Re: [K12OSN] Let's create a website like this for OpenOffice andLinux

[anthony baldwin <anthonybaldwin snet net>]

Something I would be willing to contribute is examples of curricula, 
etc. that I have created with OOo.  I have even used the web editor in 
OOo to create some of the pages for my school website, too, and offer 
them for examples (although I tweaked the code in them in almost every 
instance.)  The two units I posted earlier were posted on pages created 
with OOo, in fact, as are others on my class website.  Further, I have 
some excellent graphical organizers for essay writing, etc. that were 
created with the drawing tools in OOo.
Also, I would be willing to proofread documents.  (I'm an English 
teacher), but I am afraid at this time I haven't the time to commit to 
writing them.  If that changes, of course, this is precisely the kind of 
project I could sink my teeth into.

Of course, there are OOo How-Tos, etc. here: 
http://ooodocs.sourceforge.net/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=3
I also have at least one fairly complete manual in pdf form on this machine.

Of course, taking on extra projects can be hazardous.  Already I am a 
full-time English teacher (read: lotso paperwork) and a single daddy, 
AND I have been considering compiling a text book from the writing 
assignments and various other curricula that I have generated over the 
past two years--primarily a short textbook with lessons that prepare 
students for the writing assessment they take in the 8th grade here, a 
persuasive essay, and the reading comprehension testing they take, but 
not really a test prep manual, in that most of the the lessons will 
involve reading articles regarding various environmental or social 
issues, students would be tested on their comprehension (on a critical 
level, not just superficial understanding) of the articles, and then 
would write persuasive letters regarding the same issues (better than 
the old "Your school boards wnats you to wear a uniform.  Persuade them 
that it's bad idea." essay prompts.)  This reflects the kind of lessons 
I have been using: http://baldwinets.tripod.com/school/wildhorses.html
So, it would be a good catalyst for critical thinking, debate, reading 
comprehension development, and writing skills development.  I would 
include other writing components beyond the simple persuasive essay, 
too, including expository elements and research projects in both of the 
previous categories.
I would like to offer all the materials FREE on line, but still sell a 
hard copy of the book (or a CD), but one that could be shared, altered 
and redistributed (a GPL textbook).

Sorry, this is definitely off-topic, but I did want to voice my interest 
in the OOo manual site, and bounce this other idea off the list.

tony b

Richard K. Ingalls wrote:
> I was browsing the web and saw this site for teachers:
>
> http://www.actden.com/
>
> What a great site to take your students and let them learn about how to 
> use M$ Office products! Unfortunately (or fortunately), I'm migrating 
> them all off of M$ Office 2000 and onto OpenOffice.org.  They have been 
> picking up the concepts pretty quickly.  But, wouldn't it be great if 
> we, the OpenSource community could put together a website similar to 
> this one?  I've never been involved in an OSS community based project, 
> but I'd be willing to get involved in this one.
>
> I'll donate webspace and bandwidth.  Heck, I'll even help code some 
> pages.  Who will help write the articles?  Any artsy design people who 
> will help with the design?  I'm willing to help in that department too.  
> It's just that I'm pretty hooked on using Macromedia Studio MX 
> (dreamweaver and fireworks mostly) - and we all know that means I use M$ 
> for those apps.  Sorry.
>
> Does anyone else wanna do this?  I think this would be a tremendous 
> boost for our cause!

--
Anthony Baldwin

http://www.School-Library.net
Freedom to Learn!