> Simon Bryan wrote:
>
> ...snip...
>
> > Most teachers are teaching *using* technology not *about*
> > technology, they don't need a deep understanding of the technology to do
> > that.
>
> No argument with this, but some knowledge of the underlying technology
> helps. It is not unreasonable to understand how to sharpen a pencil,
> change the globe in a projector, connect a video to a TV, or that a car
> requires petrol, oil and maybe water (hail the V dub!) or how the file
> tree works on a computer is it?
Hmmm, you got me there, that is one of my pet peeves, but not just about
teachers. It is universal!!
>
> > Let me give you some figures:
> > MSOfficePro license $95
> > NTWS4.0 license $45
> > NTServer $150 - unlimited licenses as you license the Workstations
> >
> > These are not big figures, they are cheap. I have seen Linux selling in
> > shops for more than this.
>
> Oh dear Simon - that is holding up a big target {:-).
>
> Linux - say $10 for a pressed set with doco from two of our favourite
> characters, that can be used for an unlimited number of computers.
>
> Verses....
>
> NT - $150 * Number of servers in school = $300 for my school (2).
> ($95 + $45) * Number of workstations =$1,400 for my school
> (10).
> ____________
> $1,700
and for the software????
I need WP, DB, SS, Presentation Software, Graphics Manipulation Software,
CAD, Web, E-mail, Web design (not a text editor!), Appointments Manager -
Scheduling etc. Oh did I mention the curriculum software for Maths, Science,
English, and all the other subjects. Ummm what else, Encyclopedias,
Historical databases.....plus many more
and oh by the way the data files created really need to be compatible with
something the students have at home, other wise they have trouble doing
their technology based homework.
Now I don't need all these on every machine but I do need them all.
Remember I am not arguing about the merits of the software / OS just why
schools use MS etc.
>
> > > The training they receive is not designed to do anything more than
> > > show them how to use the MS programs. It has no technology
> > > understanding component at all.
>
> > Gee when I looked through the Inservice manual for schools DSE, CEC etc
> > I see that a lot of the programs are MS, for the above reasons, we can
> > afford them and we *can* get support, however the great majority are
> > focussed on the education process not on the software.
>
> You seemed to have missed the points.
>
> (1) They are not getting basic understanding. It is like teaching
> someone to drive a car, but forgetting to tell them that it requires
> petrol, oil, water and working brakes, lights.
>
> (2) The training that the DSE is giving people is only applicable to
> the programs they are using now. All this may have to be repeated when
> schools roll out Win2K Office pro. This sort of education is universally
> frowned on, but DSE does it.
>
> (3) The programs are "affordable" because the alternative to MS was
> zilch income (Avast Me Hearties!) and the department does the
> enforcing.
>
> (4) MS does NOT support schools for anything unless they pay for it.
> So I think in terms of support, Linux beats MS in that you can get
> some free support from LUGs, usenet, lists, etc, as well as paid
> support from numerous people in and out of SLUG.
>
>
> I have nothing against individual teachers, as a generalisation {:-).
> Rather, it is the PHB in schools management (principals, DSE, etc) that
> are the problem. These problems are similar problems with all PHB's
> everywhere.
>
>
> Anyone who wants to help their local school utilise linux is advised
> to make sure that this is a genuine nterest and not something that is
> going to waste your time. Unless of course it is a good opportunity to do
> some hands on that would not be available otherwise.
>
>
> Nuff said?
> --
> Terry Collins {:-)}}} Ph(02) 4627 2186 Fax(02) 4628 7861
> email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] www: http://www.woa.com.au
> or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> WOA Computer Services <lan/wan, linux/unix, novell>
> snail: PO Box 1047, Campbelltown, NSW 2560.
>
> "People without trees are like fish without clean water"
> --
> SLUG - Sydney Linux Users Group Mailing List - http://www.slug.org.au To
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--
Simon Bryan [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Information Technology Manager [EMAIL PROTECTED]
OLMC Parramatta
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