet for three hours every Tuesday for 15 weeks, will teach parenting skills to parents of African-American children.
Goolsby said the program took 10 years to research. It began in the inner cities and public housing projects and already was successful in cities such as Wichita, she said.
In addition to tips in raising children, each class will include a lesson in African-American history, Goolsby said.
"There are a lot of parenting programs that aren't culturally specific," she said. "Black parents don't take them because they can't relate to them."
Goolsby said the historical aspect of the course was im
course was important because African-American children were not
"The largest problem I see personally is teaching my child to be a survivor of
racism.
Pat Henry Douglas County juvenile probation officer
taught their history in public schools. And often, the parents themselves do not know enough about African-American history to teach their children effectively.
Goolsby said the program was not limited to African-American parents but was open to all parents of African-American children.
"I think, if nothing else, they'll feel even better about being Black parents," Goolsby said.
"Black families are bombarded with so many negative feelings from the media."
The class will be limited to 10 people, and Gooldsby said about four people already had shown interest.
Pat Henry, Douglas County juvenile probation officer, is the only other person in Lawrence certified to teach the course. She taught the first course offered in Lawrence, which was conducted from April to August 1993. Henry will start another course in February to accommodate those parents who might not fit into Goolsby's and Johnson's class.
Henry said the program helped the eight parents who had finished the course she offered.
"Several reported a marked improvement in their young people," she said.
Effective Black Parenting Class
■ The class will be offered Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the First Regular Missionary Baptist Church, 1646 Vermont.
■ Each session lasts three hours. Free transportation to class and child care during class is available if prearranged.
■ For more information, contact Sharon Goolsby 832-3792 or Kevin Johnson-841-7700 extension 216.
Henry said teaching the course helped her in her relationship with her own child.
KANSAN
"The largest problem I see personally is teaching my child to be a survivor of racism," she said. "But I don't want her to forget where she came from."
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