Mailinglist Archive: opensuse-edu (150 mails)

[Roger Whittaker <roger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This came back from two schools because of the word 's, h, i, t, e' quoted
below ...

On Mon, 18 Sep 2000, Roger Whittaker wrote:

> The fact that this has turned up also on the SuSE Linux schools list
> and the fact that such a list exists (and has about 150 members) shows
> that there is a bit more to it than this.
> 
> Of course there are usability and learning-curve issues.  And yes, there
> is a certain style of advocacy which is really the opposite of advocacy...
> And I can't use `vee-eye' either.  But I think gnome and kde (version 2 on
> it's way) are both pretty usable and efficient.
> 
> As to the issues involved in making Linux more usable in the specific
> conditions of schools, both as a server and a desktop OS, there are
> constructive discussions going on in various quarters, particularly
> Malcolm Herbert's inititatives (http://www.ose.org.uk).  
> 
> And the speed at which Linux is getting more usable is pretty amazing (how
> long ago was it that I was totally baffled trying to get my first slackware
> installed and X running...? - it's so much easier now.)
> 
> (Of course the points about teachers' pay, workload and status are more
> than valid.  I was one of them, though in most ways one of the more
> fortunate ones.)
> 
> 
> 
> On Mon, 18 Sep 2000 davef@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> 
> > On Mon, Sep 18, 2000 at 11:32:26AM +0100, Gary Stainburn wrote:
> > <simon says snip> 
> > > An excellent letter, with I believe just the tone required.  I did notice
> > > that you used the longer www.wylug.lug.org.uk instead of the (one less
> > > lug) www.wylug.org.uk.  I believe that the shorter name gives a better
> > > image.
> > 
> > I heartilly agree ... except I'd go further and get rid of the three Ws
> > too.
> > 
> > My 3 'peneth on the offering (speaking as someone with recent secondary
> > teaching experience):
> > 
> > Basically, linux in its raw state is no use to anyone in schools except
> > for after-school tinkering by comp sci clubs or geeky physics/maths
> > teachers, etc ... and there are not many of the latter with much time for
> > play.
> > 
> > In short, any offering must be completely and simply packaged (Mac-like)
> > and fully supported.
> > 
> > Anything less will simply be a waste of time for both wylug members and
> > any targetted schools/teachers.
> > 
> > Dave
> > 
> > P.S. Sorry for the stridency, but with the current state of UK teaching
> > (i.e. s, h, i, t, e   pay,  s, h, i, t, e status, no time and the
> > blame for all social
> > ills) the usual b, o,ll, o,c,k,s which over-skilled Unix-gurus come
out with in
> > response to serious useability issues just won't wash
> > 
> > Please, if you feel compelled to remind me about the amazing efficiency
> > and useability of "vee-eye" and the bash ... don't bother 
> > 
> 
> 

-- 
Roger Whittaker
SuSE Linux Ltd
The Kinetic Centre
Theobald Street
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 4PJ
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020 8387 1482
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roger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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