RE: Linux in high schools.

[j s <rambozo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Some very good points, Adam.

>In my interactions with schools systems I have found them to be so totally
>apathetic/ignorant/bungling concerning technology issues that I highly
>doubt we will find anyone to attend even FREE training.  But I will
>happily stand corrected...

I share your fears.  My experience with the Porages PS tech dept is that there 
are a few genuinely talented individuals employed there, but only a few.

>I don't know if KLUG is up to the task of teaching a "class" on Linux
>during typical school hours,  if that is what you are suggesting.  And
>the beauracratic/artificial barriers to anyone who has a "real" job
>teaching in the public school system are immense.  To do that I think we
>would need to find a teacher with a real itch to do some real teaching.
>Lots of those exist,  but you've got to find one in the right place/time
>and who knows how to effectively brow-beat the administration.  Just
>throwing some Linux machines in a lab,  with no related instruction,  I
>don't think would accomplish much.

I wasn't suggesting that KLUG teach a class.  There is indeed a lot of 
paperwork and legal stuff associated with that.  If we could find a teacher of 
the sort you described, things would of course be infinitely easier.  Trouble 
is, I can't think of any.

When I said there are a great deal of opportunities for Linux in the education 
field, it would have more adequately conveyed what I meant if I had said 
"possibilities."  Linux could certainly benefit the PS's, what remains to be 
seen is if they're open to these possibilities.

>Mmm, is there a possibilty for Linux as a server in the PS?  Last person
>I asked said the Grand Rapids PS was moving to Windows 2000,  and don't
>both mentioning any of that other crap.  Not a quote,  but a pretty
>close paraphrase.

My experience with Portage PS is that they are definitely all about Microsoft 
and not likely open to anything else. Portages probably isn't the best school 
to start this outreach on.  Perhaps they'll be more open if they see the 
successes it has at, say, Sturgis.

>>But, schools are always complaining about money
>>situations, and getting rid of huge licensing costs could definitely help
>>financially.
>
>Hog wash.  They waste truck-loads of money without batting an eye.  This
>is not even a consideration in there minds.  Us mere mortals (me at
>least) is incapable of even beginning to understand their approach to
>finances.  Don't bother beating the license cost bush at schools,
>corporations, or anywhere else.  It won't "buy" you an inch (Pun
>intended :)

Yes, complaining about financial resources is different than actually having a 
problem.  They complain a lot, but... well, case in point: last summer, I 
worked at the Portage PS tech dept on what is called "dumpster day" where the 
tech dept literally goes through their closets and storage facilties and 
throws stuff away.  A lot of it. Some of which was very much useable.  My 
friends and I kept some of it with their permission, but we couldn't take it 
all home.  It was pure waste, to make way for the several dozen new computers 
they ordered with far more power than is needed for internet workstations. Its 
overwhelming, really.

-Josh
http://www.wastedgenius.com