Learning Equality: Transforming Education through FOSS

In our series highlighting remarkable FOSS initiatives, we turn our attention to Learning Equality and their transformative platform, Kolibri. This innovative project tackles the critical issue of educational access, bridging the gap for learners in low-resource and disconnected environments. Through our interview, we delve into the vision that drives Learning Equality, the challenges and triumphs of developing Kolibri, and how this platform is reshaping the landscape of digital learning. Join us as we explore how Kolibri is making quality education accessible to all, fostering an equitable world where knowledge knows no boundaries. We asked a few questions to Richard Tibbles, Cofounder and Product Lead from Learning Equality.

Can you describe the inspiration behind Learning Equality and the genesis of the Kolibri platform?

Kolibri is the successor to our original KA Lite platform, the offline version of Khan Academy, which was created after my cofounder Jamie Alexandre was doing an internship at Khan Academy in the summer of 2012. He was inspired by the brand new Raspberry Pi on his desk to see if he could load all of Khan Academy on it. When he returned to UC San Diego, where he and I were completing our PhDs in Cognitive Science, we took this prototype and turned it into an offline-first learning platform with videos, exercises, and teacher support tools.

With ⅔ of the world lacking access to the internet at the time, it became clear very quickly that providing digital resources offline was a critical enabler for education around the world. To serve far-flung and remote communities, we recognized two essential needs: to provide even more resources than those available from Khan Academy, and to align resources to national/regional curriculum standards. These needs led to Kolibri, the offline-first learning platform enabling access to a full range of Open Educational Resources (OERs), and Kolibri Studio, a platform to allow the alignment of these OERs to curriculum standards to better enable discovery and use of these resources.

How does Kolibri address the challenge of the digital divide in education across different regions?

Kolibri has been designed with lessons we have learned across many regions and contexts. Its emphasis on offline-first (rather than online, but offline available) allows all learners to access Kolibri even when no connectivity is available, but still to take advantage of any available connectivity through low bandwidth data synching. We set up the physical transport of learning materials—“sneakernet”—to bring in large bundles of resources to areas with little or no connectivity.

Further, the Kolibri Library integrates resources in over 173 languages and covers a diverse set of K-12 subject areas, including STEM, public health, internet safety, teacher professional development, coding, and life skills. The library allows access to a broad base of resources across many different regions.

In addition, Kolibri Studio, our online curricular tool, allows curriculum experts to upload their own resources to supplement and complement those available in the Kolibri Library, Resources could be additional, contextualized interactive or video resources, or regularly updated digital textbooks. Digital resources allow new versions to be easily distributed through the sneakernet rather than relying on paper textbooks that become outdated quickly and are expensive to update.

What are the core features of Kolibri that make it suitable for low-resource environments?

Kolibri has been architected and implemented to run on low-power, low-cost devices. With the Raspberry Pi as the original inspiration for our work, we have continued to maintain focus on lower spec’d devices to ensure that Kolibri can be used on low-cost and legacy hardware that is affordable or found in lower-resource contexts.

Kolibri also aims to break the paradigm of “low resource equals low tech” that is often assumed – leading to many low-resource digital learning solutions that focus on passive consumption of digital resources, or purely exploratory learning, which benefits already high-achieving students but leaves others behind. By contrast, from its inception, Kolibri has focused heavily on equitable design principles and interactive feedback. We integrated the Khan Academy exercises first, and then additional interactive exercises uploaded by other resource providers or generated by users of Kolibri Studio online.

The design and implementation of the platform is also aimed at students and teachers who come into the platform with a significantly lower level of digital literacy than might be expected from users of other Learning Management Systems. As a result, we have seen rapid and easy adoption of Kolibri by both learners and teachers, even when digital learning is entirely novel in their contexts.

How do you ensure that the content available on Kolibri is relevant and culturally appropriate for its users?

A large amount of our collective time and energy as a team goes into curating the Kolibri Library – a collection of publicly available resources from a huge range of content providers that we have aggregated, bundled, and quality checked to ensure that the resources that we make available are broadly useful, meet our community standards, and meet identified needs, both in terms of subject matter and language of instruction.

