[Opensource] eLearning Planning

[Cameron Bell]

I don't think that there is anything as sinister as that Pia, maybe I am 
being naive, but afaik there is no directive to not use alternatives and 
I have never been told that I can't implement OO or any OSS. Rather it 
is a lack of knowledge of the alternatives and the fact is that the 
Microsoft deal was in early on schools, (as was Apple), way back when 
installing Linux was still not for the faint hearted. It means most 
teachers still have no knowledge whatsoever of the alternatives or that 
they even exist, something I am trying very hard to remedy in my area 
anyway.
Cameron

> <quote who="Cameron Bell">
>
>   
>>    * Networking software, including network managing programs and
>>      anti-virus software
>>    * Microsoft licensed software and standard applications
>>    * Software that is used for eLearning.
>>     
>
> I've just recently found out (and I can't quote my source unforunately) that
> several prominent organisations in education have an agreement with
> Microsoft that means they get even cheaper versions of MS Office if they
> agree to not use any competing office solutions (such as Open Office). I
> can't verify this at the moment, but I thought it would be worth raising. If
> this is true in any of your schools, Government departments or other, then
> it should be tracked down.
>
> Not only is it anti-competitive, but it is also removing the opportunity for
> students to learn anything apart from MS Office, which means they are
> learning products, not concepts. It also discriminates against poorer
> students that can't afford to purchase MS products at home to do their
> homework.
>
> Cheers,
> Pia
>  
>