Re: Introduction

[Kylie Davies <beckster@warehouse.net>]

In addition to what Ken has added...I'd like to think that computerbank type things touch
in this educational area too. Eg: a public school in melbourne was donated computers from
the CSIRO (i think), they have maybe 15 complete systems there all collecting dust in the
library. 

It would be good to convince (and moves were made in this direction) the principal that
GNU/Linux would make these systems come to life and furthermore could help in the future
learning of the children. Getting kids involved in the setup of the system would be ideal
- this way they feel like they really own it - and they want to help it grow...they will
want to learn. 

Education (not just for children at school)  and access to information (as well as the
ability to learn from the information) is key. Everyone can benefit. There will be some
who want to learn GNU/Linux to a programming level, but some may not...they may just want
to use. (GNOME, and projects like SEUL is taking the user interface to new heights). 

In using they may want to educate themselves about a particular thing that is important to
them ( eg: i have an interest in finding out as much as i can about lupus - an auto immune
disorder) someone similarly may have an interest in talking to other single mothers to
discuss raising children alone etc, and someone might like to know how to cook a dish from
another country everyone is different...the unemployed could use the internet as an
educative tool also. (especially if they want jobs in IT and GNU/Linux sys admin ect)...

So what I guess i am saying is that GNU/Linux is important for everybody really. But
especially in schools, and especially for those that are disadvantaged.

So I can see that the computerbank thing would be useful to apply here. Schools (as in the
above eg) often get donations from people etc, so advocating for the installation
GNU/Linux  is very important.

Tools and Projects that complement this activity (eg: SEUL)
are essential. (training, user support, user involvement, development of more projects,
advocacy, etc, etc)

Kylie