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Difference between revisions of "FOSS in Schools"

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* Roadmap for next merging of LinEx and Debian-Edu: http://wiki.debian.org/DebianEdu/LinEx2DebianEdu-Roadmap
* Roadmap for next merging of LinEx and Debian-Edu: http://wiki.debian.org/DebianEdu/LinEx2DebianEdu-Roadmap


* Tech to the aid of autistic children: Recent research has shown that computer/digital technologies can help children with autism (and other disabilities) learn and communicate better. A computer training workshop for parents and children was held recently at Bangalore. Shuchi Grover reports. Mehta and colleagues shared various software and hardware by which children could communicate with the computer through non-traditional means. Also shared were several other software tools such as a 3-D and role-play software developed by C-DAC, simple visual programming environments such as Scratch (recently released by MIT Media Lab), simple image and audio manipulation using everyday Windows software, and Edubuntu â?? a free and open source Linux-based operating system designed specially for children that comes packaged with several child-friendly games and educational software.
* Tech to the aid of autistic children: Recent research has shown that computer/digital technologies can help children with autism (and other disabilities) learn and communicate better. A computer training workshop for parents and children was held recently at Bangalore. Shuchi Grover reports. Mehta and colleagues shared various software and hardware by which children could communicate with the computer through non-traditional means. Also shared were several other software tools such as a 3-D and role-play software developed by C-DAC, simple visual programming environments such as Scratch (recently released by MIT Media Lab), simple image and audio manipulation using everyday Windows software, and Edubuntu â?? a free and open source Linux-based operating system designed specially for children that comes packaged with several child-friendly games and educational software. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/16049
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/16049


* TELECENTRES IN THE MADRASA: The school based telecenter
* TELECENTRES IN THE MADRASA: The school based telecenter project of RI SOL has launched internet-enabled telecenters
project of RI SOL has launched internet-enabled telecenters
in two Bangladeshi madrasas (Islamic religious schools), in Khulna and Dhaka. See Khulna Alia Madrasa Advocates for an
in two Bangladeshi madrasas (Islamic religious schools), in
Inclusive Information Society on World Information Society Day Link to the news story and photos of the celebration:
Khulna and Dhaka. See Khulna Alia Madrasa Advocates for an
http://www.connect-bangladesh.org/content/view/418/101/ Source: Nazrul Islam <nazrul07 at gmail.com>
Inclusive Information Society on World Information Society
Day Link to the news story and photos of the celebration:
http://www.connect-bangladesh.org/content/view/418/101/
Source: Nazrul Islam <nazrul07 at gmail.com>


* Richard D'Souza is based at St Paul's in Belgaum, with the
* Richard D'Souza is based at St Paul's in Belgaum, with the mandate to extend the school's computer centre there. This
mandate to extend the school's computer centre there. This
  educator is very pro-GNU/Linux....  http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/15830
  educator is very pro-GNU/Linux....
  http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/15830


* Create a comprehesive set of education tools customised for
* Create a comprehesive set of education tools customised for Indian environment. This include localization, improving
Indian environment. This include localization, improving
  features, adding new features, developing new tools... The project is co ordinated by FOSS Community India (http://fci.wikia.com)  http://sarovar.org/projects/foss-edu-in/
  features, adding new features, developing new tools... The
project is co ordinated by FOSS Community India
(http://fci.wikia.com)
  http://sarovar.org/projects/foss-edu-in/


* Reclaiming ICT education: why free software is a necessity
* Reclaiming ICT education: why free software is a necessity in schools? Tim Cowlishaw talks about education and free
in schools? Tim Cowlishaw talks about education and free
  software?and why IT education shouldn't be a how-to for using the Microsoft suite. Read more... http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/blogs/reclaiming_ICT_education_why_free_software_is_a_necessity_in_schools
  software?and why IT education shouldn't be a how-to for
using the Microsoft suite. Read more...
http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/blogs/reclaiming_ICT_education_why_free_software_is_a_necessity_in_schools


* "K12OS.org is all about open source news in education.
* "K12OS.org is all about open source news in education. You'll find news, links, resources and discussion here to help promote the use of open source software in schools." http://k12os.org/
You'll find news, links, resources and discussion here to
help promote the use of open source software in schools."
http://k12os.org/


