FREE FLOSS Desktops Conference / Meet-up
Learn about our free STEM program (FLOSS Desktops for Kids) from teachers and students in this three hour conference/meet-up:
Quick overview:
- What: Introduction to the FLOSS Desktops for Kids program and how to participate.
- When: August 18, 10:00 am - 1:00pm EDT
- Where: Online Webinar via Jit.si (https://meet.jit.si/flossdesktops)
- Presenters (sound like you?):
- K12 teachers: starting up and running the program
- School IT staff: finding and implementing technologies
- School administrators: district buy-in and academic value
- Volunteers: starting a club on campus
..and others.
- Schedule: http://bit.ly/2vmqPpV
QUESTIONS? Contact Lindsay Clark (le03clar@siena.edu), or Nick Carpinello (n26carp@siena.edu)
About FLOSS Desktops for Kids...
The FLOSS (Free/libre Open Source Software) Desktops for Kids program teaches students to rebuild desktop hardware and software learning about computers and computing by doing. Once completed, students take their computers home… "for keeps."
How FLOSS Desktops for Kids works...
- Fourteen-week curriculum developed by teachers
- Recommendations for teachers, districts and administrators to find and access resources, (i.e. computer hardware and software, working space, etc.).
- A growing community of practice which can offer advice and support.
Benefits of FLOSS Desktops for Kids
- Shifts learner engagement from users or even consumers of technology, to creators of technology.
- Hands-on, self-paced projects provide genuine learning experiences for students.
- Offers access to computing and the Internet to underserved populations
- Aligns with International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards.
- Low cost…even no-cost!
Interested? Save the date (August 18th) and spread the word!
SHARE THE NEWS: Attached you’ll find a pdf of the program, please feel free to share this email and the attachment with any colleagues you feel might be interested.
Time | Presenter | Topics |
10:00—10:10 | Patrick Masson, General Manager, Open Source Initiative | Welcome and Introductions The FLOSS Desktops for Kids initiative continues to grow. Patrick will get folks up-to-date on the status of the program, and how others can participate. An introduction to the day will also be provided. |
10:15—10:45 | Kristopher Navratil, Technology Teacher, Maple Hill Middle School | Discussing the inception of the Open Source Computer Club at Maple Hill, the educational value in the club as well as the hurdles that they overcame |
1045—11:15 | Michele McColgan, Physics Professor, Siena College | As the director of the Siena College Informal STEM program, Michele will describe her experience running FLOSS Desktop for Kids in an on-campus Saturday program for middle-school underserved students in an underprivileged district. She will also describe the process of running a week-long FLOSS summer camp. Michele mentored college students to lead the Saturday program and the summer camp. She will also explain how she worked with her IT department to provide computers. |
11:15—11:45 | Kerry Flynn Principal, Loudonville Elementary School | |
11:45—12:15 | Stuart Keroff Community School of Excellence Technology Coordinator Asian Penguins Faculty Advisor | Stu Keroff is the Technology Coordinator of Community School of Excellence and Director of the Asian Penguins, the first Linux club in a Hmong school. Stu will discuss the history of the Asian Penguins, some of the activities of the club, how the mission of the club extended to community service, and tips on how to start a Linux club at your school. |
12:15—12:45 | Limor Fried, Phillip Torrone, Adafruit | Live mini tour of Adafruit factory, with discussions around the impact and opportunities of the maker movement and computer hardware in education. |