So & Linux as a Platform

Hello,

Some explanations and thoughts with respect to the two
threads above;
not a direct response, but I think it will help in showing
how we are
currently addressing some of the issues raised.

Here's the intro message for this mailing list, and I think
it sums it
up pretty well:

https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/edubuntu-devel


> This is the Edubuntu mailing list. 
> 
> Edubuntu aims to be an Ubuntu version suitable for
classroom use.
> The aim is to deliver a turnkey solution that enables
time-poor
> educators with mid-range technical skills to set up a
computer
> lab and/or establish an online learning environment
with as few
> clicks as humanly possible, then administer that
environment
> without having to significantly expand their technical
skills.
> Centralized management of configuration, users, and
processes
> together with facilities for working collaboratively in
a
> classroom setting are its principal design goals.
Equally
> important is the gathering together of the best
available
> free software and digital materials for education under
one distro 
> 
> Edubuntu and Ubuntu are not meant to be seen as
distinct
> projects; Edubuntu is part of the Ubuntu project, and
> they are both part of one development team that
contributes
> to the whole. Edubuntu is Ubuntu with a different
default setup. 

Edubuntu began as an offshoot project of Ubuntu in April
2005 at Ubuntu
Down Under.

In the first phases of its development and growth, Edubuntu
has been
primarily driven and shaped by people who are "more
technical background
than education background".

In tackling the broad aims above, a decision was taken to
begin with a
focus on:
* the primary education desktop
* the LTSP server

In July this year, a new position was created of Education
Programme
Manager : A person focused on all interactions between
Ubuntu and the
Education Sector.

In the past three months, I have been exposed to a wide
range of
communications and initiatives, from users to OEM partners
and a whole
range and scope in-between.

Two significant main points have become clear:

1. Ubuntu and Education is more than just the Edubuntu
Product
i.e Education users are using more than just Edubuntu
- Ubuntu is used by universities
- Ubuntu is used by some schools
- Kubuntu is quite widely in schools

2. Adoption of Open Source in Education is more than a
Desktop issue
- teaching applications
- teaching content
- business issues (current vested interests in existing
solutions)
- soft factors (perceptions, resistance to change, training)

To address the points above, we are building:
" an Ubuntu and Education Community "

In this new space:

* we seek to discuss and share successes, thoughts, ideas,
concerns,
requirements (technical and non-technical)

* we seek to bring in a broader education membership than
the current
technical group : both users and other stakeholders

* we seek to bring the education community into our planning
and
productivity processes

The community will be a drupal site, with forums and 
education specific
mailing lists, and a new irc channel #ubuntu-education.

You can expect an announcement in this mailing list before
the Edgy
release on the 26th.

Comments welcome 

Regards
Richard
-- 
Richard Weideman
+27 (83) 321-2233
richard.weidemancanonical.com

Education Programme Manager
Canonical Ltd - Linux for Human Beings
http://www.edubuntu.org
http://www.ubuntu.com


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