* Speaker Name, K. K. Subramaniam. Company. Type, Talk.
* Speaker Name, K. K. Subramaniam. Company. Type, Talk. Scope, General. Slides, Click to download. FOSS tools in primary schools.  This talk is aimed at FOSS enthusiasts promoting its adoption in their local community, particularly in primary education. It presents the experience of deploying a FOSS desktop in a small public primary school in Bangalore. It presents the initial approach for FOSS deployment, the steps which worked and those that didnt in getting the teachers in the school to use FOSS desktop and tools like KDE, Kile and LaTeX to enhance the quality of teaching and integrate a PC into daily sessions in the school. In India, most deployments of computers in primary schools use canned 'games' software on PCs to teach students or expect teachers to use office automation software. For already overburdened primary class teachers, PCs became just another distraction. In a grassroots experiment, a FOSS desktop was offered to a small public school in
Scope, General. Slides, Click to download. FOSS tools in
Bangalore to use it for any task of their choice. The teachers had no prior experience with computers or software and their medium of instruction was Kannada. Two teachers in the school chose to automate preparation of term  question papers in Kannada and English as this was a recurring and time-consuming manual process. The desktop was provisioned with KDE, Kile and LaTeX (with Kannada types and styles) but not localized in Kannada. Starting from scratch, the teachers took over 100 hours to learn to use the tools and complete the first set of publication-ready term papers for classes I through IV. The
primary schools.  This talk is aimed at FOSS enthusiasts
second cycle took them less than 20 hours and they continue to improve on their time. The FOSS desktop has empowered the teachers to generate their own content quickly and easily without compromising quality. The system has worked without a single crash/breakdown over eighteen months of use by curious young children. https://foss.in/2006/cfp/speakers/talkdetailspub.php?talkid=183
promoting its adoption in their local community,
particularly in primary education. It presents the
experience of deploying a FOSS desktop in a small public
primary school in Bangalore. It presents the initial
approach for FOSS deployment, the steps which worked and
those that didnt in getting the teachers in the school to
use FOSS desktop and tools like KDE, Kile and LaTeX to
enhance the quality of teaching and integrate a PC into
daily sessions in the school.


In India, most deployments of computers in primary schools
* The Family Guide to Digital Freedom will explain, in one place and in normal language, what everybody should know
  use canned 'games' software on PCs to teach students or
  about software and other digital technologies, and above all the real reasons why they should care: in this modern
expect teachers to use office automation software. For
  world, our rights and quality of life heavily depend from how software is being used around us. The website associated to the book, http://digifreedom.net, is now open to visitors: besides sample chapters of the book it will also host related news, links to existing resources for new users of Free Software and a database of Digitally Free Schools. For further information, please read http://digifreedom.net/node/73
already overburdened primary class teachers, PCs became
just another distraction. In a grassroots experiment, a
FOSS desktop was offered to a small public school in
Bangalore to use it for any task of their choice. The
teachers had no prior experience with computers or software
and their medium of instruction was Kannada. Two teachers
in the school chose to automate preparation of term
question papers in Kannada and English as this was a
  recurring and time-consuming manual process. The desktop
was provisioned with KDE, Kile and LaTeX (with Kannada
types and styles) but not localized in Kannada. Starting
from scratch, the teachers took over 100 hours to learn to
use the tools and complete the first set of
publication-ready term papers for classes I through IV. The
second cycle took them less than 20 hours and they continue
to improve on their time. The FOSS desktop has empowered
the teachers to generate their own content quickly and
easily without compromising quality. The system has worked
without a single crash/breakdown over eighteen months of
use by curious young children.
https://foss.in/2006/cfp/speakers/talkdetailspub.php?talkid=183


* The Family Guide to Digital Freedom will explain, in one
* ClassroomCoders: Building Analytical Capacity through Peer-Taught: The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive curriculum for learners aged 8 to 18, which develops their analytical skills through the use of software and software engineering tools. http://wiki.tsf.org.za/shuttleworthfoundationwiki/ClassroomCoders
place and in normal language, what everybody should know
about software and other digital technologies, and above
all the real reasons why they should care: in this modern
world, our rights and quality of life heavily depend from
how software is being used around us. The website
associated to the book, http://digifreedom.net, is now open
to visitors: besides sample chapters of the book it will
also host related news, links to existing resources for new
users of Free Software and a database of Digitally Free
Schools. For further information, please read
http://digifreedom.net/node/73


* ClassroomCoders: Building Analytical Capacity through
* Linux Spreads its Wings in India: Windows is still No. 1, but open-source software is moving into schools and government offices. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14196 http://www.businessweek.com/print/globalbiz/content/sep2006/gb20060921_463452.htm
Peer-Taught: The goal of this project is to create a
comprehensive curriculum for learners aged 8 to 18, which
develops their analytical skills through the use of
software and software engineering tools.
http://wiki.tsf.org.za/shuttleworthfoundationwiki/ClassroomCoders


