An Engineering College is a place of higher learning. There we find people of different intellectual capabilities. To motivate such a group of young computer users and enthusiasts to switch over from one Computer Operating system to another computer operating system is a difficult task. It was against this background that I first started the evangelism programme of getting Linux enthusiasts way back in 2001. That was the year I returned from IIT Bombay ( had not finished the PhD by then..) after the study leave from GEC got over.
There was a general overawaed impression about Linux that it was for the real techies and not for ordinary mortal men on earth. Except for a few professors with the exception of Rayadu, nobody knew much about Linux.
At that moment for me trying to teach the basics of Linux and giving umpteen talks to the students and faculty from GEC and the nearby colleges was an apt thing to do, as I was sure to get enough audience. Later I have been noticing that the audience has gone down, perhaps the novelty of Linux had gone by then, eventhough the users had not increased proportionately..
Arranging short two hour or three hour lectures for staff and students alike, highlighting the salient points of Linux and then holding their hands through another three hour workshop sessions, practicals was the right thing to do. In my own humble way I could spread awareness of Linux among many students. If not giving them fully, the spark for knowing and learning Linux was generated.
The Linux User Group was another way to spread Linux. We used to discuss at the different meetings regarding one of the millions of Linux applications and at times regarding Linux administration.. Also conducting day long lecture cum practicals for Latex – the document preparation system, Magic point – the presentation package, Gnu/Linux tools to help in editing your digital images, Basics of Unix/Linux to help textually navigate through the computer were some of the methods by which we kept motivating people and users.
The Software Lab in the Mechanical Engineering Dept was available from 9 to 5 for anyone wishing to work or play with Linux. And anyone who had doubts could also get some primitive or sometimes useful advice to solve their problem. Or some pointers to who would be the right people who could help them out within Goa.
The teaching community at GEC is yet to wholeheartedly accept Linux, except for some new and young faculty members. The students have always been receptive and have acquired the most, but they leave the institution after four years and so whatever they gain flies out with them, eventhough they gain respect and recognition wherever they go as their know\ledge of Linux is not just basic!
I feel this job I have to continue. Installing Moodle and getting the students to work on it was a great exercise which helped the students see the real potential of Linux in action. Apache webserver, MySQL RDBMS and Php scrioting !
The Linux bandwagon has to roll on and I am hopeful that it will coninue to roll with greater vigour and momentum in the coming years. I wish all Linux users, newbies and would be users in GEC all good wishes and good luck !
Dr. George Easaw, Dept of Mech Engg., College of Engneering Goa, India.
August 5, 2006 at 2:01 am
Good one.. keep it up ..