[FSF India] GNU/Linux in Schools from a guy in school

Varun Sinha fsf-india@gnu.org.in
Fri, 3 Aug 2001 14:30:11 +0530


Hi all!!

I have been following the discussion about GNU systems in schools with great
interest, but haven't been able to put my two cents in, cuz I'm in XII and
the week gets really busy. But it's a Friday afternoon, so I can give myself
a little time off...:-)

I think GNU systems would be a great idea for a simple reason: the cost.
Yes, I know that it is mainly about freedom and I greatly appreciate that.
But the truth is my principal isn't all that concerned about free software;
he is much more interested in setting up a full-fledged computer system at a
fraction of the cost it would cost him to do so using proprietary software
(we don't have one right now). Besides the fact that the software itself is
a lot more cost-effective, the hardware costs would also be greatly reduced.
I think another interesting effect it would have would be that awareness
would be created among students about free software. What better ways to
learn about it's philosophy that using it itself!!

The only downside I can think of is training and support. People who know
about proprietary software are dime-a-dozen but people with knowledge of GNU
systems are not that easy to find. Or as least that is my perception, I may
be wrong. I think the reason the KVs teach Fox-Pro and Word and Excel et al
is because it is so easy to find people to teach them. GNU systems are a
whole new world for vast majority and I really don't know how easy it would
be to find people to teach. One idea is that people from a local GNU user
group could come and teach, but is that a feasible idea?

The point about using GUI for most tasks seems to make sense. It would be
alot easier for people, especially teachers (students might be able to) to
work with GUI. I think they would rather spend their time on work rather
than learning shell commands (I'm not saying that learning shell commands is
not "work", but I feel that they might find it slightly wasteful)I'm sure
that at some point some of them might become quite proficient with the
systems, but most of them would be more comfortable with a GUI.

My entire opinion is based mainly with my school in mind, maybe the
situation is different in other places.

Just some of my thoughts. Please let me know if you think I am wrong. And
also let me know if you think I am right.....;-)

Regards,

Varun Sinha


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