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@gbdirect.co.uk 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 ---------------------- 020 8387 1482 ---------------------- roger@suse-linux.co.uk ----------------------