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Teacher confiscates Linux CDs, claims no software is free
If you're not familiar with it, the HeliOS project is an effort to get computers into the hands of kids who might not otherwise be able to afford them. To date this year, they've distributed over 300 machines. Apparently that's not enough to keep them from making an enemy.A middle school teacher named Karen observed one of her students demonstrating the abilities of his Linux-powered laptop to his classmates. What a great thing, a student exposing his peers to technology they probably weren't familiar with before....Right?
Wrong. Karen sprang into action, confiscated the CDs the student had brought to share, and unleashed the Spanish Inquisition.
Who is the charlatan who convinced this poor, misguided student that "free software" is something that actually exists?
Who could be so evil as to distribute non-Microsoft software to children? How can that person expect our children to survive in an MS-powered world? Once she had her answer, she sent Ken an email.
In her own words:
At this point, I am not sure what you are doing is legal. No software is free and spreading that misconception is harmful. These children look up to adults for guidance and discipline.
She continues:
I will research this as time allows and I want to assure you, if you are doing anything illegal, I will pursue charges as the law allows.This is truly sad in so many ways. It's unfortunate that a teacher - who ought to be nurturing and educating children - is willing to crush a student's enthusiasm and devote time and energy to villifying something she clearly doesn't understand. No such thing as free software? Really?
Even Microsoft, who Karen obviously supports, provides numerous free applications. It really is a shame that someone can be so jaded as to think that no one in the world is generous and kind-hearted enough to share something as simple as software.
DS readers know better - you read about great, free software here all the time. What worries me is that we're not the "general public." Are we the minority?
Let's hope not.
[ via Techmeme ]
Update: Justice prevails: http://twitter.com/helios17/status/1051173010 (Thanks, Phil!)
Comments
62
Subscribe to commentsFeedMeDec 10th 2008 6:35PM
Wait I thought email was free? Have I been stealing gmail for all these years?
WLDec 10th 2008 7:31PM
Shocking that these where the actions and words of an educator.
HarzDec 22nd 2008 5:09PM
Shocking? I had a ton of teachers like this growing up. Maybe not quite THIS ignorant, but it was always so frustrating to me that people automatically assume that because a person is a teacher, they know all. I was constantly questioning my educators. I heard them give lectures hundreds of times about things that were simply not true. Teachers can and are some of the least intelligent people on earth if you ask me. Most of them just regurgitate information they have been taught. The few teachers I had growing up that actually gave a hoot enough to think critically were the only ones I respected enough to put forth effort into their classes. My mom used to have fits with me, because all of my reports came in saying something like "Your son is very intelligent, but just does not put forth any effort in class."
BOTTOM LINE: Think for yourself, and outside of the box, people. School is not the only (or even the best) place to get educated. And just because somebody has certification in something, does not an expert make.
DeimosDec 10th 2008 7:59PM
That teacher should visit downloadsquad... we'll teach her a lesson or two...
G ThompsonDec 10th 2008 9:48PM
This teacher very much reminds me of a quote that is all too true and scary
"Try this sometime. Get a group of children in a room with a light fixture hanging just out of their grasp. Then watch what happens: one child will jump to touch it, and before you know it, every kid in the room will be leaping like Michael Jordan. They're testing their skill, stimulated by the challenge of reaching something beyond their normal grasp.
Put the same children in a room where everything is easily in reach, and there will be no jumping, no competition, no challenges.
The problem with modern education is a low ceiling of expectations. We have built schools that demand and teach too little, and the children have stopped jumping.
- Carroll Campbell"
RyanDec 11th 2008 12:46AM
I have made stacks small free apps that I've uploaded using Google's free hosting services - maybe she should take a look.
