Ubermix: the educational computing platform for BIS

Dear BIS community members,

This article continues to share details on our technology strategy around computing for learning at BIS. The main focus in this case is on our selected platform, the advantages that it presents for us, and how they impact its purpose in the classroom.

Ubermix for BIS

Ubermix is a specially built, Linux-based operating system designed from the ground up with the needs of education in mind. With a turn-key, 5 minute installation, a 20 second quick recovery mechanism, and more than 60 free applications pre-installed, Ubermix makes any laptop a powerful device for learning. Thanks to its customization capabilities, at BIS we have been able to further finetune it to better meet our needs, by adding specific applications that our students and teachers rely on.

Why Linux

Ubermix is based on Ubuntu Linux, the world’s most popular Linux distribution. There are a number of reasons for choosing Linux over other proprietary solutions (like Windows), some of which include:

• Linux is thinner and lighter, which makes it faster and more efficient on any computer.
• By using free, open-source software we are able to provide students with a far broader selection of applications to use without cost or limitation.
• Linux provides for far greater customization, as well as the creation of simpler interfaces that are easier for students and teachers to use and manage.
• Innovative storage options enable rapid recovery from system problems, eliminating the need to “secure” or “manage” the machines.
• Linux is not prone to spyware, malware, or other malicious software that plagues Windows-based systems, and nowadays even Mac OS systems.
• We are able to distribute and encourage the use of the same applications students use at school to parents for installation on home computers, regardless of the operating system, enabling ubiquitous technology access and empowering parents with the opportunity to learn with and assist their children with technology-driven activities.

If you want to learn more about Ubermix, we encourage you to take a look at these links:

• http://www.ubermix.org – main page of Ubermix
• https://www.ubuntu.com – the version of Linux that Ubermix is based on

Recommended applications

Finally, we want to highlight a few of the applications that Ubermix includes, that are also available for you to install and try on your home computers:

• LibreOffice – full featured business suite: word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, and more
• GIMP – professional level photo editing software, including layers, brushes, filters…
• Shotcut – non-linear video editing, with effects, green screen, and support for almost all video formats
• LMMS – pattern-based music sequencer, including many instruments and audio effects
• Musescore – music score writing program, with natural-sounding instruments
• Scratch – educational, block-based programming environment, made by MIT

  

Hopefully this article has given you more insight into the process and rationale for our selection of platform and technology. In our next article you can expect to learn more about how our teachers are modeling life-long learning and embracing the new platform to better serve our students.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to talk about anything related to technology and how it impacts learning in the classroom and beyond.

Best regards,
Urko Masse – BIS IT Manager