FYI. As per the Request from Guru, I have forwarded my suggestions. But if the Biggies from here who have contacts in MHRD can please follow up.
It seems that they are asking for Windows (as it states Virus Scanner, etc.) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Pravin Dhayfule <[email protected]> Date: Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 5:20 PM Subject: [Feedback] Draft of National Policy on ICT in Education To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Honorable Panel, I am not an educationalist, just an IT Deployment SME from India. I came across http://education.nic.in/secedu/sec_school.asp while browsing through India.gov.in and came across this note "Comments/Suggestions and feedback are invited from educationist , experts and institutions [email protected], [email protected] & [email protected] latest by 15th April 2011" Just out of curiosity I browsed through the document and came across these points: 1. Section 5.3.1 reads "Graphics and animation, desktop publishing, web designing, databases, and programming tools have the potential of increasing the range of skills and conceptual knowledge of the students and teachers. A judicious mix of software will be introduced in schools to keep Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to the minimum." Here does the TCO imply to the Software Licenses Cost? If so then I would suggest the following tools which are well known Free Open Source Applications: a. GIMP - Alternative to Photoshop for graphics b. Inkscape - Alternative to Corel Draw and Illustrator c. Scribus - Alternative to Pagemaker and Microsoft Publisher used in Desktop Publishing This will help schools save lots of money else spent Software licenses. 2. Section 8.3.3 reads "NIOS has also implemented the On-Demand Examination System (ODES) where by learners can appear in the examination as and when they are ready for it. This system will be strengthened and extended to its State counter parts for the benefit of learners from the non-formal sector." Guess Its Moodle the Free Learming Management System 3. Section 9.2 reads "A nation wide network will be established in which schools, teachers, students, school managers, and the community at large participate. This implementation will include the School Management Information Systems (School MIS); digital repositories of tools, content and resources; professional development and continuing education platforms; and guidance, counselling and other student support services." Here the Free and open source available web based tools are Fedena or OpenSIS which are cross platform and comply with the W3c and Open standards 4. Section 10.2.3 reads "Technology choice reviews will include standards and norms for computer configuration, input and output devices like scanners, printers and projectors, operating systems and system software applications including virus scans, productivity applications and educational software, power conditioning equipment, and other digital equipment like camera and audio recorders." Some where I have read that Indian Government already has developed an Operating System called as BOSS (Bharat Operating System) which is secured and Virus free. When our country has its own Operating System that too virus free, the Virus Scanner cost shall automatically be cut off. Basically BOSS is based on Linux. Another well known similar operating system is Ubuntu. Both Boss and Ubuntu are created from Debian. I didn't get chance to explore much of the document. But these were the points that I wanted to suggest so that the issues like Virus attack, hacking etc. get completely eradicated from the root. Its like Preventon is better than Cure. Anyways these are just my suggestions as an Indian who wants to play a role in betterment and development of India. Rest decisions any ways lies with you. Regards Pravin Balaji Dhayfule
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