[ Date Index ][
Thread Index ]
[ <= Previous by date / thread ] [ Next by date / thread => ]
I think Linux in schools is a great idea. As I happen to be sitting in one of said establishments at the moment, I've come to the conclusion that it is possible, as the two main arguments against it seem to be that a)Its too difficult for the pupils to use and b)there isn't sufficient software, e.g. office suites, etc. In answer to a, i'd say it's only as hard as you make it, it shouldn't really be any more difficult to teach 'em the basics that it would be with Windows, in all honesty (my 11 year old brother can cope...). Also in answer to b, i'd say that pupils needs for software aren't that great, a fairly basic word processor and spreadsheet should do evem most a-level pupils, as most of 'em don't even know how to use the software they've got properly! My one reservation is that i can't find a spreadsheet with a decent chart function (i.e. scatter graph with a facility for drawing a best fit/trend line - and ideas for this would be most appreciated (i've tried gnumeric and Ksheet)). Other that that there are the cost and security implications which would be very important to most schools, plus the stability factor (of the 16 computers in the room i'm in now, about 50% are unusable as they are so unstable, it's impossible to do anything at all without them crashing - but thats windows 95 for you (plus all of the abuse they get)). In general its a very good idea, however most schools are reluctant to stray from the path they know and (mistakenly, imho) trust, i.e. microsoft. Luc Hands ===== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Everything you'll ever need on one web page from News and Sport to Email and Music Charts http://uk.my.yahoo.com -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG Mail majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe list" in the message body to unsubscribe.