Ben, First off I need to understand what it is you are saying. Are you offering a lab environment where we can train you and others to adminster Linux boxes?
Software abounds for educational purposes, I believe a few weeks back there was a publicized article I read on how Linux has been implemented in may schools and how much educational software is available. Linux was developed in the labs of major Academic institutions so that shouldn't be a problem. On the lighter side, I saw a signature on a bulletin board where I ask a lot of questions and BTW is a great resource (www.justlinux.com), the sig said, "if you have a problem open source can't solve, you have the wrong problem". That pretty much sums up my view. I think Warren can point you to educational software sites as he works in education. Warren? Don Please do not circulate this information as it is not "Official". First, allow me to introduce myself. I am Benjamin Kinsey, a Data Processing System Analyst for HDOE/OCISS/ATRB (Hawaii Department of Education, Advanced Tech Research Branch). I am hired under a NSF (National Science Foundation Grant) called HNLC (Hawaii Networked Learning Communities). My background is in Computer Science, and professionally I have focused mostly on architecting and developing database-driven web applications. I was introduced to HOSEF about a week ago attending a session with Warren Togami at MidPac. We at HNLC were immediately impressed with the Linux computer cluster there and Warren's infectious enthusiasm. I have gotten the go-ahead from higher-ups to explore the option of introducing more Linux to our branch within HDOE and for our HNLC grant. What we envision is something of a "multiprogram" Linux project. By that I mean not just HNLC, but also other programs within HDOE and possibly outside as well. Linux has had a troubled history in our branch. We have had problems with unadministered linux systems getting hacked. There has not been enough internal expertise within the branch to be able to adequately ensure the security of linux boxes and the biggest challenge to winning over people in my branch will be convincing them that there is somebody within the branch who has enough of a clue to be able to maintain security. If I had adequate Linux administration training, I would be happy to take on the challenge of administrating our branch's linux boxes. Unfortunately, I still don't have enough of a clue to be very confident yet, but I catch on quickly if I have a good teacher. Already I feel I have learned tons just by hanging out with the good folks at HOSEF for the two meetings I attended. Certainly I am more confident about *installing* linux. I still have a long way to go to be able to administrate. I am exploring a vision: a vision of a Linux cluster classroom somewhere in our building. We have plenty of parking and we frequently hold workshops and educational training programs in our building. A linux cluster classroom would greatly complement our offerings both for the professional development of HDOE staff but also for intensive technology education for students. Furthermore if our own Linux cluster classroom is a success, there is a possibility HNLC schools (only ten so far, will be up to fifty in four years) will want to create a similar lab for themselves, with our (HNLC) help. However, this we cannot rush because there is a HUGE educational challenge that must first be met. Linux is absolutely foreign to most HDOE schools. Maintaining security will be an ongoing challenge. We will need to implement a thorough training program on Linux security and system admin. We need to be realistic about the usefulness and the feasibility of such labs. This is where I want your help. I need honest feedback, both positive and negative, from HOSEF members about the challenges of Linux within the scope of education. For example, besides Office and Web surfing, what will students actually be doing at the Linux cluster? What educational software is available for Linux? Particularly, how can Linux be useful for math and science education (the focus of the HNLC grant)? Is there any hope of turning an "average" Mac or PC person into a Linux system administrator? With your feedback, I will report my findings to my supervisor who will likely report to her supervisor, and so up the chain it will go, the way things work in government. I am enthusiastic that the attitude toward Linux is warming as the benefits become more compelling. Good luck with your legislative proposal (of course I am speaking personally not officially). You work from the top, I'll work from the bottom, maybe, just maybe public school students will benefit which will make all of this worthwhile to me. Sincerely, Benjamin Kinsey --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.467 / Virus Database: 266 - Release Date: 4/1/2003
