Open Source teaching in Dutch schools

So now the Dutch have realised that it's a bad idea to only introduce their students to proprietary software. The Dutch green party Groen Links is concerned by the dominance of Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco in Dutch schools. Kees Vendrik and Tofik Dibi of GroenLinks have written to the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs and the Secretary of State for Education, Culture and Science asking how open source can be brought in to ICT training in Dutch schools.

The article and questions (in Dutch) can be found here and a translation via Google can be found here.

AQA does know about open source!

Although open source does not appear in any of AQA's teaching material, Optaros have helped AQA to deploy an Intranet solution using open source software.

The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) was interested in creating a new Examiner Extranet platform to provide examiners and moderators with online access to exam papers and related documentation. The extranet would provide a simple way to obtain information more quickly, at a lower cost, and with a higher degree of security than AQA's standard paper processes.

Optaros worked in partnership with AQA to build the Examiner Extranet using open source components, including Alfresco JBoss Portal Server, EnterpriseDB and CAS Single Sign-On.

You can read the full case study here.

AQA and OCR, do they know about open source?

I recently started a job with a teaching resource provider, reviewing AQA and OCR ICT and Computing materials. I keep reading the word Microsoft but sadly I have yet to come across open source :(

FLOSS Weekly

FLOSS Weekly is a free and libre open source software focused podcast presented by Chris DiBona and Randal Schwartz. Most episodes feature the primary developer or developers of a particular open source software project. The show is an open discussion, with Laporte and Schwartz asking questions about the nature of the project. Typically, the interviewers will ask the guests about the history of the project, and its development model (such as which language it is written in, which revision control system is used, and what development environment the author uses). It's a great show, I recommend it.

"opened" BETA

Today I release a BETA of "opened", a look at Open Source in Education. There is still a long way to go, but I believe this provides a good framework for me to continue working.

I welcome good and bad comments :)

Linux Boot Camp

Linux Boot Camp is taking place again 29 June - 1 July 2009 at UWE, Bristol.

The Linux Boot Camp is aimed at those, normally doing or having done A Levels, who want to do practical technical computing. We want you to get in touch with your inner geek!

The event will involve two and a half days of technical workshops exploring many aspects of modern technology and the use of free open source software. During the workshops you will learn how to revitalize your PC (or even resuscitate a dead one!) by installing and configuring Linux on it. Useful skills such as how to set up a home network and web server will be given. You could learn how to make your own router, or how to hack into various set-top boxes. At the end of the Linux Boot Camp you will be able to tap into the world of open source computing and maybe set yourself on a profitable and worthwhile career!

If you already know how to do some of this stuff, then don't despair, the structure of the Linux Boot Camp will allow you to explore advanced topics in system configuration.

The numbers are limited to about 60 places, so don't delay. There may be a small number of residential places available in UWE's stuent accommodation. If you are interested, please contact us to check on availability and cost. Social events will also be arranged.

As if that wasn't enough the Linux Boot Camp will give you the chance to experience what life could be like a Uni and will look great on your CV or UCAS form!

For further information or to book your place contact Pat Cottrell or Craig Duffy by e-mail lbc@uwe.ac.uk or telephone 0117 32 84242.

Common file format for interactive whiteboards

European governments and organisations are helping to make it easier for schools and colleges to share resources and use interactive whiteboards. Becta has made a technical specification available for a common file format for interactive whiteboards, and a viewer application and further support will follow in autumn 2009.

You can read more here and can view the specification here.