[Herefordshire] Open Source Software in schools

[Julian Robbins]

Hi all

I know its a bit off our normal tack, but if any of you have an interest 
in your local school you may like to have a look at the below.

The report finally indicates unequivocal support for OSS and Linux in 
schools.

Dont forget, if you are interested, it takes no time to burn off a copy 
of OpenOffice and let them have a look.

The Beta version of OpenOffice2 is especially good, and is much more 
aesthetically pleasing than its earlier predessor. This really will make 
a difference when it is released.

More local councils are also investigating OSS software. In fact 50% 
said they would strongly consider a change over the next 3 years.

I wonder where Herefordshire council sit on this matter? Perhaps we 
should lobby them to look into Linux and OSS. Put the LUG to good use, 
now that we have reached our first 'real' birthday.

If anyone has any contacts there, we'll invite them to come along...

Julian

> United Kingdom
> ==============
>
> Open Source Software in Schools
> -------------------------------
> "A project report evaluating the use of open source software (OSS)
> within a small number of schools will be published on Friday, 13 May
> 2005 by Becta (British Educational Communications and Technology
> Agency).
>
> The project report from the study "Open Source Software in Schools: A
> study of the spectrum of use and related ICT infrastructure costs"
> demonstrates that although the implementation of OSS in schools needs
> careful planning and support, the use of OSS can offer a cost-effective
> alternative to proprietary software."
>
> http://www.becta.org.uk/corporate/press_out.cfm?id=4681
> Full report:
> http://www.becta.org.uk/corporate/publications/documents/BEC5606_Full_report18.pdf 
>
>
>
> Open source makes school appointment
> ------------------------------------
> "Becta, the Government's lead agency for ICT in education, is set to
> release a new report which will say that schools could save significant
> sums by switching to open source software, eGov monitor can report.
>
> The landmark report will show that OSS can be implemented successfully
> in schools and present documented examples of cost savings from its
> use."
>
> http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2005/04/25/open_source_school/
>
>
> Local authorities keen on open source
> -------------------------------------
> "Roughly half of the UK's local authorities are planning to increase
> their use of open source software over the next three years, according
> to a Socitm survey
>
> Cost, security and dissatisfaction with Microsoft will drive almost
> two-thirds of local authorities to increase their use of open source
> software over the next three years, according to new research."
>
> http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39197835,00.htm


-- 
Best Regards,
Julian Robbins

Applications Engineer
julian.robbins at q-par.com



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