Sliced Bread

NSW DET considered the benefits of open source applications in previous contracts between 2004 and in December 2006. I just wonder how fast and how far they may want to move public schools onto more open sources if these become more common or if in fact open source is still even on the agenda.

As Tim Anderson reminds us on ZDnet moving DET to something new is not an easy task. 

DET has one of the largest IT infrastructures in the country with 1.3 million users spread across 2,500 locations. Its desktop fleet consists of 250,000 devices of which 160,000 are PCs. Microsoft is the dominant platform with DET standardising on Windows XP, however, because of the size of the organisation there are some Windows 98 and Windows 2000 legacy systems.

Steve Hargadon summarise the benefits for schools and learners when he says;

Schools around the world are discovering the benefits of Open-Source Software. Not only does Open-Source Software save money, it allows schools to extend essential educational software to students’ homes and into after-school programs, providing extended learning opportunities at no cost.

• Are you looking for ways to provide more technology with less money?
• Could your teachers benefit from a Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle, Sakai)?
• Do you want a solution for all of your students to access their school work from home?
• Is your school community looking for ways to increase student engagement and learning?
• Have you thought about developing an Open-Source Software strategy to increase technology access while controlling costs?

The K-12 Open Minds Conference is the first of its kind – an International event specifically for K-12 educators designed to make OPEN SOURCE software and OPEN SYSTEMS more available and easier to use.

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