Re: [Visualpython-users] High School Network Security

[Gary <pa...@in...>]

FRANCESCO NOSCHESE wrote:

>Hello everyone,
>
>I am a high school physics teacher who is planning post-AP exam student 
>projects using VPython.  However, my school refuses to allow Python and 
>VPython to be installed on the school's network because it is open 
>source.
>
>Here's the reply from the technology coodinator at my school:
>
>"Our technology team discussed your request to install VPython on the 
>network/lab at our May 4th meeting and all agreed that it is not good 
>practice to install open source software on the school computer systems.  
>We have conferred with LHRIC and a random sampling of other districts and 
>all agree it is not in the district's best interest to do so, even thought 
>there is no doubt your intended goal is worthy."
>  
>
I wonder if there is a commuincation gap.  You said "open source".  
Perhaps what they *heard* was "freeware".

Or an understanding gap:  open source = freeware.

If so, one would hope that a delicately worded education would solve the 
problem.  But we've all run into IT people who enjoy a rather feudal 
approach to management.  Keep us posted with details.  Perhaps we can 
help make your argument.