Ultimately, those using and installing Kolibri (administrators) have complete control over which resources they import and make available to their students and teachers. This control can happen either through selective alignment work on the Kolibri Studio platform, where they choose to include or exclude specific content and add their own more culturally relevant resources; or in Kolibri itself, where bundles of content (channels) can be imported in bulk, or as folders, subfolders, or resources, and can be individually selected for import (or removal) in the local Kolibri installation. This flexibility ensures that the end user has final control over which materials they are hosting on their Kolibri device.

Could you share a success story or a particular case where Kolibri made a significant impact on a community?

The nonprofit organization Shoulder to Shoulder has been using Kolibri (and before that, KA Lite) in the southern part of the Intibucá department of Honduras since 2015. Access to digital resources and the coaching tools has allowed students in schools using Kolibri to see significant improvements in the Honduran test scores (when analyzed year by year before and after adoption of Kolibri). The adoption has been particularly heartening, as due to Shoulder to Shoulder’s strong community-focused approach, municipal mayoral offices have taken on some of the cost and responsibility for implementing the project, allowing it to expand and grow across the region. Furthermore, the organization created a partnership with the Ministry of Education, which provides Shoulder to Shoulder access to their digitized curriculum, so that all materials in their Kolibri channel can be aligned to the Honduran curriculum.

In addition, Kolibri has been used in a Reading Program sponsored by Shoulder to Shoulder, and institutionalized by the Intibucá Department of Education as part of the school calendar. The literacy and literature materials from the Kolibri Library are being harnessed to build literacy skills and foster a passion for reading in children and adolescents,

What role do Open Educational Resources (OERs) play in Kolibri’s strategy to provide quality education?

OERs are fundamental to the success of Kolibri. Openly licensed resources allow for offline distribution of digital content. Without the open licenses, any online hosted resource would not legally be able to be downloaded and copied to offline Kolibri instances, leaving learners in low-resource contexts completely cut off.

How does Kolibri facilitate teacher support and classroom integration in varied educational settings?

The Kolibri Edtech Toolkit is a set of training materials and guidance resources designed to equip organizations implementing Kolibri, support the training of trainers, and guide teachers using Kolibri to plan for and design the blended learning experience that works best for their context. The Toolkit includes resources such as a hardware guide and suggested hardware types, implementation models, training materials, and more. The Toolkit is openly licensed and has been translated into Spanish, French, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Marathi, Hindi, and Swahili. It’s reused by many different organizations to facilitate the implementation of Kolibri in their contexts.

In addition, the Kolibri Learning Platform has a set of intuitive dashboards and planning tools to allow teachers to quickly assign relevant resources to their students, differentiate resources for different groups, and create formative assessments from existing exercise questions to gauge student learning across a range of concepts and skills.

In what ways does Learning Equality collaborate with local communities to implement and optimize Kolibri?

Learning Equality maintains an open community forum for technical support, implementation support, and feedback about our products. We have dedicated team members who work to understand how Kolibri is being used, and what gaps still exist for our community. The Kolibri Virtual Learning Spaces seminar series allows organizations from around the world to convene and share insights with each other and with Learning Equality about effective blended learning in low-resource contexts. Finally, our community team facilitates WhatsApp mediated regional Communities of Practice to share best practices more frequently and understand common pain points.

During virtual and in-person training workshops run by members of the Learning Equality team, we learn new needs, barriers, and opportunities for blended learning. During site visits to established implementations, we have the opportunity to interview teachers and administrators working day to day with Kolibri, and to observe classrooms and learning spaces where Kolibri is being actively used by learners.

We use this feedback as a basis for need finding and hypothesis generation about the problems that are most pressing for our globally distributed user community, and then do additional research through virtual interviews, feedback surveys, and impressions of design prototypes to better understand and refine the problem space and potential solutions.

And talking about community again: we know that the “community” is what makes a FOSS service or product a living thing. Do you have a strong, active community? What added value does the community give to the project? How can individuals or organizations contribute to or support the mission of Learning Equality and Kolibri?