Maybe during her search she will find this page - wouldn't that be nice
David Van (Cool Prizes Inc.)Dec 10th 2008 10:27PM
Man... That teacher is a dumbshyt... lmfao "No software is free..." **cough cough Google is software, but web based... cough cough** PWN3D! Firmware updates to the PSP is Software and it's FREE.... Microsoft Word security updates is software, and it's free! Windows update is FREE... IE is software, free... Firefox is software, free.... iTunes is software, free.... Yep... I rest my CASE... Oh yeah... BTW.... LINUX IS FREE!
edwardDec 11th 2008 12:06AM
I have registered a domain name and am in the process of creating a portal for free software and other awesome things.
It is www.freesoftwareforkaren.com
There is not much there yet but there will be soon.
@Brian Sexton
@Eric
@Phantom1219
PS_4Dec 11th 2008 12:25AM
lmao
EggbrookDec 11th 2008 12:23AM
Ya know... we are the minority. Seriously, I will tell people i've just met that I'm a computer nerd and they look at me like I just told them something utterly offensive. If you read DS and understand whats being blogged here your part of that minority! lol
michas_piDec 11th 2008 12:46AM
Along with Chad Wardenn, Karen is one of the best trolls ever.
But to be on topic, she's an idiot.
axl456Dec 11th 2008 1:06AM
@brian sexton: that will be a future code name for ubuntu, just wait till they reach the "k" next year xD
DinksDec 11th 2008 5:56AM
My god! And teachers are supposed to be opening the minds of our Youth to provide for the future of this world... This woman wants to close their minds to the possibility of a future for computing that does not rely entirely on Microsoft!
I suppose in her world we must make do with what we have now and not consider reinventing things. After all it might be illegal to do anything alternative.
BrieDec 11th 2008 6:07AM
I hope when she found out the truth she wrote the student a letter of apology or even congratulatory or even better asked the student for more information about this "new free software".
G SDec 11th 2008 9:47AM
Obviously, Karen has never had to tally up the cost of running a Microsoft-centric PC. Multiple that by 30 PCs in the classroom and she will embrace open source. Hell, most of the time, we have to stop people from pirating software. I bet Karen never exceeds the speed limit, and she didn't inhale while in college!
ZbysioRDec 11th 2008 9:02AM
Its a series of tubes.. not a truck....
Eric HDec 11th 2008 9:21AM
Am I the only one that doubts the truth in this story? I am not saying that teachers aren't dumb enough to view the world this way, but I just don't see teachers today that would care enough to email someone about it. And with things like "tried Linux in college" and the generic Windows speeches you hear Linux fan boys rail on it just reeks hoax to me. I am not saying that Ken Starks didn't actually receive this email, but I doubt it was written by anyone but a loyal Linux supporter.
Phil MillerDec 11th 2008 9:28AM
here is an update from @helios17: http://twitter.com/helios17/status/1051173010
Sounds like Karen learned the error of her ways.
I just wonder if she has any idea of all the discussions she has started because of her response to her student. The internet is a powerful place; I love it!
michas_piDec 11th 2008 11:46PM
Yay, the Giant Free Stamp from Cleveland.
CEOmikeDec 12th 2008 9:07AM
There is free software, software that makers make free and there is a lot, but most of it is small utilities or low level games.
There is also public domain software that can be used free, no restrictions.
Then there is Open Source, NOT FREE, but free to distribute without cost with conditions. Linux is in this category, additionally, not all Linux install programs for computers are free completely. There are two Open Source licences, one restrictive for COMMERCIAL Open Source programs and one less restrictive.
Using Linux as an example, you can not re-distribute the Red Hat Linux - from their EULA agreement " 2. Intellectual Property Rights. The Programs and each of their components are owned by Red Hat and others and are protected under copyright law and under other laws as applicable." But you can take the Linux part of Red Hat that does not include their drivers, documentation, installation routines etc and re-distribute that part only free, you could even call it Ubantu. There is a difference between Linux SUSE and openSUSE - the latter does not include all the commercial software.
Any Linux that comes with a computer will be copyrighted, it has to be to have drivers for components!
The teacher was probably right and may be better informed than most.
By the way Helios charges $50 for "free" Linux downloads