[K12OSN] Linux cut off

[R. Scott Belford]

Terrell Prudé, Jr. wrote:
> 
> What we should be focusing on is the *concept* of word processing.  Same 
> with using a spreadsheet--any spreadsheet, or any presentation 
> software.  I don't want kids only being able to use Microsoft products; 
> they're no good to me in my shop, and I won't--and can't--hire them.  
> Several educators have found that, when children are exposed to multiple 
> implementations of the same concept, they get that concept a whole lot 
> better.  I have found that to be true of myself even to this day.

This is the most relevant argument for why we should have a mix of 
technologies in K-12.  It is the point that we have been making for for 
the better part of a year anytime we speak with our Department of Education.

http://www.hosef.org/projects/eschool/ilearning/presentationoo.sxi

I do, however, address the job preparation role of schools.  One of my 
'objections' slides is that everyone uses Microsoft, so it would be 
irresponsible to use anything but in the schools.  I overcome this 
objection by stating

It is irresponsible and I daresay criminal to restrict the technical 
exposure of our children to just one Operating System.  If in fact we 
intend to see our curricula lead to job creation, then we need to be 
certain that our children have the skills to work for the likes of 
Oracle, Novell, HP, IBM, Dell, BEA, Sun, etc.  On their first day on the 
job at some of these companies, they may just be given a Linux Desktop.

--scott