On Mon, 29 May 2006 09:33, you wrote: > Hello, > I am trying to get help with about 4 high school children in my Gifted > and Talented Group, aged about13 14 to get them into the linux scene. > Is there anyone out there who is prpared to spend some time with them to > teach them about Linux? Isee that we would probably come to Chch for a > session say from 11 am to 2 pm and they would get as much instuction as > they could in that time. As we live in the Oxford area we would need to > come during the school day if that is possible. We are looking for a > donation of time and expertise to get tem started as we do not have any > money in our budget. If you are able to help I can be contacted on 03 312 > 8010 or at [EMAIL PROTECTED] I would appreciate hearing from > anyone who can help. > Thanking you in anticipation > Errol J Hitt > Oxford Area School G.A.T.E teacher
What sort of things do you want them to learn about Linux? How to install it? How to configure key services? How to be a sysadmin? How to run Firefox? I suppose the most useful thing to learn is that Linux exists and does most things that most people want. The tricky thing is that 'under the hood' it does things differently to Windows, so you have to 'unlearn' the Windows way or at least be receptive to the fact that the Windows way is not the only way. On top, with a desktop like KDE it does not appear to be too different to Windows, and cross-platform applications like Firefox, Thunderbird and OpenOffice look identical. Your budget of zero will cover the cost of several copies of Linux, and the nice thing is there is no barrier to entry. If you want to have a play then get a copy (very easy) and just play. Do you have PCs to put Linux on? If so, installing Linux is not too hard. If you have PCs but don't want to remove Windows then you can try a Live CD such as Knoppix or Mepis. It boots up and runs Linux from the CD without touching the hard drive, so is an easy way to look at Linux without altering what you've got (*much* slower than running from a hard drive though). My suggestion would be that before you get in a van and come to Christchurch you should discuss your requirements on this mailing list and collectively come up with some outline of what you think the kids might like to see (or ought to see). I am sure it would be a lot of fun for them to come to Christchurch and be sat in front of a Linux box, but it sounds like you have limited time, so it would be a good idea to plan a little bit so the time is not wasted. Having said that, you might get enough ideas and background knowledge from this list so that you can let the kids use Linux in Oxford, thus making better use of time as you won't need to travel. Have fun, Andrew
