[fsug-bangalore] FSF in Schools

[Ramanraj K]

>Suraj Kumar wrote:  
>....
>True ... "computer science"  subject for  classes ...
>
I thought I should point to some of the nitty gritty involved in taking 
free software to schools, from the perspective of the school, familiar 
to me as a `parent'.  Key focus should be on _TextBooks_ because that is 
the main mode of input at schools.  

The most important objective of computer science education in schools 
ought to be to make every child a proficient and intelligent user of 
computer programs.  Free Software Distros, School Level GLUGs, running a 
school from a network, will all help.

We can also request developers to write the most elementary introductory 
tutorial keeping in mind that it will be used by high school students. 
 [The best example I can cite is that of the documentation that comes 
with PostgreSQL ] 

>However  the "computer  miss/master" is  usually someone  without much
>enthusiasm  for  teaching  computing  the  way, say,  someone  of  our
>*wavelength*  would want  to.   We (Demo at Schools)  tried convincing  a
>school  (where  we were  regularly  teaching  the  students some  Free
>Software (bash, fundamentals  of "UNIX", python)) to let  us teach the
>teachers. But somehow they took  it too personally and never liked the
>idea of a "teacher" learning from someone. :(
>
Most teachers take their job seriously and may not be able to visualise 
anything remotely resembling free software. The Management and teachers 
think in concrete terms of text books, class work, home work, tests and 
marks, and if a bare outline of the curriculum is laid bare, then, I 
think most schools and teachers would be more than happy to teach the 
students not only free software but the high value of sharing in life 
that can be easily learnt at school level.  

>,----
>| HTH to frame an approach to introducing free software to children, and
>| may be through them, to parents :)
>`----
>
>Any  idea what  is  the scenario  in  bangalore schools  (in terms  of
>syllabus, courses, etc.,.)?  Unfortunately  none of my colleagues have
>any school-related funda.
>
And, what is the scenario everywhere else too [both in and out of India]?
Suraj, if you remember you pointed a link to some chemistry projects, 
and I was surprised to see the level of interest of several govts in 
Europe over using free software in school projects.  Some of the School 
Boards in Europe might have thought of these things and may have ready 
to use information or distros. [Mostly not in English :(

Cheers!
Ramanraj.

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