MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-05-19 |
| FROM | Michael Richardson
|
| SUBJECT | RE: [hangout] Re: Alt schools demo
|
Civil Service "It has always been done this way why change it?"
Civil service IT "it never worked right before why fix it?"
-----Original Message-----
From: Marco Scoffier [mailto:marco4linux-at-earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 12:17 PM
To: Dave Williams
Cc: hangout-at-nylxs.com
Subject: Re: [hangout] Re: Alt schools demo
On Mon, May 19, 2003 at 11:35:09AM -0400, Dave Williams wrote:
>
> Hi Marco -
>
> Excellent writeup. The impression I get is that the teachers aren't to
> blame for the sad state of technology -- those in charge of supporting
> them are ultimately responsible.
Yes the people who were there remeber our reaction against the Oracle
guy, who certainly knew better.
The head tech guy, needs more pressure. Rob who is an employee, and a
rather new one does not seem to be in a position to put pressure on the
superiors, but we certainly can.
> A good approach might be to gain a groundswell of support among the
> teachers and people at the front-lines who have to use these resources.
Yes I believe that Sat. was a good start to these ends. A bit more time
and practical demos would have made a better presentation and one we can
bring to every tech meeting in every group of schools in the city.
Unfortunately I believe that the altschools where we presented on Sat.
are some of the more enlightened schools in the system.
> Maybe they could shame their IT services into providing them with
> quality tools and support, once they realize it's out there. Not to
> mention the benefit of saving millions of dollars that could be better
> spent elsewhere.
I am convinced that were the BoE to pay a fraction of what it
currently spends in software licenses to a few civic minded free
software developers to create GPL'd tools, (and often just install
prexistent ones) for the NY School System that this would be much more
effcient and sustainable solution for the schools system's technological
woes.
> Approaching the administrative level at the same time
> would also be useful, if only to identify at least one ally in the
> hierarchy who might take up the banner of supporting the local economy
> and saving money (even if it's just a career move on their part). Of
> course that kind of politics may backfire if the person falls out of
> favor!
>
Yes always a multi-tiered approach.
> Marketing NYLXS programs (and Free Software in general) could be done
> effectively from the angle of quality, accountability, cost savings,
> long-term benefits to teachers and students, and holding the department
> to a higher standard of service while providing university-level
> resources. There has never been a better time to take advantage of
> opportunities in technology, and the school system deserves better than
> an IT Department full of lazy, self-satisfied and short-sited
> functionaries who allow these opportunities to pass them by.
>
Rob, what do you think of this characterization of the people who know
better in the school system?
____________________________
NYLXS: New Yorker Free Software Users Scene
Fair Use -
because it's either fair use or useless....
NYLXS is a trademark of NYLXS, Inc
____________________________
NYLXS: New Yorker Free Software Users Scene
Fair Use -
because it's either fair use or useless....
NYLXS is a trademark of NYLXS, Inc
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