Open Education/Computing - NZ case study

Open Computing - A New Zealand Model

To be self managing
To decide what computer operating systems they would like to use
To have School Management System software as optional
To retain confidential information in open formats such as Open Office Calc or Open Office Base
To conduct their twice yearly school roll returns on-line through the MOE's portal Enrol

Has stopped using a SMS
Is saving $560 per year on its SMS fee by using free applications
Is saving $600+ per year on library software by using Koha library software
Is saving $1000s per year by recycling older computers from tertiary institutions, businesses and friends of the school

We were paying about $1100 dollars each year to use Library and School Management software.
The library software was not installed fully and was effectively a paper only system.
The school begun to use a non-proprietary (free software) operating system GNU/Linux (Ubuntu) on some of the older classroom computers.
The school struggled to run our SMS system on Ubuntu than ran readily using Microsoft.
Because we chose to Ubuntu had to pay (through donated funds) for a technician to help install our SMS onto our server - which worked at a basic level.
We had time donated from an Open Source company keen to see Warrington succeed in using Free software, this was used to assist us in using an SMS on our server - this was not successful using Wine.
The 4 teachers and principal did not use the SMS system.
The school secretary used the SMS for roll returns twice yearly and for creating some lists, such as pupil details, health, parents and money owing.

Remove all proprietary software from Warrington School.
Share with other schools that they could stop using proprietary software and save themselves money.

Because NZ schools can run without proprietary software if they choose to.
Because NZ children will not be disadvantaged by schools opting to use free software.
Because the NZ government presently in a recession should be looking towards innovative practices within its own civil services to save on expenditure.
Because the NZ government should be encouraging thrift by those who are administering government funded budgets.
Because New Zealand tax payers money should be used to pay for the employment of New Zealanders not for proprietary software licenses - especially if this money is going off shore.
There are free and open SMS available that with some NZ technical expertise could be adapted to meet the demands of all NZ schools.

Claroline claSS Koha - free library software or keep things simple by using spreadsheets and data bases that are free with all operating systems.

I believe as the educational leader of the school that:

Warrington School would benefit from extra secretarial,teacher aide hours or library books rather than spending money on a Library software and SMS fee.
Warrington children and staff are not disadvantaged from using Free software.
NZ schools should be able to choose their own non-proprietary software and not be disadvantaged by the Ministry of Education for doing so.
The Board of Trustees of Warrington School endorses the decision to use non-proprietary software in Warrington School.

Work in progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page.