"Freedom matters"
Hi,
Mahesh T pai wrote:
Which text book? VIIIth? IXth? Xth?
In VIIIth and IXth now. Xth std text book is on process
I believe that the text book for VIIIth is already published, and is there for all to see. There is no point in having a war of words on contents of the text books. It only diverts the subject matter of the thread, which is 'helping the CBSE make a switch over' to swatantra software.
GNU/Linux section was not there in VIIIth std text book published last year. This year, the text book is revised to include "GNU/Linux section". I think this made the confusion
The post wanted help to change the *syllabus*. He was not looking for help for a swatantra implementation of a non-free syllabus. I believe that The CBSE does not insist on proprietary software and permits use of free software by schools. But, the permission is tacit, nothing in writing. I remember reading somewhere that people at Delhi LUG were instrumental in that part. People at GSCP, Goa, have been successful in getting similar assurances (viz. non-free in syllabus, free in practise) from the educational authorities of Goa.
In "kerala IT text book" both Windows and Gnu/Linux section are included. Another way is to include the generic concepts. I mean Introduce Spreadsheets in general instead of Excel or Calc. But I don't know how efficient it will be since we have to include screen shots and "exact steps to follow"
Our friend was asking for more. That requires a very formal approach. Efforts by Mr. Sajith and his friends, while certainly significant and important, are based on tacit and silent approval of authorities. If somebody takes up the issue, the Government will be forced to withdraw the text books created by the present committee because they do not conform to the syllabus. Or has the Govt. of Kerala changed the syllabus?
The syllabus has been changed to include GNU/Linux and the schools can choose either Windows or Gnu/Linux. The issue is, the "teachers training" is provided only in windows. This forces the schools to choose Windows. This issue has to be addressed. We need to "force" the govt. to provide teachers training in Gnu/Linux too.
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