Research report: Open source software in schools: A study of the spectrum of use and related ICT infrastructure costs
(published: 12 May 2005, but may still have some relevance)
http://publications.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=25907&page=1835
From: "phil@gmail" <phil.galligan@gmail.com>
To: David O'Callaghan <david.ocallaghan@cs.tcd.ie>
Cc: fsfe-ie@fsfeurope.org
Sent: Tue, 17 November, 2009 13:50:12
Subject: Re: [Fsfe-ie] Meeting this evening
Hi,
totally agree that IFSO should put a foot in and at least highlight the fact that there are alternatives to non-open software.
I work with my local primary school on a casual basis with their IT systems and I can tell you they prioritize equipment like interactive whiteboards and printers, before shiny new laptops for teachers. (the fact is many teachers use their own laptops for their class.)
I've been aiming to put a linux/samba solution together for the school(as they are reaching the number where a domain will be worth it) and I'd love to hear from anyone who's done it already.
In general though, management are amazed that they don't need to buy hefty office licences or winServer licences, etc. I'd love to see the IFSO raising their voice here. It may also highlight the lack of options on new machines...ie. Free AV, OOffice, etc.
thanks,
Phil.
2009/11/17 David O'Callaghan <david.ocallaghan@cs.tcd.ie>
Hi,
I agree but unfortunately in the Irish Times report at
On 17/11/2009 13:05, Ben North wrote:
> I'd have one agendum:
>
> http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1116/education.html [text copied below]
>
> describes how the government is going to give a pile of money to schools
> for computers. I think IFSO should write to somebody urging the use of
> Free Software as part of this initiative. Describe some successful
> deployments of Free Software in schools (no doubt we can find lots of
> case studies on the web), the educational benefits of knowing what's
> going on 'inside' the computer, growing use within industry, etc., etc.
> Not guaranteed to have a huge immediate effect, but will raise the
> profile of Free Software within education.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1117/1224258982226.html
it says:
"A group chaired by Paul Rellis of Microsoft Ireland will track
implementation of the new plan and report to the Minister."
I wonder how much of the €150 million and €30 million annual top up is
designated for software licenses (as distinct from support, etc.)?
David
--
Dr David O'Callaghan
Research Fellow - Grid-Ireland - e-INIS - Computer Architecture & Grid
School of Computer Science & Statistics,
Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland Telephone: +353 1 896 1536
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