[Linux-aus] RE: SEDONA Open Source conference - Proposed contents

[Ray Warouw]

Dear All,

Here is a guide to the proposed contents of the conference we are
planning. I am targetting a location in Darling Harbour, Sydney on Thu
22 Sep and Fri 23 Sep for the conference. As Pia has requested, I would
be interested in any feedback or EOI for potential speakers. If I see
there is  enough interest by end of next week we will go ahead. Many
thanks in advance for your input.

PROPOSED DRAFT CALL FOR PROPOSALS AND PRESENTATIONS

    OPEN MINDS OPEN SOURCE
	 CONFERENCE

  DARLING HARBOUR, SYDNEY, NSW - AUSTRALIA

  The 11th Sedona Conference
    In cooperation with the Macquarie University.
		      September 22 - 23, 2005

Conference focus:

To encourage further understanding of Open Source issues in education
and training; to focus on the convergence of creative thinking and
improvement skills as key competencies for the 21st Century; to
establish connections between European and American OS specialists and
discuss implementing best practices. 

Topic Categories:

-	Strategic Decisions: OS as an organizational choice/direction
(why, how and where is OS used in the organization of your institute)
and the leadership / organizational change desired. 

-	Best Practices: OS projects started or implemented into the
organization of your institute; requirements for implementing OS into
the learning process or student services related areas. 

-	OS and Creative Thinking: How Open Source affects how we think
about learning, the future of our institutes and the role of technology.

Topics Detail:

(Key notes on creative thinking and the convergence with OS)

Political choices, incentives (e.g. software patents)
Safety, viability
OS and quality
Business models and OS
Implementing, migration issues
Open Standards 
Best practices


Discussion Topics/Questions:

*	Proven applications of OS software or frameworks for education.
Is there enough coverage on all learning issues?
*	Differences between OS licenses and implications for users,
developers, integrators, customers and policy makers in tailoring
students' materials.
*	The benefits and risks of OS component-based ICT solutions? 
*	Are "Open Sources" truly the best guarantee for Open Standards
and thus a base for enhancement and life span of investment? 
*	Is it possible/advantageous to release a self-developed source
code from an economic perspective?
*	Do services and solutions based on OS evoke difficulties with
customers, or can they be a real selling point? 
*	What is the difference between educational and corporate
customers?
*	What kinds of political and legal initiatives have been made
regarding OS and/or Open Standards, specifically, for education?  
*	Is a "free desktop" feasible for users who only need limited
features? Is the TCO of it really lower than a Windows desktop?
*	Must educational institutions invest in the OS knowledge of
their ICT-workers, or can they outsource implementation and development
to settled OS-enterprises?

Best Regards
Ray
--
Raymond J Warouw
ray.warouw at mq.edu.au

Research Centre Manager
Macquarie E-Learning Centre of Excellence
MELCOE)
Building E6A, Level 2, Room 254
Macquarie University NSW 2109
Australia

t +61 2 9850 7852
f +61 2 9850 9128
m 0412 621 557
http://www.melcoe.mq.edu.au

-----Original Message-----
From: Pia Waugh [mailto:greebo at pipka.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, 4 May 2005 2:19 PM
To: linux-aus
Cc: LA Committee; ALLIES; OSIA List; Ray Warouw
Subject: SEDONA Open Source conference

Hi all,

We've just been told that the group SEDONA are considering running an
Open
Source conference in Australia in September. Apparently they were going
to
run one of these conference in Europe but it was overshaddowed by
another
Open Source conference and so they are looking at running it here. 

http://www.paulelsner.com/sedona10retro.html

What are peoples experience of this group? Is it something we could work
with to help out? They seem to be targetting Digital Divide issues,
education and those kinds of topics, so it could very well be quite
complementary to other Open Source initiatives here. If there is
significant
interest then apparently they will run it here, and we were asked by
Macquarie
University to ask around for interest.

Thoughts? I've cc'd Ray Warouw, the Macquarie University contact who let
me
know about it. Ray could you please send any other information you have
on
what is being planned? If anyone has feedback on the idea, please let
Ray
know.

Cheers,
Pia

-- 
Linux Australia
http://linux.org.au/

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