Re: [school-discuss] Up coming SAG meeting

[Richard Houston <rhouston@xxxxxxxx>]

> I did a presentation a while back, but my focus also shared open
> publishing and open content (as well as FLOSS). Check out:
>
> http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/presentations/recent
> Scroll down to "Introduction to FLOSSE: What?s GOOD and FREE in
> Educational Technology". I hope it's somewhat useful.

I'll check it out, thanks very much!!

>
>
> I'd also suggest two ISO's:
> - Software for Starving students: http://softwarefor.org/ (features
> software for OS X and Windows) - The OpenCD: http://theopencd.org/
> (Windows)

Both good suggestions but I think I will do the WinOSSCDRom, mostly
because I produce it. ;)

>
>
> Also, a couple of good sites that list free software:
> - Open Source Windows: http://www.opensourcewindows.org/
> - Open Source Mac: http://www.opensourcemac.org/
>
>
> There are lots of educational apps here.
>
>
> Although software CAN be the focus, I have found that, in my own
> workshops, teachers can really get excited by free services (web 2.0 apps)
> that can help them in the classroom.

For sure. I will keep that in mind. I find the only draw back with a lot
of the Web2.0 is that although they are free they are not open and I fear
that one day some of them may not be free but a paid service. This free
to use service can not last forever. At some point they need to start to
make money.

Also some schools do not have super reliable Internet connections so a
locally installed server based apps like Wikis, blogs and CMS like Moodle
may be a more reliable choice in the long run. I want to free the school
system not make them dependent on a third party again. The other factor
is that on line non open Web 2.0 apps can not be modified to meet the
individual situational needs. Just my opinion.

Thanks very much for your input. I really do appreciate it.

Thanks

Rich