Ubuntu for Kids

John Reeve | May 7th, 2008 | ,

A few months ago, Michael and I were brainstorming ideas on how we can aggregate our different interests into something that could benefit our community. Michael was interested in recycling our used computers. I was interested in helping out kids in our neighborhood. We both wanted to increase awareness about Ubuntu.

We settled on the idea of converting unused computers to Ubuntu desktops we could install at Cleveland Elementary school. Since its inception, we have installed seven desktops, and have 12 more being updated in my garage. We have also helped start a computer club on campus, which we attend once a month to instruct students. So far, the kids are loving it. It’s amazing how easily they gravitate toward the Ubuntu operating system, and how much they enjoy learning computers after school. I believe we have some future Linux Systems Administrators in the making.

If you are interested in contributing to our project, please contact jreeve@pelagodesign.com
.

Ubuntu computers being formatted in my garage
The computers being formatted in my garage

Our first computer club
Our first computer club

9 Responses to “Ubuntu for Kids”

  1. Deeebian says:

    Great work!

    Maybe LTSP is interesting for your target too.

    There’s complete info in wiki.ubuntu.com

  2. JonP says:

    I believe that Edubuntu would be a better fit for the classroom. Same Ubuntu foundation, more education programs and LTSP.

  3. John Reeve says:

    Oops. I neglected to mention in the post that we are using Edubuntu. The additional software CD has a wealth of educational games and programs.

  4. Dick Kolklayshr says:

    It’s kinda like nature, young minds and saplings can be bent but adult varieties break rather than change direction.
    An adult is lost if you change the start button to Menu button even though menu is probably a better description.
    If an adult can mount that hurdle they can be on their way to owning their own computer again.

  5. David Bruce says:

    Be sure to check out the current Tux4Kids programs at http://www.tux4kids.com (Tux Math and Tux Typing) and at http://www.tuxpaint.org (Tux Paint). All are in (Edu)buntu and other Debian-based distros, but we have more current versions at the web site. They are all completely free GPL software and are fun, educational, and family-friendly. They are all native Linux apps but also have win32 and MacOSX builds.

    We want to make the world a better place!

    David Bruce

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John Reeve
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John Reeve

John is a co-founder, web designer and developer at Pelago. His blog posts are inspired by everyday encounters with designers, developers, creatives and small businesses in general. John is an avid reader and road cyclist.
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Jennifer Payne
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Jennifer is the Director of Quality and Efficiency at Pelago. Her blog posts are based largely on her experience working with teams to improve harmony and productivity. Jennifer is a cat person.
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Michael Payne
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Michael is a co-founder and product architect at Pelago. His contributions stem from experiences managing the development process behind web sites and web-based applications such as Intervals. Michael drives a 1990 Volkswagen Carat with a rebuilt 2.4 liter engine from GoWesty.
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