[Edu-sig] FW: [Visualpython-users] High School Network Security

[Arthur]

To ruin everybody's morning:

-----Original Message-----
From: visualpython-users-admin at lists.sourceforge.net
[mailto:visualpython-users-admin at lists.sourceforge.net] On Behalf Of
FRANCESCO NOSCHESE
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 9:11 PM
To: visualpython-users at lists.sourceforge.net
Subject: [Visualpython-users] High School Network Security

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."

[LHRIC is a technology-oriented consortium of local school districts 
<http://www.lhric.org>]

Is this really a problem?  What are the risks?  Is there any way to 
prevent student misuse of Python?  How can I make a case to allow Python 
in school?

FYI, we have a Novell Zenworks network for XP and Win98 machines.  We also 
have Citrix in XP.

Many thanks in advance for all your help.

Frank Noschese
Physics Teacher
John Jay High School
Cross River, NY

fnoschese at klschools.org
*****************************
Frank Noschese
Physics Teacher

John Jay High School
Cross River, NY

fnoschese at klschools.org
voicemail: (914) 763-7384
*****************************