Our community is multifaceted and globally distributed. It is a mixture of teachers, learners, program administrators, curriculum experts, researchers, hardware distributors, software developers, translation volunteers, and more – all either using Kolibri to further their own learning or integrating it into their products and services. Our developer community has historically been restricted mostly to the Learning Equality team and those working in close partnership with Learning Equality. However, due to our consistent participation in the Google Summer of Code program (which we first joined in 2015, but have participated in every year since 2021), we have seen consistent and growing contributions from open-source contributors looking to contribute to an interesting, engaging product that has a very strong prosocial impact focus.

We have a wide range of ways to help contribute, from translating the platform into a new language, to contributing code and updating documentation. Our developer documentation details this and more. We are also always on the lookout for new OERs that would be helpful to a global audience – and are happy to collaborate to bring this into Kolibri using either the Kolibri Studio platform or our content integration automation tooling.

Looking ahead, what are the future developments or expansions planned for Kolibri?

There are two major themes ahead for Kolibri. Offline content creation will fulfill the promise of a truly offline first platform by removing the online bottleneck of Kolibri Studio when bringing in new resources and when editing and remixing existing resources. Equity-focused AI employs AI to address the most critical needs in improving equity in education. Our first focus for AI is in massively improving the speed and efficiency of critical curriculum alignment work, in order to allow OERs to fulfill their promise of providing a free, open education for all.

Source: lpi.org

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The Benefits of Learning Open Source with the Linux Professional Institute

Open source software has revolutionized the technology landscape, and the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) stands at the forefront of this movement. Learning open source through LPI not only enhances technical skills but also opens up a myriad of career opportunities. In this article, we delve into the numerous benefits of engaging with open source through LPI, highlighting why it is a wise choice for aspiring IT professionals.

Comprehensive Learning Pathways

The Linux Professional Institute offers structured and comprehensive learning pathways that cater to various levels of expertise. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, LPI provides certification programs that cover essential and advanced topics in open source technologies.

LPI Certification Programs

LPI's certification programs, including LPIC-1, LPIC-2, and LPIC-3, are designed to validate a wide range of skills. LPIC-1 focuses on the basics of Linux system administration, covering tasks such as system architecture, GNU and Unix commands, and Linux installation. LPIC-2 delves deeper into more complex administrative tasks like managing a small to medium-sized mixed network. LPIC-3 is geared towards enterprise-level Linux administration, encompassing security, virtualization, and high availability.

Tailored Learning Materials

LPI provides a wealth of learning materials tailored to different learning styles. From comprehensive study guides and practice exams to interactive online courses and community forums, learners have access to resources that suit their preferred methods of study. This diverse array of materials ensures that all individuals can find the support they need to succeed in their certification journey.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Earning certifications from the Linux Professional Institute significantly enhances career prospects. The demand for skilled Linux professionals is on the rise, and possessing LPI certifications can set you apart in a competitive job market.

High Demand for Linux Professionals

With the growing reliance on open source technologies in various industries, the need for proficient Linux professionals has never been greater. Companies are increasingly adopting Linux for its stability, security, and cost-effectiveness, leading to a surge in job opportunities for those with the right skills. LPI certifications serve as a testament to your expertise, making you a valuable asset to potential employers.

Recognition and Credibility

LPI certifications are recognized globally, adding a significant level of credibility to your professional profile. Employers value these certifications because they represent a standardized measure of competence. This recognition can lead to better job positions, higher salaries, and more exciting career opportunities.

Community Engagement and Support

One of the unique aspects of learning open source with LPI is the strong sense of community. Engaging with the open source community provides numerous benefits that extend beyond technical knowledge.

Access to a Global Network

By becoming part of the LPI community, you gain access to a global network of professionals who share your passion for open source. This network is an invaluable resource for learning, collaboration, and career development. Participating in forums, attending events, and contributing to open source projects are just a few ways to leverage this community for your benefit.

