I love Linux, Mac, and Windows, so I come from a fairly neutral standpoint. First, talk with the teachers. Don't ask what OS they would like, that's something you don't want to start. Ask what apps they use regularly, and what they would like that they don't have currently. Compile the list and examine carefully.
If they can't live without an app, and it's OS specific, it would be easier to get additional funding then challenging the curriculum. If the app is cross-platform or the teachers simply like what it teaches, you may have some options.
Web-based apps are always nice, since you shouldn't have to worry about OS (assuming it was written well). I know a really nice web-based math teaching tool that your school can probably get for next to nothing.
Given a good interface, reasonable lock-down, good training, and reasonable political skills you can switch the OS if the needs are being met. It took me a few years to change a Mac classroom to a Windows classroom, but in the end, it was the right choice for the environment.
Slashdot Mirror
I love Linux, Mac, and Windows, so I come from a fairly neutral standpoint. First, talk with the teachers. Don't ask what OS they would like, that's something you don't want to start. Ask what apps they use regularly, and what they would like that they don't have currently. Compile the list and examine carefully. If they can't live without an app, and it's OS specific, it would be easier to get additional funding then challenging the curriculum. If the app is cross-platform or the teachers simply like what it teaches, you may have some options. Web-based apps are always nice, since you shouldn't have to worry about OS (assuming it was written well). I know a really nice web-based math teaching tool that your school can probably get for next to nothing. Given a good interface, reasonable lock-down, good training, and reasonable political skills you can switch the OS if the needs are being met. It took me a few years to change a Mac classroom to a Windows classroom, but in the end, it was the right choice for the environment.