Schoolforge-UK SysAdmin Qualifications
From Schoolforge-UK
A key message from the Becta meeting is the requirement for a school "champion" to persuade staff, plan and manage IT implementations and successfully develop the use of FLOSS in their particular environment. In one school the champion may be a knowledgeable Governor; in another school she is a FLOSS-trained network manager; and in another school the champion is the Head of IT.
Whoever the champion, very little can actually be done without a System Administrator (or SysAdmin) who knows how to implement FLOSS. Furthemore, because so many schools use Windows software, the SysAdmin must also have a good grasp of proprietary software, as well as how to combine both types of software into a coherent provision for the school.
This is where the Schoolforge-UK SysAdmin Qualifications comes in. Many SysAdmins are self-taught, although increasing numbers are completing courses provided by various training organisations. Anyone may apply for the qualification exam, regardless ow they gained their FLOSS skills.
It is envisaged the exams would be generic in nature, and include both theory and hands-on components. In time, the exam modules will be backed up with a recommended programme of reading and practical training.
There will be at least three distinct qualification "modules": (please feel free to develop these lists!)
- Desktop: - implementing Open Source software on both GNU/Linux and Windows PCs:
- web browsers
- web-based and other email software
- office productivity software
- web-based and other database software
- Audio/video generation and production software
- Networking - covering
- Network configuration
- User authentication
- Sharing printers and files with Samba
- Filtering email and web content
- Thin client - covering
- At least two FLOSS thin client approaches
- Sharing desktops between FLOSS and Windows
- Server clustering
Participation
If you are interested in the Schoolforge-UK SysAdmin Qualifications, or your organisation would like to contribute to setting up the qualification programme, please contact john @ coronet co uk.
