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Aims
Success
Structure
Timing
Example script
Booking information
Funding
Running
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JTL's Schools Liaison:         The keyboard is mightier than the mouse

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

School of Computer Science

JTL's Schools Liaison

The keyboard is mightier than the mouse

>>>>>>Please note this page is under development.<<<<<<<

Here describes a workshop we run regularly, for 6th formers, giving them a taste of the Linux/UNIX command line.

Section links

Aims The aims of the workshop.
Success Origin and success.
Structure The tasks included in the workshop.
Timing When, how long?
Example script The script used by delegates in a recent workshop.
Booking information Current dates and booking process.
Funding How is it funded?
Running Would you like to run them too?

Aims

Most 6th form computing students have heard of Linux, many have tried it a bit, some significantly more, but few have been exposed to its true power. Meanwhile computing syllabi teach about command line interfaces, often portraying them as old fashioned or a fall-back for when resources are scarce.

In truth the Linux/UNIX Command Line Interface is not merely an arcane relic, but a liberating and empowering environment for clever users, and is likely to remain so forever. This workshop offers hands-on tasters designed to inspire computing students who might never otherwise have the opportunity to feel that power -- a truly mind broadening experience.

Teachers, especially computing teachers, are more than welcome to take part.

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Success

We piloted the workshop with one run in June 2009. We ran it several times in February/March 2010 and from the academic year 2010/11 we have run it during November/December and February/March. Demand is such that we plan to repeat this pattern indefinitely.

Runs of the workshop have so far attracted students and teachers from a wide range of schools/colleges across the North West and other parts of the UK -- even as far away as London. They have been extremely successful, with a tangible `buzz' in the air and have received highly complementary praise from both teachers and students.

It is hoped that the workshops might (eventually) inspire follow-up activities in delegates' schools / colleges, such as the creation of a Linux club, and perhaps future runs of the workshop hosted by their own staff.

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Structure

Delegates undertake a number of tasks including:

Delegates work in one of our Linux Computer Laboratories, following a script and are assisted as required by staff.

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Timing

Each run of the workshop takes just 3 hours, usually 1pm to 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon. Delegates undertake the tasks at their own pace. Altough they cannot expect to instantly become an expert, they are encouraged to maximise their understanding of what they are doing by thinking about it and asking questions.

Basic refreshments are served during a short half time break

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Example script

The script used by delegates in a recent workshop.
Example script

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Booking information

Current dates and booking process.
Booking information

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Funding

The workshop is free to delegates. The main running cost is for staff time and we are very grateful for support from the following bodies.

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Running

If you are a member of staff in a University Computer Science School/Department then please consider running a version of this workshop for your local schools.

You would need to

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