#LCA2011 - Open Source in Education, ASHS One Year On
Channel: Patrick Brennan
Date: 2012-01-20

Abstract:

It's been one year since I spoke about Albany Senior High School (ASHS) at LCA2010 in Wellington and it's time to visit again.  Let's take a moment and step back for those that were not present:  Albany Senior High School is a Ministry of Education (MoE) flagship school based not only on open technologies, but also open philosophies.  Linux is used from server through to desktop.  Even teacher laptops utilise Linux as their only OS.

In this presentation we'll be taking a look at ASHS one year on with a critical look at what has worked well and what has not.  Whereas last year we focussed on the elements that make up the schools technology stack, this year we will be focussing on the philosophy of the school.  We will examine the "business" problems that school faces and how Open Source technologies and philosophies solve these.  More critically we will also look at what did not work well and what might be done differently in the future.  We will discuss how Open Source technologies support the teaching model of the school.  We will examine the arguments both for and against more expansive use of Open Source in the broader education environment.

In a market where Microsoft is perceived to be the only (and government funded) choice, this is the continuing story of how an MoE flagship school came to rely almost entirely upon Open Source and Cloud based technologies for all ICT functions.

If you are looking for a story of Open Source success then this presentation is for you.  If you a policy maker then this presentation is for you.  If you want to know how to sell educators on the Open Source way, then this presentation is for you.  Finally, if you are a parent yourself, then this presentation is definitely for you!  As a side note, if you attend one of my presentations there is a high probability that you seat location may intersect with the flightpath of some ballistic confectionery (just ask anyone that attended last year).

Author:

Patrick's interests are many and varied.  He is an OpenBSD enthusiast, he holds a private pilot's license, and has a wide range of musical skills, including formal vocal training and competence on the tin-whistle!  Patrick has previously worked as a volunteer ambulance officer and was involved with the data communications aspect of the America's Cup Virtual Spectator application.

At work he's known for his quirky culinary habits (once almost setting the office on fire during a fire-drill -- ask him later!), his extensive BSD and pf (packet filter) knowledge, and his structured approach to solution design and implementation.

Patrick is often told he'd make a great teacher, as he explains complex technical concepts with ease and with an obvious passion for both his topic and for sharing knowledge.