When the conference ends, after the INSET day, after the teacher reads an article in the TES, somebody, somewhere, has to actually get the software installed on to the school’s computers. Modern school IT systems are generally (hopefully) more sophisticated, and complex, than simply being a bunch of stand-alone computers scattered around the place and thus need a more appropriate software management process than simply running between computers with a bundle of CDs. I suggest we get together to discuss best-practice in installing open source software, share hints and advice, investigate what software install systems are out there and maybe swap install routines/config files for existing software. In particular, I suggest looking at the software included on the Open Education Disc and figuring out how best to sort out an install method that can get that software on to a school’s network of PCs.
General
Software Project Hosting
How about providing a hosting service for software development aimed specifically at UK schools.
Enhancing Open Source use in schools
It can be argued that a dichotomy exists between the notion of education being the transfer of functional skills, and the need to prepare young people for the workplace. As such, the adoption of FOSS in schools is often stifled by the argument that our students will need to know specific proprietary applications in order to be employable e.g. do we teach using Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.org, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape?
An introduction to Open Accessibility
An introduction to the users, programs, projects, communites and technologies involved in open accessibility and assistive technology that ensure access for all.
Why are you interested in using Open Source Software?
I’m intersted your views on the following:
1. Why Open Source Software, what is the attraction?
2. What benefits does Open Source Software give to your schools over and above proprietry software, freeware, and shareware?
3. What are your views on OpenSource Software which uses proprierty elements e.g. "Binary Blobs", closed source video drivers and other hardware drivers.
4. Is Open Source Software cheaper to implement and run over proprierty software and if so why?
Interactive Whiteboard Common Fle Format development discussions
The Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Common File Format project has developed a file format to allow resources o be saved, and used on a variety of different IWBs. The project will be developing an OSS viewer app, and code library. It would be most useful to discuss progress in a discussion, and present progress to date.
Schools that have embraced the G
There seems to be this fear of Google Apps for some reason….
Is anyone aware of a school system which has embraced Google apps, in particular Google docs?
I’d be curious how they handle the naysayers….
FLOSS Weekly
FLOSS Weekly is a free and libre open source software focused podcast presented by Chris DiBona and Randal Schwartz. Most episodes feature the primary developer or developers of a particular open source software project. The show is an open discussion, with Laporte and Schwartz asking questions about the nature of the project.
A good file sharing application?
Hi all,
I am looking for a good File Sharing program to implement at my school. I want it to be able to share files with teachers and students suchh as lessons, homework and grading. Also be able to save the files in a database.
Your suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Common file format for interactive whiteboards gets European support
European governments and organisations are helping to make it easier for schools and colleges to share resources and use interactive whiteboards.
Becta has made a technical specification available for a common file format for interactive whiteboards, and a viewer application and further support will follow in autumn 2009.