GPL Edutainment Software

haxot writes "I'm the technologist at a local library. In our lab, I've managed to get some recognition for tools such as GIMP and Open Office, and even such toys as Bomberman and BZFlag. Now I'm turning towards the children's computers, which are mostly filled with ancient, buggy, rather boring games that try to be interactive TV shows rather than something entertaining. I'm looking for good OSS games and education suites (preferably multi-platform — I want to be ready for an OS switch to Linux). I'm not picky about the license; I'd just like the software to actually have that 'neat' appeal. Some examples I've found already are Gcompris and Tux Paint. My focus is the 2-year-old to 8-year-old range, but I'm happy to hear teen-oriented suggestions too. Since it's a public library, however, I can't have any software on the computers that is risqué, gory, or violent."

Comments

Anyone else laugh at the last two sentences?

[CrazyJim1]

My focus is the 2-year old to 8-year old range, but I'm happy to hear teen-oriented suggestions too. Since it's a public library, however, I can't have any software on the computers that is risqué, gory, or violent.
No gore, cuz it is a public library. Otherwise it'd be cool for the 2-8 year olds.

Re:Media production for Linux (And OSX, And Window

[calebt3]

I disagree. Although telling them to have fun with it is expecting a bit much.

Dope Wars

[ceroklis]

A very educational game to learn all you need to know about drugs, guns, prostitutes, loan sharks and New York geography. Highly recommended! http://dopewars.sourceforge.net/

Re:Media production for Linux (And OSX, And Window

[HeavensBlade23]

I think small children would have an easier and significantly more fun time playing with a kitchen blender than trying to learn the application.

Re:Lemonade Stand

[HeavensBlade23]

Capitalism will teach them dealing drugs is a much better hobby than doing them.

Re:Mindrover

[cerberusss]

"Mindrover". In this game, you build and program a little robot that goes through obstacle courses, fights other robots, etc. It's got an intuitive graphical programming language (though you can edit the files directly

This game scared the living hell out of me. My 9-year-old nephew started editing the files directly and turned this game into a nightmare where one giant robot called Azr43L enslaved humandkind and started eating babies.