SKSI/MeetingNotes/2022-02-23 Meeting

remember to record!

Present

 * Wayne, Roland, Varunesh, Dave, William

Agenda

 * Discuss OERF's LLL technology recommendations

Time allowing

 * show OERF's event management system

Meeting notes
Dave explained the Network booting option to Roland and Varun - they will test a live-boot Linux install on the target workstation.

Varun mentioned that although workstations would be normally used in the LLL, some might be taken out (although probably on the same Wifi), in which case they could still netboot.

Roland and Will asked about user 'profiles' for first-time users - would they need an account created? Dave suggested there could be "guest" user options, or a 'create your own account' option, although that would depend what sort of directory the LLL wants to use, e.g. whether it's a Windows server or a Linux server (in which case it could use Samba 4 to support both Linux and Windows users).

Wayne mentioned the open source application alternatives we've proposed for workstations. He mentioned that Blender (one of the recommendations) was quite a challenging (but powerful) app to learn, and Dave mentioned a former colleague who has previously provided secondary-level training in that app... he makes some of his materials available on his website which includes a lot of 2D and 3D Blender tutorials. Many tutorials are also available on YouTube among other places.

William showed us his badge concepts, which look very suitable, even at the various smaller scales.

Dave gave further explanations about the server-level services the LLL could offer - where learners could access their documents and services within the Lab, and also from outside the Lab using NextCloud to access those same files. Similarly, they can be synchronised automatically to external computers or mobile devices.

We also talked about the prevalence of illicit software use (i.e. using pirated versions of proprietary software not in accordance with their licensing conditions) in Samoa and the fact that many there feel they're 'too small' to attract interests... We discussed the risks of illicit software downloads and use, including the issues of surveillance by the vendors (who often have the option to turn off the pirated versions).

We also discussed the training options for the various FOSS workstation apps, especially tools like OBS Studio (Will mentioned he has it installed, but hasn't played with it yet).

Video recording of the meeting