Building an Interactive Computer Lab: Linux for Middle School Libraries

By Amy Bromberg and Kristin Unruh

Goals

★To create an interactive computer lab ★Student exploration with technology★For students of all abilities (advanced and

remedial)★Supplement classroom teaching

Research

★Multiple literacies★Role of computer labs in school libraries★Linux in school libraries

Community Input

★Need comes from students wanting more★Common Core State Standards★AASL Standards for the 21st-Century

Learner

Why Edubuntu?

★Distribution designed specifically for school use

★OpenSource and low (= no) financial cost★Automatic software updates★Comes with various educational programs

Why Edubuntu?

★Primary, Secondary, Tertiary packages

★Choose which applications to keep, remove, add, or alter permissions

★ Lots of accessibility options

Process!

Step One: Download Edubuntu to a media device such as a CD-DVD or flash drive.

Step Two: Boot administrative computer from media device.

Process!

Step Three:Installation.

Process!

Step Three:Installation(continued)

Process!

Step Three:Installation(continued)

Process!

Step Four: Customize programs.★Remove unwanted programs★Add OpenSource programs not included

in bundles★Create restrictions for students’ accounts

Ethical Issues

★CIPA★Funding★Student Access★Accessibility / Universal Design★Application considerations★Program considerations

Resources★ Allyn, P. (2013). Be core ready: Powerful, effective steps to implementing

and achieving the common core state standards. Boston, MA: Pearson.★ American Association of School Librarians. Standards for the 21st-Century

Learner. (2007). Chicago, IL: American Library Association.★ Anderson, M. A. (2000). Computer labs and media centers: A natural fit.

MultiMedia Schools, 7.5, p. 20, 22-23. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier

★ Buchanan, Kym and Krasnoff, Basha. “Can Open Source Software Save School Libraries Time and Money?” Knowledge Quest 33.3 (2005): 32-34. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

Resources★ National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of

Chief State School Officers. (2010). Common Core State Standards. Washington, D.C.: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers.

★ Photographs taken by Kristin Unruh’s iPhone, Lester.★ Trilling, B. (2010). From libraries to learning “libratories:” The new ABC’s of

21st-century school libraries. School Library Monthly, 27.1. Retrieved from ERIC