Teacher Believes Distributing Linux is “holding our kids back”
This one boggles my mind on multiple levels.
A teacher confiscated discs from a student that contain the Open Source software Linux on them. She then went on to email the HeliOS Project, an organization that builds and distributes Linux-based computers to disadvantaged students, and accuse them of holding students back by their actions. If you haven't read about this you can check it out here and here and read the HeliOS response from Ken Starks on their blog.
I don't know what is scarier this teacher's total ignorance about Open Source, her close mindedness, or her totalitarianistic attitude she is projecting on other people's children. As an educator she should know the dangers in this mindset especially when projected on the impressionable minds of our youth. This kind of blind faith in the establishment with failure to ask questions, seek other possible answers or buck alternative ideologies simply screams religious right.
I especially love this line:
"I along with many others tried Linux during college.."
Like "trying Linux" is some kind of illegal activity done in dorm rooms and frat houses, like smoking weed or excessive drinking. Oh those naive college students and their "gateway" operating systems! Who knows, this might lead to harder Open Source software like GIMP, OpenOffice or even Ubuntu. *gasp* If she ever discovers the Open Source web community we're all going to jail... and then hell.
What this teacher fails to realize is that the Open Source movement spurs innovation and creativity; is driven by the collective knowledge and experience of the community; and inspires capitalistic endeavors. Aren't these more appropriate ideas to be teaching our children than the idea that relying only on monopolistic entities is "the only way"?
Tags: Clustrfck of the Week, Ignorance
