[K12OSN] Introduction/Question

["Terrell Prudé, Jr."]

aust_txv at ACCESS-K12.org wrote:

>> school lets connect and share knowledge (however limited it might be, at
>> least on my part...). I am willing to help.
>
> Lastly, if you have or are considering building a lab in an elementary
>
> Stop !!! this is my opinion, you must form your own.   Quinn the 
> biggest problem I see in the Elementary level and k12LTSP is lack of 
> applications. That is windows only strength in my mind.  Elementary 
> schools run tons of multimedia software, AccReader, SuccessMaker, 
> others... Most don't work under linux.  School districts ( the 
> industry ) in general need to start demanding native linux 
> applications --- IBM get moving !!!  Again Quinn please form your own 
> opinion.  I use my student input constantly.  Students are pretty 
> flexible.  Adults ?  now that is the problem :)


It's here where I believe a Paul Nelson quote is appropriate.  From 
http://www.redhat.com/advice/ask_pnelson.html:

"RH:  Name the killer OSS apps for education that exist today? That lack?"

"PN:  The real question is how should kids be using computers in 
schools? They should be gathering and analyzing information, using email 
to collaborate with learning partners around the world, using software 
to present their ideas for peer review and exploring the creative powers 
of computers in music and art. Isn't that just how we use software as 
adults? That's how kids need to use software. OSS has everything we need 
to do this and more right now.

"Some educators will cite the lack of traditional educational packages 
for Linux that teach reading or math with funny rabbits that wink at you 
and say "Good job!" I just don't think we need to go there. Teachers 
don't need cute teaching applications. They just need computers that 
work and provide basic access to the software we all use everyday."


I agree with Paul--a classroom teacher, remember--wholeheartedly on this.

--TP