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[seul-edu] very rough draft of "about schoolforge"



Let me know if you don't like this type of angle. I'm in a hurry and will
rework it and expand/finish it based on comments before re-presetning it.

David
==
About Schoolforge Network

What is Schoolforge? Schoolforge is a foundry. It is where you will find
the information, the tools and materials you need to "forge" or make a
school and all its parts. All free for the asking (or download), and, in
the future, international in content and character, schoolforge is not a
place or an organization, but a cause, and a collection of people and
projects dedicated to it: bringing quality, affordable and dependable
software and teaching materials to the people who need them around the
world. As such, it is not a "service" so much as
it is a community focal point, which, as much as anything else, represents
an opportunity to get involved in one of its aspects.

Who is Schoolforge? The job we have set for ourselves is large, too large
for any one person, group or organization. Furthermore, there already
exist numerous individuals, companies and organizations and schools
working
on it. Schoolforge and the work it does comprise all of these efforts and
provides them with a common entrace, by which they can discover, meet and
collaborate with those of similar goals, and through which newcomers may
discover each part or all of the world of free and open source solutions
for education.

What's in a Name? By "Piggy-Backing" on the free and open source software
development site, sourceforge, schoolforge is conceived of as a site where
schools can be developed. "What?" I hear you say, "You're going to build
schools?" Not exactly. We're going to build what goes into a school,
particularly, the software and other learning content that is needed by
teachers and students to get on with their work.

Where is Schoolforge? Schoolforge is at each of its supporters' sites,
links to which are provided on our front page. More of a process than a
location, schoolforge is also a new and still-developing idea, which may
take roots in many places in the near future.

How does it work and how can I join? Schoolforge works via the
participating sites, their communities and communication methods, and by a
mailing list, which we invite you to join (here).

Comments and Questions?

How did Schoolforge form? There were several identifiable causes. First,
those working for free and open source solutions in education began to
see, during the past year, that the time had come when our various efforts
would either complement or compete with one another. We decided that
working together promised more hope than did competition. Secondly, there
is a shared sense among those in the community that a clear message about
free and open source solutions is needed, and that clarity would be
impossible without unity. Third, the proposed
settlement of the US vs Microsoft trial, which appears to offer an alleged
monopoly still more ways to further its grasp, the means being the
placement of more Microsoft software in schools, galvanized the community
into action. The establishment of the Schoolforge coalition is our first
step toward providing an alternative to schools. Its work will be our
next.