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On Mon, 2005-06-06 at 16:55, Jeremy Pearson wrote: > In my experience, the real issue obstructing Linux uptake in schools is > the lack of available educational software. This software doesn't have to > be free, but it does needs to exist. > Courseware based on web access is a good solution to this as it is platform neutral (so long as it sticks to protocol standards and doesn't) do any of the sill "this is best viewed in ....." I believe that the government are encouraging e-learning systems such as above. Products that assist teachers (and pupils) to provide tailored course ware include moodle which is a course management system. I think the real problem is that Teachers don't want to be IT Technicians, and I can appreciate that because I don't want to become a Teacher, although I am always willing to offer advice quite freely..... A brief scan through the latest BECTA report on open source, has identified that it works very well in cluster environments where one technician is shared between several schools. This requires a good all round degree of technical knowledge but on the other hand spreads the costs. After all remote admin is not a new concept (and certainly should be well practised in the linux/unix community). I think BECTA have to be congratulated for their efforts.... considering up to 2 years ago there main modus operandi was negotiating "bulk purchase" of window licenses for schools. > We are a very small school (120 primary pupils and about 120 secondary > pupils), but even we use a wide range of specific software in all > departments for learning support. > > For example, we use various maths quiz programs, and specialist supportive > writing tools for pupils with special needs. These titles just aren't > available for Linux platforms (or Apple for that matter). And no, none of > them run under WINE, despite my best efforts! > I think we have to recognise that MS ain't going to go away quickly (how ever much we would like it too !) .... On the other hand if there is growth in the number of schools going over to gnu/linux then education software manufacturers will follow. As I understand it the government extended certain "learning credits" to schools that they could spend on software as they wished. While this is certainly one way of approaching the problem, I have long held a doubt that this is the most efficient way of purchasing educational software, after all if every schools goes out and buys the most popular educational titles, then they are all buying the same thing for the same price. And thus the only person getting rich is the software vendor. I have considered that it may have been a better model to centrally fund selected projects to provide curriculum supporting software under a gpl and/or creative commons license. Thus ensuring that there is a foundation of educational material that would be of benefit to future generations, and freely accessible to all. Again where possible web based course materials would be timeless, after all servers may be upgraded and platforms may come and go but the http protocol and its derivatives will be serving us web pages for a long time to come. There are also other emulators (sorry wine is not an emulator) available on the market. I believe that a team in the Philippines are working on a project called Project David ? > This is a frustration, because other aspects of GNU/Linux are compelling. > For example, infant and primary children would love a simple desktop like > XFCE or IceWM, rather than struggle with Windows XP's awkward GUI (awkward > at their age). > > Clearly if our needs were limited to just office software, web browsing > and email then the migration path would be straightforward. > Again web based course ware is technology neutral. But if that is not an option consider one XP server with terminal service connections. This at least limits your admin to one box. Yes I know it still ties you to windows but think of it as part of the exit strategy while the rest of the world catches up with possibilities of gnu/linux. Also consider using LTSP (Linux Terminal Server) for exactly the same "near 0" admin on the GNU/Linux desktop side. Remember that GNU/Linux is about freedom, and not necessarily about saving money. Of course this is usually a helpful byproduct of a switch from proprietary software, but freedom is the point at the top of the GNU agenda and should always be so. > Otherwise Linux will remain (for now) at the server side. We've already > migrated our email server to Debian, and I'm planning a similar upgrade > for our file server, once I understand SAMBA's integration with Microsoft > Active Directory more thoroughly. In fact, there is no reason why all > schools can't have a Linux-based server suite. > > Of course, trying to employ competent, experienced support staff on school > technician's salaries with Linux experience is yet another issue.. > See my comment about shared technician above .... > Jeremy The guy that works for Howard Lunn at Churston Grammer is following the shared admin model and I won't say he's "raking it in" (TM of Microsoft?) but he is making a living and enjoying it if Howard is to be believed. Just remember you are a Pioneer ... So you are going to have to set up your own refreshment hut at the end of the journey. ;-) Tom. Don't throw your computer out of the window ..... throw windows out of your computer. -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG Mail majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe list" in the message body to unsubscribe. FAQ: www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html