Re: [school-discuss] Up coming SAG meeting

[Shane Coyle <shane@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My $.02:

When it comes to FOSS for schools, I always stress that FOSS is 
redistributable -, a common problem with full technology integration in the 
curriculum is the inability to depend on students to have access to a 
computer at all, and then do they have the latest MS Office to be able to 
work on the files from school at home?  More than once I've had to explain why 
MS Works at home wont play nice with MS Word 2003 files from school, and that 
was the teachers - many of whom end up 'pirating' office, setting a poor 
example at the least, and as OGA is about to go online - potentially a real 
problem.

Another aspect of many FOSS projects is interoperability through adherence to 
Open Standards, and often cross-platform compatibility, again ensuring that 
the curriculum is as technologically inclusive as possible.

(My focus has been mostly K-6 "Primary" Schools)
What I have found, and am working on right now, is that many teachers want a 
bit more of a turnkey solution in regards to software- specifically, I am 
working with a couple of teachers to create sample lesson plans and projects 
that implement programs such as Kalzium and Celestia.  

Many teachers have been astounded when I demonstrate the Live CD Environment, 
but more than one said - "but what do I do with it?"  Without an overview 
from a teacher perspective, many teachers aren't technologically adventurous 
and aren't inclined to figure out a program on their own and then derive 
lessons using it.  I often joke that software should come with pre-made 
post-its so that users can stick them around their monitors reminding them 
how to do common tasks.

To a certain extent, you need to focus on the computer teachers and techies at 
the schools and make them disciples - the ones who can show the folks around 
them how to implement these programs.  Among others, I'd contact shipit from 
(U|KU|EDU)buntu and ask them for a heaping helping of CDs, they are usually 
excited to help a big event - and also the OpenCD (do they have a shipit?).  
Above all, put the CDs in their hands, or under their windshield wipers, but 
make them take them home - some of those seeds will take root, even if its 
their kids that they give the CDs to.

Regards,
Shane

When/Where is the conference? 
Oh, and congrats on the new CD release.


On Sunday 05 November 2006 12:48, Richard Houston wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> A college and I will be doing a booth at a local SAG (special area group)
> at one of the local technical collages. There will be about 250 teachers
> which include computer teachers and others.
>
> I am ask you all for advice on content that we can give out and maybe
> idea on approach that will hopefully get a few more teachers interested
> in FOSS in education. If anyone has any already done presentation and
> other material that they would be willing to share we would appreciate
> that as well.
>
> This is an all day event and I will also be doing a 45 minute
> presentation for a class of up to 15 teachers. I could use some
> suggestions on that as well.
>
> Anyways, thanks to you all in advance.
>
>
> +------------------------------------+
> Best regards,
> -Richard Houston
> -R.L.H.  Consulting
> -E-Mail  rhouston@xxxxxxxx
> -WWW     http://www.rlhc.net
> -Blog    http://www.rlhc.net/blog/

-- 
Shane Coyle
www.edu-nix.org