[luau] Re:Ben

[maddog]

Ben,

First off I need to understand what it is you are saying. Are you offering a
lab environment where we can train you and others to adminster Linux boxes?

Software abounds for educational purposes, I believe a few weeks back there
was a publicized article I read on how Linux has been implemented in may
schools and how much educational software is available. Linux was developed
in the labs of major Academic institutions so that shouldn't be a problem.

On the lighter side, I saw a signature on a bulletin board where I ask a lot
of questions and BTW is a great resource (www.justlinux.com), the sig said,
"if you have a problem open source can't solve, you have the wrong problem".
That pretty much sums up my view.

I think Warren can point you to educational software sites as he works in
education.

Warren?

Don

Please do not circulate this information as it is not
"Official".

First, allow me to introduce myself.  I am Benjamin Kinsey, a
Data Processing System Analyst for HDOE/OCISS/ATRB (Hawaii
Department of Education, Advanced Tech Research Branch).  I
am hired under a NSF (National Science Foundation Grant)
called HNLC (Hawaii Networked Learning Communities).  My
background is in Computer Science, and professionally I have
focused mostly on architecting and developing database-driven
web applications.

I was introduced to HOSEF about a week ago attending a session
with Warren Togami at MidPac.  We at HNLC were immediately
impressed with the Linux computer cluster there and Warren's
infectious enthusiasm.  I have gotten the go-ahead from
higher-ups to explore the option of introducing more Linux to
our branch within HDOE and for our HNLC grant.  What we
envision is something of a "multiprogram" Linux project.  By
that I mean not just HNLC, but also other programs within HDOE
and possibly outside as well.

Linux has had a troubled history in our branch.  We have had
problems with unadministered linux systems getting hacked.
There has not been enough internal expertise within the branch
to be able to adequately ensure the security of linux boxes
and the biggest challenge to winning over people in my branch
will be convincing them that there is somebody within the
branch who has enough of a clue to be able to maintain
security.

If I had adequate Linux administration training, I would be
happy to take on the challenge of administrating our branch's
linux boxes.  Unfortunately, I still don't have enough of a
clue to be very confident yet, but I catch on quickly if I
have a good teacher.  Already I feel I have learned tons just
by hanging out with the good folks at HOSEF for the two
meetings I attended.  Certainly I am more confident about
*installing* linux.  I still have a long way to go to be able
to administrate.

I am exploring a vision: a vision of a Linux cluster
classroom somewhere in our building.  We have plenty of
parking and we frequently hold workshops and educational
training programs in our building.  A linux cluster classroom
would greatly complement our offerings both for the
professional development of HDOE staff but also for intensive
technology education for students.

Furthermore if our own Linux cluster classroom is a success,
there is a possibility HNLC schools (only ten so far, will be
up to fifty in four years) will want to create a similar lab
for themselves, with our (HNLC) help.  However, this we cannot
rush because there is a HUGE educational challenge that must
first be met.  Linux is absolutely foreign to most HDOE
schools.  Maintaining security will be an ongoing challenge.
We will need to implement a thorough training program on Linux
security and system admin.  We need to be realistic about the
usefulness and the feasibility of such labs.

This is where I want your help.  I need honest feedback, both
positive and negative, from HOSEF members about the challenges
of Linux within the scope of education.  For example, besides
Office and Web surfing, what will students actually be doing
at the Linux cluster?  What educational software is available
for Linux?  Particularly, how can Linux be useful for math and
science education (the focus of the HNLC grant)?  Is there any
hope of turning an "average" Mac or PC person into a Linux
system administrator?

With your feedback, I will report my findings to my supervisor
who will likely report to her supervisor, and so up the chain
it will go, the way things work in government.  I am
enthusiastic that the attitude toward Linux is warming as the
benefits become more compelling.

Good luck with your legislative proposal (of course I am
speaking personally not officially).  You work from the
top, I'll work from the bottom, maybe, just maybe public
school students will benefit which will make all of this
worthwhile to me.

Sincerely,
Benjamin Kinsey



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