[Inschool] Working Together to get Linux in schools

[Adam Williams]

>I've been on the lists for awhile, but haven't said much except for the
>occasional question. However, the latest “Linux in Schools” thread
>couldn't have come at a better time. Let me explain:
>I work at WMU. This year I'm working in the Building Bridges project.
>Its focus is bringing technology to non-profits and the community. My
>specific role in the program is to build, coordinate and direct
>technology assistance centers (TAC) to help non-profits analyze, design,
>implement, and maintain technology solutions. In other words, we make
>sure the tech works like it should so the non-profits can do their jobs
>better.

This does sound like an ideal niche for Linux.

>While I won't force non-profits to go with Linux as their OS, I am
>making sure that they see how much they can do with Linux and Open
>Source. (I don't think it will be a problem once they see the cost
>benefit and the support they'll get.) The TACs would provide the
>implementation of machines and networks as well as serve as a Help Desk
>to member organizations. I also am creating a development shop on campus
>where students will act as consultants and programmers building systems
>and applications. I'm pushing for most of this to be Open Source as
>well.

Piles of open source project management and help desk applications are 
available too.

This could also provide a real opportunity for students to work in a 
"formal" environment as well,  if done correctly.  This is something we 
struggle with at my office, and I know other do as well.  Students could 
learn how to manage tasks / projects as a team, get a feel for version 
control systems, etc...  This is something colleges just don't seem to be 
providing to students,  resulting in lots of wasted time in the work 
environment.

>In any case, I think that both the Kalamazoo and Comstock schools would
>be great places to try some of this out. Not only are they close by so
>WMU students can really get involved, they are also high profile. Plus,
>I can recruit high school students who want to do networking,
>programming, etc. 

I think we will have the best luck if we create the aforementioned 
"formal" system and have teams of volunteers 'under' a seasoned admin.  
Some times students have very good proficiency but are simply unaware of 
"big picture" issues like manageability and problems resulting from scale.  
I know when I was in my student years I did some really dumb things I 
thought were pretty cool, only to watch them melt under real use.  I 
learned a great deal about such things in my first couple of years at KLUG 
and from other old salts.   It would have been great if some woolly old 
UNIX admin had been around to dope slap me.
 
>Anyhow, those are just some preliminary thoughts. I think KLUG members
>would be a great resource for this initiative.

I agree.