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Re: [LUG] Kids failing on coursework because of proprietary file formats

 

On Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:01:18 +0100
David wrote:

> On 6/17/2010 1:48 PM, Dan Dart wrote:
> >> I don't have anything particularly complex
> >>      
> > Well, there you go.
> > OOXML is a bad, poorly documented formatting language.
> >
> > And MS has a half-assed approach to implementing ODF too.
> >
> > Geez, for school, I had to use a friend's laptop to convert ODT to
> > DOC because ODT is all I had and the school had MSO 2003.
> >
> > I think most schools use less than version 2010.
> >
> > Now, we must tell all LEAs and Ofsted, because MS contracts are too
> > big a problem, and schools need to be using open standards, after
> > all, the government has said they would!
> I find this quite weird. My Son started Lipson Community College and 
> they encourage the use of open source software. They even recognize 
> parents can't afford M$ software This is from the parent portal on 
> helping at home:
> _
> Office Suite_
> The College uses the Microsoft Office suite of programs for word 
> processing, spreadsheets etc.  However, whilst providing plenty of 
> features, the software is very expensive and not everyone has a copy
> at home.
> As an alternative, there is a free office suite which is available to 
> download called OpenOffice, that provides 90% of the features of 
> Microsoft Office.  For those with a fast internet connection 
> (broadband), the software can be downloaded by visiting 
> http://www.openoffice.org/ and clicking 'I want to download 
> OpenOffice.org'.  If you have a slower connection, the IT technical 
> staff can provide a copy for the cost of one blank CD.
> 
> Both my kids only use Linux at home and have never complained about 
> needing Windows.

Awesome!  The next hurdle will be getting them to use OOo at the
College as well as suggesting it for home use.

Grant.

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