Let's not fall into the trap that users who come to GNU/Linux and FOSS are complete idiots who need to be spoonfed everything they need to know ("Step one: Turn on your computer by locating the power button and pressing it."). After all, they're smart enough to realize that they have alternatives to Windows (and MacOS), which is why they want to try GNU/Linux and *BSD, and as such their curiosity will lead them to read the tutorials that are out there. The jargon/lingo/language will be picked up in the process.

We need to start teaching Linux at the ground floor; right now all the classes in "digital literacy" are sponsored by proprietary software vendors and teach only proprietary software. THIS is where we need to be getting a foothold, because in my experience people who have no previous learning on computers at all will find a Linux desktop much easier to learn than a Windows desktop.

A good friend of mine has just this week registered http://digilit.org.nz/ and we're planning to explore "what digital literacy means" through a series of programs on community radio, and for my part teaching complete beginners everything from the basic skills to Office applications, photo editing and beyond, using a Free OS and Free applications.


This should be an interesting project.