[Microbit-Python] Say hola to microperi [WIP]

[Andrew Ferguson 500]

One thing to note is that some schools (such as the one I go to) don't permit running any new applications, but do permit running python programs. Therefore I think it would always be a good idea to have the raw python files available so that schools with access to python but with no way to run built executables can use the programs.



On 16 May 2016, at 10:27, Andy Crook <andy.crook at gmail.com> wrote:

> Sadly our IT is run at county level who assess every suggestion and get back to us. I guess by expensive they mean technician time to dedicate to creating the custom image with all the necessary restrictions in place, then deploying it with an install of virtualbox. A couple of years ago I was told we can't have Blender installed as it would require python. Go figure.
> 
> I asked for Mu to be installed on all pc's months ago. They were quick to put it on the list of jobs to be done. It's not done yet. I get the scary feeling that microbit will fall flat on its face here as we won't be able to use them in any capacity.
> 
>  I was thinking for next year I should tell all CS students to get a raspberry pi and an HDMI to VGA lead to connect to our monitors, so at least they can use the device properly. However, that's not allowed as they wouldn't be our gear, so not PAT tested etc. Rock and a hard place.
> 
> However, this is getting a bit doom 'n' gloom. I hope things eventually sort out but for me progress seems glacial.
> 
> On 16 May 2016 at 10:15, Nicholas H.Tollervey <ntoll at ntoll.org> wrote:
> Andy,
> 
> Your email is a perfect example of the sort of conversations I've been
> having with teachers.
> 
> VirtualBox (https://www.virtualbox.org/) is a free VM from Oracle. If
> you're being told virtualization is too expensive then I'd push back
> hard. It doesn't need to be.
> 
> That this sort of thing is annoying both developers, teachers and
> students is, in the long run, a good thing (tm) since people will try to
> fix it (where "fix" is likely to be both a technical and
> "organisational" solution).
> 
> Hope this helps,
> 
> N.
> 
> On 16/05/16 10:06, Andy Crook wrote:
> > School IT is a massive problem. I teach computer science and the
> > controlled assessments require linux usage this time. We don't have any
> > linux boxes, won't get any, can't install any VM (it's too 'expensive'!)
> > and aren't allowing kids to bring in anything of their own.
> >
> > On windows, they aren't able to use a terminal or run executables. So
> > I'm just saying, if anything makes things easier to depoly and use
> > without any rights so much the better.
> >
> > On 16 May 2016 at 09:31, Nicholas H.Tollervey <ntoll at ntoll.org
> > <mailto:ntoll at ntoll.org>> wrote:
> >
> >     On 16/05/16 09:18, David Whale wrote:
> >     > I think it's not really how schools organise their IT that is the
> >     > problem. It's us developers who assume that *everyone else* is happy
> >     > with spending hours downloading all sorts of things and building
> >     > packages from source.
> >     >
> >     > I actually take sides with Laura Dixon on this one.
> >     >
> >     > Why should I have to download a program in order to install some other
> >     > program?
> >     >
> >     > I don't think we're there yet as an industry. If we want to engage with
> >     > schools and teachers, we have to have some better best-practices that we
> >     > can all follow to make it easier and more accessible for them.
> >     >
> >     > Another one to add to the 'lunchtime beer and chat' agenda ;-)
> >     >
> >     > David
> >     >
> >
> >     Oh I'm totally with Laura and you on this. But let's be honest here,
> >     school IT is *also* a huge problem. I've spent hours talking to teachers
> >     who vent about not being able to install things because of bureaucratic
> >     reasons. Note - this is not the same problem as venting because
> >     installation is complicated, the IT infrastructure issue is because of
> >     ineffective leadership and bureaucracy.
> >
> >     Both should be tackled, but I agree with you 100% that making things
> >     easy to install is important and, importantly, it's something we
> >     developers can help with a lot easier than, say, fixing shonky school IT
> >     infrastructure.
> >
> >     Best wishes,
> >
> >     N.
> >
> >
> >
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> >
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> 
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