Well - I think it should be an `open source' umbrella, though in practice for most people that will imply primarily Linux and software that runs on Linux. I am trying to invite contacts from LEAs and hardware people who might be interested. Any publicity anyone can do is good. On Thu, 8 Feb 2001, Malcolm Herbert wrote:
hi all
i hope that this meeting will be extremely useful in moving towards a more collective approach for open source in schools.
a couple of points to consider before and the during the meeting:
1. Should it be an open source or a Linux umbrella? i'm think here of a) FreeBSD (esp given Chris Dawkins presencs) b) educational content, much of which is becoming web-based, not Linux-based, but not in the main open source. Its been given the Open Source title and Linux is the cornerstone, and this leads into...
2. That despite the best efforts of some, the current Open Source / Linux schools audience is not mainstream and we are at times a small group preaching to the converted, perhaps what we should be looking at it lobby the wider audience, including Governement, LEAs, manufacturers and professional organisations, rather than each other. Some strategy for that would be interesting, including the publication of case studies etc
regards
Malcolm
there are On Wednesday 07 February 2001 09:54, Roger Whittaker wrote:
Open Source in Schools -- Meeting 12-03-2001 ============================================
A meeting has been arranged on Monday 12th March
at:
Westwood St Thomas School Westwood Road Salisbury Wilts SP2 9HS
to discuss the use of Open Source software in schools.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Very many thanks to Paul Taylor of Westwood St Thomas for his offer of this venue. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chris Dawkins of Felsted School has agreed to speak, as has Malcolm Herbert of Red Hat. It is hoped that other items of interest can be arranged.
A proposal made by Michael Brown of Fen Systems for the formation of an Association for the promotion of Open Source software in education will be discussed.
It is hoped that this can be combined with the recent discussion about a virtual schools' LUG and web site.
A timetable for the day and detailed agenda will be posted shortly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- for discussion: --------------- I am a Council member of UKUUG and have been charged with the task of setting up a schools committee: I hope that in this way the various initiatives which have been made (including the work done by Malcolm when he was at BECTA and SuSE's work with schools) can be brought together to improve their impact and avoid duplication of work. So that this work can have the support of the major Linux distributions and other commercial interests while remaining independent, I suggest that it be set up in association with UKUUG. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
All those with an interest in the use of Linux and Open Source in education are welcome to attend - please let me know if you are planning to be there.
-- Roger Whittaker SuSE Linux Ltd The Kinetic Centre Theobald Street Borehamwood Herts WD6 4PJ ---------------------- 020 8387 1482 ---------------------- roger@suse-linux.co.uk ----------------------