[GreenKeys] slide rule???

[Mark Richards]

In Japan 3d graders are taught to use soroban, an abacus, to perform 
elementary mathematical routines.  It brings a "hands on" experience of 
math and I've heard that in some places there are competitions to be the 
fastest at solving a problem.

The soroban maintains a link with the past and has great utility towards 
a deeper experience of learning by connecting the physical and the 
conceptual through the fingers.  I think it's a principle of learning to 
use as many senses as possible which aids deeper understanding and 
retention.

I'm glad I can still use a basic slide rule.  Using it (or a soroban) 
might just promote more careful work by giving us more time to think it 
through.

So this discussion has given me some impetus to learn to use soroban, too.

/k1mgy



>>
>> Anyhow, thanks, everyone, for bringing back the memories.. Yup, 
>> computers are fantastic, but darn it, just like the synchro discussion 
>> of the other day, analog anything is fun,  and allows one to actually 
>> work with one's mind, something which is totally lost on the newbies 
>> of today.  It's kind of like my set of drafting instruments..... sure 
>> CAD is precise and a heck of a lot labor saving, but I still like the
>> 'ol board and all the gimmicks attached thereto....... considering I 
>> am still a "young 'un" to a lot of ya, I feel extremely fortunate to have
>> been able to at least start my career with the "old ways"...