Mentorship and Collaboration

The open source community thrives on collaboration and mentorship. Experienced professionals are often willing to share their knowledge and offer guidance to newcomers. This mentorship can be instrumental in overcoming challenges, gaining new perspectives, and advancing your skills more rapidly.

Hands-On Experience with Real-World Applications

LPI emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, which is crucial for mastering open source technologies. This approach ensures that learners not only understand theoretical concepts but also know how to apply them in real-world scenarios.

Practical Labs and Exercises

LPI's training programs include practical labs and exercises that simulate real-world environments. These practical components help learners develop critical problem-solving skills and gain confidence in their abilities. By working on actual systems, learners can better understand the nuances of Linux administration and other open source technologies.

Open Source Projects

Engaging in open source projects is another effective way to gain hands-on experience. LPI encourages learners to contribute to these projects, providing opportunities to work on real applications and collaborate with other developers. This experience is invaluable, as it helps build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your capabilities to potential employers.

Cost-Effective Learning Solutions

Learning open source with LPI is also a cost-effective solution compared to traditional education. The affordability of LPI's certification programs and learning materials makes it accessible to a wider audience.

Affordable Certification Programs

LPI offers competitively priced certification programs that provide excellent value for the investment. Compared to other certification providers, LPI's programs are more affordable, making it easier for individuals to pursue their educational and career goals without incurring significant debt.

Free and Low-Cost Resources

In addition to paid certification programs, LPI provides numerous free and low-cost resources. These include study guides, online tutorials, and community support. This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of financial situation, can benefit from high-quality open source education.

Keeping Up with Industry Trends

Staying current with industry trends is essential in the fast-paced world of technology. LPI ensures that its certification programs and learning materials are up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in open source technologies.

Regular Updates and Revisions

LPI regularly updates its certification exams and learning materials to reflect the latest industry developments. This commitment to relevance ensures that learners acquire knowledge and skills that are current and applicable to today's technology landscape.

Insights from Industry Experts

LPI collaborates with industry experts to develop and review its certification programs. This collaboration ensures that the content is not only accurate but also aligned with the needs of employers. By learning from the best, you can be confident that you are gaining insights that are directly applicable to your career.

Conclusion

Learning open source with the Linux Professional Institute offers numerous benefits, from comprehensive learning pathways and career advancement opportunities to community support and hands-on experience. LPI's commitment to accessibility and staying current with industry trends makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their skills and advance their career in open source technologies.

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Why I Joined the LPI Board of Directors – Jon “maddog” Hall

Why am I active as a Board Director of the Linux Professional Institute?

It certainly is not the money that I am paid, as it is completely a voluntary position.

It is not the fame or stature that I receive, even having been the Board Chair since 2015, since I was already well know in the programming world and in the Open Source world long before I joined the Board of LPI.

It certainly was not because it was an “easy” job (it is often not easy) and most of the time it is not really as “fun” as solving an interesting programming problem or making a set of computers perform at their best.

It is not because I want to travel the world talking to company executive, leaders of countries, university professors and administrators….I had already visited over 100 countries (many more than one time, some dozens of times) in my career….and at the age of 73 coach seats, big airports and long immigration lines do not enthrall me.

Perhaps I am resigned that someone has to do the work that helps many people get better jobs, or even any job, but certainly jobs that I have found very rewarding over the years.

Perhaps it is my way of paying back all the people that helped me along the way over this past half-century.

Maybe, as a Board member, I can use my technical expertise, my business training and experience, my drive (sometimes modified a bit to make my personality more tolerable) to help to make Free and Open Source Software, Hardware and Culture (FOSSHC) a way that professionals can make a living and move society forward.

I did not learn this all at once. I learned it over the fore-mentioned fifty+ years of professional life.

Much of what I know I learned on my own and “certified” it though working in the professional sphere. However I also know that people can learn it much faster and much easier if they have a road-map, and LPI’s Certification and Certificate objectives go a long way to creating that road-map.

So the real reason I have been on the Board of Directors since 2015 (and helped create LPI in 1999) was to hear the words of people who say that FOSSHC has created a good living for them, and when they thank me for what I have done.

There is no greater feeling.

