[fosscomm] The Assam government and Microsoft India signed a memorandum of understanding to improve the readiness of educators on using technology

[Guru गुरु]

On Friday 15 June 2012 08:29 PM, Pranesh Prakash wrote:
> Dear Guru,
>
> Guru गुरु [2012-06-14 21:45]:
>> I thought Assam had implemented Ubuntu GNU/Linux fully in their schools??
>> Anyone has more information?
> Thanks for this!  Have you already sent an RTI asking for the MoU?  We've
> drafted one, and will be sending it out tomorrow if you haven't already.
pls do... do ask if they have considered the policy on open standards 
and the policy on ict in education whiel making this mou.
>> Adopting proprietary software is also against the spirit of the recent
>> National Policy on ICTs in school education, which in the section on
>> software asks for FOSS to be preferred...
>>
>> Excerpt
>> (http://www.itforchange.net/sites/default/files/ITfC/revised_policy%20document%20ofICT.pdf
>> available on http://itforchange.net/CABE_Sub-Committee_NPISE_Jun2012)
>> "6.3.1 A software environment favouring a pedagogy of learning which
>> promotes active learning, participatory and collaborative practices and
>> sharing of knowledge is essential to nurture a creative society. Free and
>> Open Source Software – operating system and software applications will be
>> preferred in order to expand the range of learning, creation and sharing."
> Most excellent observation.
>
> Given that this is the State division of a Central programme, we should
> send a representation to the MHRD.  Would you like to take the lead on
> this, and circulate a letter (quoting the policy infraction) which the FOSS
> community could sign on to?
>
> Cheers,
> Pranesh
yes, we will draft and share a letter and get endorsements and send both 
to MHRD and to the Assam govt.

regards
Guru