Overview

This project introduces the desktop Linux PC in the field of education. The Linux PCs are used by students in their coursework and by teachers for their paperwork. Experiments are carried out in four elementary schools and one junior-high school in Tsukuba district, three schools in Gifu district, and Jumonji University.

In this demonstration experiment we examine the possibility of functionality and operability of Linux desktop environment including OSS web browsers and office suite for the field of education. Besides we look into robustness, interoperability, and maintainability of that by developing and deploying a centralized software management system for a number of the desktop Linux PCs. Finally we will propose some strategies for promoting the use of the desktop Linux environment in the field of education, on the basis of achievements and problems of this experiment.

Acknowledgement

This project is carried out as a part of FY2004 the open source software utilization platform development program, "The experiment for using open source software in the field of education," sponsored by Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA). And the development of Linux version of "Study Note" is carried out as FY2004 E-square advance, promoting the educational use of information technologies project, "The evaluation of the group study system on Linux PC," supported by Center for Educational Computing (CEC).