alex.polvi.net

I just got done talking with Dean Adams, from the College of Engineering, about the open source curriculum campaign. I can happily report that prospects are looking very good. First off, the timing of our conversation seems to be perfect. Linus was recently on the cover of Business Week, a magazine that Adams reads and respects. Our Installfest ran in the paper today, showing how much support there is for open source on campus. COE is in the process of developing curriculum that creates an opportunity for experiential learning. On top of all that College of Business is in the process of recruiting Linus to speak for a “Distinguished speaker series”.

As I made the pitch about OS in education I got the impression that he was truly interested in what I had to say. As the conversation went on, he was finishing my sentences, and adding his own bonuses to why OS in education makes sense.

One comment he made about open source was, “It cannot be ignored.” He understands that Oregon is quickly becoming the center of open source, and that Oregon State needs to recognize that. We already have the open source lab, but since it is part of IS, there is no tie into education. Yet. He noted that this campaign for open source would have been made leagues easier if the OSL could have gotten the buy in of at least one professor from EECS. As it stands, we have more support from the college of business faculty, then by Engineering.

He mentioned that we need some sort tie in to the OSDL up in Beaverton. I was happy to jump in and say the OSL has already made that connection by having Oregon State be one of the first universities to become an OSDL affiliate. To the outside world all the Oregon State embraces open source, so it is just a matter of sorting thing out internally.

Another concern was of faculty to drive this. We have nobody who is completely hip to using open source in the classroom. He said, “If you had one, just one faculty member interested this would be very easy.” This comment was very similar to the one made about the OSL. The next part of this campaign will involve engaging EECS faculty, and trying to get buy in. From there he wants to meet again with the faculty member, and myself, to discuss prospects.

He noted that the OSLUG is doing a very good job of being active. Being involved with Oregon State, and getting things done, helps a lot. I agree, we have been really active. We have completed two installfests, both of which were a huge success. Our meetings are becoming more regular, and we are gaining a lot of momentum. I was very proud to hand Adams a Barometer and have the Linux Users Group on the front page. We rule.

Our conversation ended with, “Alex, you will make a difference.” That is awesome, my difference is going to be developing a platform for learning based around what (a lot of) students are interested in. Him telling me that gave me the sign that he wants to move forward with this, we just need the buy in of the folks to make it happen.

Some other interesting facts:

• COE received a grant for $1.3million that is being used to find ways to enhance learning.
• Jim Johnson, the CEO of Tripwire, and Dean Adams friend is interested in coming to stay in Weatherford.
• “We must use the assets such as the Open Source Lab on campus”

This is going to happen, it is just a matter of time and the stars aligning. In the mean time I encourage everyone who wants to help to get involved in the OSLUG. Just general participation in any thing open source related will make this possible, because it is the support that matters.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 31st, 2005 at 6:09 pm and is filed under OSLUG, Personal, School.