My Professor/Mentor (Dr. M. Karthi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkarthim/) has requested us to organize a session on Linux, FOSS, and the Open Source Movement to create awareness and inspire active participation in these areas.
The key objectives for this session are:
Educating students about the importance and benefits of Linux and Free/Open Source Software.
Promoting the values of collaboration and knowledge sharing through open source.
Discussing the steps for forming a GNU/Linux Users Group (GLUG) in our college to create a sustained community for open source learning and development.
I would like to invite ideas, suggestions, and volunteers for the following:
Content planning: Key topics and hands-on activities for the session.
Speakers: Recommendations for guest speakers or experts in the field.
Logistics: Suggestions on the date, time, venue, and tools required.
Promotion: Ideas to spread the word and maximize attendance.
Please share your inputs and let me know if you’d like to collaborate in any specific area. Together, let’s make this session impactful and inspiring!
Note: We already had SJIT Glug (From FSFTN) https://sjitglug.tumblr.com/ few years back. Due to inactivity its not live anymore.
Looking forward to your thoughts and contributions.
I am Dr. M. Karthi, and I am pleased to announce an initiative to bring the spirit of Linux, Free/Open Source Software (FOSS), and the Open Source Movement to the forefront at St. Joseph’s Institute of Technology.
Why This Initiative?
As a professor, I strongly believe that adopting and promoting open source principles can lead to transformative benefits for both our students and the institution:
For Students:
Skill Development: Mastering Linux and FOSS tools can give students a competitive edge in their careers, especially in tech domains like DevOps, AI, and software engineering.
Global Opportunities: Participating in open source projects enables students to collaborate with a global community, contributing to their visibility and professional growth.
Innovation: Open source platforms encourage experimentation, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
For the Institution:
Recognition: Establishing a strong open source community can position our college as a leader in fostering technology-driven, collaborative learning environments.
Networking: Partnerships with open source organizations and communities can open avenues for industrial collaboration, workshops, and internships.
Sustainability: A thriving open source community aligns with the principles of knowledge sharing and sustainable technology development.
How You Can Help:
To make this initiative a success, I request your support in the following areas:
Content and Activities:
Help design an engaging agenda that covers the fundamentals of Linux, the philosophy of FOSS, and hands-on activities.
Suggestions for tools or projects that students can work on collaboratively.
Speakers and Mentors:
Recommend experienced open source contributors, professionals, or alumni who can inspire and guide students.
Logistics and Support:
College support in arranging venues, technical tools, and other requirements for the session.
Flexible schedules to maximize student participation.
Promotion:
Encourage students and faculty to participate and spread the word through our networks.
With the college’s support and active participation from students and faculty, I envision this initiative becoming a cornerstone for building a strong open source community at SJIT. Together, we can empower our students to embrace open source values and contribute meaningfully to the global tech ecosystem.
I invite everyone to share ideas, suggestions, and contributions to make this initiative a success.
I appreciate St. Joseph’s Institute of Technology come forward to engage with Free and Open Source Communities in Tamil Nadu. I hope we can provide whatever means to help students achieve their knowledge.
Help design an engaging agenda that covers the fundamentals of Linux, the philosophy of FOSS, and hands-on activities
We suggest to first make students who are all Interested in FOSS Technologies to attend meetings conducted by FOSS groups, we have list of groups here
KanchiLUG conduct weekly meetings every sunday at 5.00 PM IST in Tamil and ILUGC conduct monthly meetings every second saturday at 3.00 PM IST in English. If students can attend these meetings, we can teach them about FOSS and hopefully guide them based on their interest.
College support in arranging venues, technical tools, and other requirements for the session
If your institution can provide place to conduct Weekly/Monthly meet, that will be great way to encourage students and working professionals to Interact and engagage.
Encourage students and faculty to participate and spread the word through our networks
Students will be more intersted to participate, there is no question about that. But to be frank (my personal opinion), participation of faculty is a dream which is yet to become reality (based on experience). I will be more happy if this Initiative proves me wrong.
Thanks for reaching out and staring a initiative in academia.
Best way to start is to have a open discussion with students in-person to introduce the concepts.
Then form a active members from that to encourage using linux in their personal machines. If possible a single machine installed in the college as well so if anyone want a test drive kind of thing.
Bi-monthly catchup between students
Attending open events happening in and around chennai
Future may be a Bi-Annual event organized vy students on FOSS
Feb 1 works perfectly for the SJIT GLUG inauguration. It’s a great opportunity to create awareness about Linux and open-source technologies among our students. We are happy to host this event and fully support this initiative to build a vibrant open-source community on our campus. @syedjafer@mohan43u
Looking forward to collaborating and making this a successful launch.