* Linux Spreads its Wings in India: Windows is still No. 1,
* GOA: BASIL FERNANDES had a long and interesting discussion on teaching young kids programming, the possibility of encouraging schools to do the same, and whether schools could have Computer Clubs that work on a build-them-young approach. He is keen to get involved with such a programme. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14172
but open-source software is moving into schools and
government offices.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14196
http://www.businessweek.com/print/globalbiz/content/sep2006/gb20060921_463452.htm


* GOA: BASIL FERNANDES had a long and interesting discussion
* Kerala logs Microsoft out of schools http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/sep/02microsoft.htm
on teaching young kids programming, the possibility of
encouraging schools to do the same, and whether schools
could have Computer Clubs that work on a build-them-young
approach. He is keen to get involved with such a programme.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14172


* Kerala logs Microsoft out of schools
* India State to Dump Windows for Linux http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14060
http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/sep/02microsoft.htm


* India State to Dump Windows for Linux
* Riza's desktop... it's not just about eye-candy http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14067
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14060


* Riza's desktop... it's not just about eye-candy
* OpenKiosk is an open-source multi-platform kiosk system. OpenKiosk is ideally suited for use in locations where a
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14067
  controlled computing environment is paramount such as public access systems, libraries, school computer laboratories.
 
* OpenKiosk is an open-source multi-platform kiosk system.
OpenKiosk is ideally suited for use in locations where a
  controlled computing environment is paramount such as
public access systems, libraries, school computer
laboratories.
  http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/13846
  http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/13846


* Content Creation competition for school and college
* Content Creation competition for school and college teachers: OSSRC is organising a competition for school/college teachers in creating content. Details of the event can be found at http://www.ossrc.org.in/c3t.html
teachers: OSSRC is organising a competition for
school/college teachers in creating content. Details of the
event can be found at http://www.ossrc.org.in/c3t.html


* When Free Software ideas spreads to education... see the
* When Free Software ideas spreads to education... see the first link http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/13234
first link
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/13234


* Site at School is a Content Management System (CMS) to manage
* Site at School is a Content Management System (CMS) to manage and maintain the website of a primary school. It is Open
and maintain the website of a primary school. It is Open
  Source Software, licensed under the General Public license. Site at school main features are: * Manage a website without
  Source Software, licensed under the General Public license.
  technical knowledge. * Editors with a high "Word processor look and feel" rate. * Pupils/teachers can have personal
Site at school main features are: * Manage a website without
  pages on the website. Teachers can check pupil pages before publication. * An intranet for teachers (not accessible by
  technical knowledge. * Editors with a high "Word processor
  the public). * E-mail alerts can be sent to admins when pages are updated/created. * Comprehensive manual with over
look and feel" rate. * Pupils/teachers can have personal
  300 screenshots. * Extensive number of available modules, see Available Modules * Possible to create your own
  pages on the website. Teachers can check pupil pages before
  template see downloadable example(s). http://siteatschool.sourceforge.net/
publication. * An intranet for teachers (not accessible by
  the public). * E-mail alerts can be sent to admins when
pages are updated/created. * Comprehensive manual with over
  300 screenshots. * Extensive number of available modules,
see Available Modules * Possible to create your own
  template see downloadable example(s).
http://siteatschool.sourceforge.net/


* Linux in Education: Two Years Later by Peter D. St. Onge
* Linux in Education: Two Years Later by Peter D. St. Onge http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/12949
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/12949


* Education... lessons from South Africa
* Education... lessons from South Africa http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/12821
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/12821


* Gnu and tux go to primary school....
* Gnu and tux go to primary school.... http://www.ofset.org/freeduc-ecole
http://www.ofset.org/freeduc-ecole

Revision as of 05:10, 19 August 2007

Aim

To take Free/Open Source Software to the schools.

How

By the sheer number of school students, schools have a decisive role in making the swatantra software movement a success.

Learn from the initiative in Kerala and West Bengal.

Coordination

http://groups.google.com/group/fci-education-discuss

Volunteers

  1. Vikram Vincent

Participating Organisations

Please enter your contact information either by creating a user account and linking it or by adding your name and phone number.

  1. Prajna : Cognizant FLOSS Corps (A.Prem Kumar, Prajna Mind Map, Orkut Community for Prajna)
  2. Union Christian College FOSS CELL


Resources

Source: http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2007-August/001312.html

Some links you might find useful (FLOSS in education):

