[K12OSN] OpenOffice Curriculum

[Eric Brown]

I hope I'm not stating the obvious, but I don't think the curriculum
should say stuff like "Use the Microsoft Wizard to make a business
letter", but should say things like "Students will learn how to make
the business letter."  The only thing that should change in the
business teachers operations is learning that what they want may be
under Tools instead of Insert, or that a particular button may be on
the left instead of above.

As a math teacher, I do not teach how to do calculus using the TI-86,
I teach calculus.  We use some tools to help us do that.  One tool is
the TI-86.  I think that if the curriculum in the business department
is Word Processing Using Word, it does need to be re-written to say
Word Processing (Period).  The particular tool your district is using
is OO, which, in terms of the final end product (like a business
letter), is indistingushable from a letter produced using a
typewriter, ClarisWorks, or Microsoft word.

I'm currently fighting this in my district.  What's funny, the
individual who wrote the curriculum that I'm following thinks I should
be teaching using Apple, and refuses to allow me to spend any $$ on
anything unless it goes to Apple.  I had to purchase my K12LTSP server
from ebay using my own funds.

That's the approach I'd use in my argument.  When you can back that up
with money saved, I don't see how they can logically keep their
position.
Eric

On 3/28/06, Paul VanGundy <vangundypw at sau14.k12.nh.us> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> As I walked in to work today I was approached by the computer teacher
> talking about curriculum and changing it. I asked what he was talking about
> and he had said since we have all moved to OpenOffice in our district there
> was talk of him needing to change his curriculum. He isn't very happy about
> that so I am emailing to see if anyone on this list would be willing to
> share lesson plans, curriculum or anything educational to help our computer
> teacher's out in our district. I can understand the frustration and am
> trying to help them as much as possible. Do any of you teach OpenOffice in
> your computer classes/district? Any and all information would be greatly
> appreciated. Thanks in advance.
>
> -Paul
>
> --
>
> Paul VanGundy
> Information Technology Director
> Epping High School
> Epping Middle School
> P: 603.679.5472
> F: 603.679.2966
> vangundypw at sau14.k12.nh.us
> Registered Linux User #398783
>
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