Re: Linux for Learning

[Mark Dalton <mwd@sgi.com>]

The first question would be.. How do you use proprietary software in schools?
If I knew how you use current software and what software you use, I could
offer alternatives.

Below are some ideas..

Mark
mwd@sgi.com
>  
> Hi. I work for an education association, and I'm working on an article re: How
> Free Software Can be Used in Schools.  The article is supposed to highlight web
> sites/resources that teachers/administrators could go to in order to find out
> how to use free software in their schools.  Anyone have any suggestions?
> 
> Thanks for your help,
> 
> Lindsey Verble
> The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
>  
> 
> -- 
> ******************************************************************************
> Aaron Kent Moore                          E-Mail: akmoore@mail.r8esc.k12.in.us
> Technology Director                       Phone:  (219) 758-3141        
> Region 8 Education Service Center         Fax:    (219) 758-3142
> Markle, IN 46770
> 

Let see.. It depends on the age, but if they are interested in computing
they could learn more about 'computing' versus using applications.
Setting up a server, client-server models, writing standardized code.

Linux for the OS (makes good desktops and also WWW servers)
   - Students learn about:
	1. The difference between a OS and a desktop (GUI)
	    - Show them they are seperate, so the user can choose
              what they need based on the application.
	      A WWW server does not need a GUI desktop, in fact
                     it is not a good use of resources.
	2. Learn about client/server models of computing and the 
	   reasons for those models.
	    - Develop applications on a desktop and run on a server
                     this way have have systems tuned for specific needs.
	3. Learning how to standardized code, working as part of
	   a team. (Much of how linux has been written).
	4. Writing drivers (much of what you need for the CPU based
	   robotics also).
	5. How to read mail headers (^8
		- Actually you always send your e-mail address.

For more generic education:        
	1. Learn how to write WWW pages.
		- Netscape and various other HTML editors (and XML soon)
	2. How to setup a desktop. (I prefer GNOME, due to licenses and
	   ability to configure).
        3. Office Suites - Siag, GNOME suite (in development), KDE (in develepment)
	        - I have people use ApplixWare
	4. GIMP - for graphics/photoshop-like.
	5. Learning basic programming/scripting.
	6. Using the Web..
	   I have a old list of on-line courses at:
		http://www.cbc.umn.edu/~mwd/courses.html
	   And I am looking to rewrite and would like help! (^8 to 
	   redo my Cell biology course:
		http://www.cbc.umn.edu/~mwd/cell.html
	   And yes, students could help..
		- Redoing graphics, animations, etc.
		- Reading through sections, doing a little book research
	          and suggest of how to rewrite better.

Also I have a list of Linux sites, it is just some old book marks, but
there is a section specifically on applications.
	http://www.cbc.umn.edu/~mwd/linux-info.html

And of course the Seul-edu page.
	http://www.seul.org/

Mark
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Mark Dalton       CH3-S-CH2 H                      H      O       H
Silicon Graphics, Inc.  |   |                      |       \      |
Eagan, MN 55121         CH2-C-COO    //\ ---C--CH2-C-COO    C-CH2-C-COO
mwd@sgi.com                 |       |  ||   ||     |       //     |
                            NH3      \\/ \ / CH    NH3    O       NH3
                                          NH
My home page: http://www.cbc.umn.edu/~mwd/mwd.html
Cell Biology: http://www.cbc.umn.edu/~mwd/cell.html