  • Tech to the aid of autistic children: Recent research has shown that computer/digital technologies can help children with autism (and other disabilities) learn and communicate better. A computer training workshop for parents and children was held recently at Bangalore. Shuchi Grover reports. Mehta and colleagues shared various software and hardware by which children could communicate with the computer through non-traditional means. Also shared were several other software tools such as a 3-D and role-play software developed by C-DAC, simple visual programming environments such as Scratch (recently released by MIT Media Lab), simple image and audio manipulation using everyday Windows software, and Edubuntu â?? a free and open source Linux-based operating system designed specially for children that comes packaged with several child-friendly games and educational software. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/16049
  • TELECENTRES IN THE MADRASA: The school based telecenter project of RI SOL has launched internet-enabled telecenters

in two Bangladeshi madrasas (Islamic religious schools), in Khulna and Dhaka. See Khulna Alia Madrasa Advocates for an Inclusive Information Society on World Information Society Day Link to the news story and photos of the celebration: http://www.connect-bangladesh.org/content/view/418/101/ Source: Nazrul Islam <nazrul07 at gmail.com>

  • Richard D'Souza is based at St Paul's in Belgaum, with the mandate to extend the school's computer centre there. This
educator is very pro-GNU/Linux....  http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/15830
  • Create a comprehesive set of education tools customised for Indian environment. This include localization, improving
features, adding new features, developing new tools... The project is co ordinated by FOSS Community India (http://fci.wikia.com)  http://sarovar.org/projects/foss-edu-in/
  • Reclaiming ICT education: why free software is a necessity in schools? Tim Cowlishaw talks about education and free
software?and why IT education shouldn't be a how-to for using the Microsoft suite. Read more... http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/blogs/reclaiming_ICT_education_why_free_software_is_a_necessity_in_schools
  • "K12OS.org is all about open source news in education. You'll find news, links, resources and discussion here to help promote the use of open source software in schools." http://k12os.org/
  • Speaker Name, K. K. Subramaniam. Company. Type, Talk. Scope, General. Slides, Click to download. FOSS tools in primary schools. This talk is aimed at FOSS enthusiasts promoting its adoption in their local community, particularly in primary education. It presents the experience of deploying a FOSS desktop in a small public primary school in Bangalore. It presents the initial approach for FOSS deployment, the steps which worked and those that didnt in getting the teachers in the school to use FOSS desktop and tools like KDE, Kile and LaTeX to enhance the quality of teaching and integrate a PC into daily sessions in the school. In India, most deployments of computers in primary schools use canned 'games' software on PCs to teach students or expect teachers to use office automation software. For already overburdened primary class teachers, PCs became just another distraction. In a grassroots experiment, a FOSS desktop was offered to a small public school in

Bangalore to use it for any task of their choice. The teachers had no prior experience with computers or software and their medium of instruction was Kannada. Two teachers in the school chose to automate preparation of term question papers in Kannada and English as this was a recurring and time-consuming manual process. The desktop was provisioned with KDE, Kile and LaTeX (with Kannada types and styles) but not localized in Kannada. Starting from scratch, the teachers took over 100 hours to learn to use the tools and complete the first set of publication-ready term papers for classes I through IV. The

second cycle took them less than 20 hours and they continue to improve on their time. The FOSS desktop has empowered the teachers to generate their own content quickly and easily without compromising quality. The system has worked without a single crash/breakdown over eighteen months of use by curious young children. https://foss.in/2006/cfp/speakers/talkdetailspub.php?talkid=183
  • The Family Guide to Digital Freedom will explain, in one place and in normal language, what everybody should know
about software and other digital technologies, and above all the real reasons why they should care: in this modern
world, our rights and quality of life heavily depend from how software is being used around us. The website associated to the book, http://digifreedom.net, is now open to visitors: besides sample chapters of the book it will also host related news, links to existing resources for new users of Free Software and a database of Digitally Free Schools. For further information, please read http://digifreedom.net/node/73
  • GOA: BASIL FERNANDES had a long and interesting discussion on teaching young kids programming, the possibility of encouraging schools to do the same, and whether schools could have Computer Clubs that work on a build-them-young approach. He is keen to get involved with such a programme. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/14172
  • OpenKiosk is an open-source multi-platform kiosk system. OpenKiosk is ideally suited for use in locations where a
controlled computing environment is paramount such as public access systems, libraries, school computer laboratories.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/message/13846
  • Content Creation competition for school and college teachers: OSSRC is organising a competition for school/college teachers in creating content. Details of the event can be found at http://www.ossrc.org.in/c3t.html
  • Site at School is a Content Management System (CMS) to manage and maintain the website of a primary school. It is Open
Source Software, licensed under the General Public license. Site at school main features are: * Manage a website without
technical knowledge. * Editors with a high "Word processor look and feel" rate. * Pupils/teachers can have personal
pages on the website. Teachers can check pupil pages before publication. * An intranet for teachers (not accessible by
the public). * E-mail alerts can be sent to admins when pages are updated/created. * Comprehensive manual with over
300 screenshots. * Extensive number of available modules, see Available Modules * Possible to create your own
template see downloadable example(s). http://siteatschool.sourceforge.net/