So & Linux as a Platform

[Richard Weideman]

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.weideman at canonical.com

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