Technology & Learning November 2007 - (Page 23) lishing in the classroom, they wanted their own mini-labs, which the school created with the help of K12LTSP. “The effect was just as I predicted: the domino effect,” Trask says. Problems Solved Vassalboro no longer has to pay for software licensing, and that alone saves the school $50,000 a year, most of which is reinvested into the school technology program on new servers. Today, there are three different operating systems—Linux, Apple, and Microsoft—running in the backroom, allowing teachers to use a host of different applications. And then there are the intangibles. “Our kids learn how to use a computer no matter what the OS or application. I use the analogy of driver’s ed. quite often,” Trask says. “It goes like this: When you took driver’s ed., did you learn how to drive a Ford? How about a Chevy? A Toyota? Most people can’t remember why? Because ya’ learned how to drive a car regardless of make, model, or size. Why should computers be any different?” Up Next Vassalboro installed Canonical’s Edubuntu, an open source OS designed specifically for education. And one of the school’s next goals will be to install Edubuntu’s thin-client manager, which will allow the IT staff to control much of the school desktop network remotely. Trask also says he plans to savor his freedom. “Eventually, over time, you’ll end up like me,” he says. “I love my job now. . . . I have my life back I’m not fighting Windows fires all the time anymore.” —MH Technology & Learning November 2007 | 23 http://AcuityforSchool.com http://AcuityforSchool.com
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