But in recent years, access to the Internet and World Wide Web has added a whole new dimension to its usefulness. Jurgen Orts explains how the school is harnessing 'Netpower'. We have links with diabetic children all over Germany and in Europe. They can compare treatments, swap advice and encouragement. There are plans to create a Net-based virtual clinic with an 'ask the experts' service.
Kids can click on to get clear explanations about their stay before going into hospital.
Not only teaching staff but doctors too testify to the importance of computer-based learning. Once again, HP's contribution plays a major part. Co-founder Dorothee Eisinger is a national television journalist, whose 'Tiger Duck Club' show goes out to around two million children every weekend. This year, she is planning a series of broadcasts from the Olgahospital in Stuttgart, to get patients from here and other hospitals talking to each other and to other Tiger Duck Club members nationwide. With HP's support and equipment, the Olgahospital children can make friends via the Internet, and they may even work together on a film about the School, with the in-patients editing film footage shot by children outside.