Unfortunately at the age of 73 with only 30% of my heart capacity left (after two massive heart attacks in 2016), and staring at another three-year term on the board (ending when I am 76) I feel it is time to turn the gavel to another person. Projects that I need to finish (and might cause a potential conflict of interest as a Board Chair or even a Board Director) call for less time with LPI and more time with those projects which will also be useful to FOSSHC. Therefore I now take on the role of LPI “Returning Officer”, required by the LPI Bylaws to not hold a future board seat, but to help find other good candidates for LPI Director.

To not let the reader know, at this point, that I am “retiring” from the Board of LPI in 2024 would be deceitful, and I like to think I am not a deceitful type of person.

Instead I offer the reader the chance to step up and utilize your skills, your knowledge, your love and your time for FOSSHC. Perhaps you are not a programmer or not a systems administrator. It has been three decades since I last programmed an operating system kernel, and two decades since I have been a systems administrator for more than my five or six systems at home. However, I know how to manage people, to balance a budget and more about business and IP law than I really want to know.

If you have skills like these, and a desire to learn and be responsible for an organization that has bettered the lives of more than 300,000 people in over 180 countries, than LPI wants you for its Board of Directors.

I want you for the Board.

I will not be leaving LPI completely. I will still help LPI any way that I can (and my body will allow), but we need more new and progressive Directors for the future of the organization.

Carpe Diem!

Warmest regards,

Jon “maddog” Hall, Board Chair and Returning Officer for 2024

—

Mark your calendars for the Linux Professional Institute Annual General Meeting, which will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, using an online platform. Members can vote at the meeting to choose the LPI Board of Directors.

Source: lpi.org

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LPI at PSITE ’24: Championing IT Certification

This March, Linux Professional Institute (LPI) was thrilled to participate in the Philippine Society of IT Educators’ (PSITE) National Convention 2024 at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines. The convention, themed “New Era of Education: PSITE’s Leadership in Embracing AI in Higher Learning,” drew over a thousand IT educators, deans, and university executives.

Empowering IT Educators and Students in the Philippines

LPI showcased the benefits of its certification programs at the convention, highlighting how they prepare students for the demanding IT landscape. We offered schools the chance to join LPI’s expansive network.

Insightful Exchanges and Engagements

The convention facilitated insightful discussions on AI, IT Security, and other critical tech areas, with contributions from esteemed speakers across the globe. As LPI’s Partner Development Executive, I was excited to deliver a compelling talk on “Mastering Excellence: Training and Certification Strategies for Professional Advancement,” focusing on upskilling members in open source technologies.

Enhancing Collaborative Relationships with LPI Partners in the area

The event was not just about showcasing LPI’s offer and values, but also about building lasting connections. Numerous institutions expressed their interest in partnering with LPI, recognizing the value of Linux and open-source education. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between LPI and the PSITE Directors on the last day, marking a significant milestone in fostering academic partnerships.

LPI extends its gratitude to PSITE for an outstanding convention and looks forward to future collaborations that will continue to elevate IT education and open source advocacy in the region. For more insights and updates on our initiatives, visit our event page on the LPI website. Join us in advancing IT education and embracing the opportunities of open source!

Source: lpi.org

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Elevate Your IT Skills: The Power of LPI's Open Source Essentials Certification

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying ahead with the latest skills is crucial. One way to ensure you remain competitive is by obtaining the LPI's Open Source Essentials Certification. This certification not only enhances your technical prowess but also opens up numerous career opportunities. Let's delve into why this certification is a game-changer for IT professionals.

Understanding the LPI's Open Source Essentials Certification

The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to promoting the use of open-source software by certifying professionals in the field. The Open Source Essentials Certification is designed to validate your understanding and skills in open-source technologies.

Key Benefits of the Certification

1. Comprehensive Skill Development: The certification covers a wide range of topics, ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of open-source technologies. This includes fundamentals of Linux, open-source licenses, software development, and system administration.

2. Industry Recognition: LPI certifications are highly respected in the IT industry. Having this certification on your resume signals to employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to handle open-source technologies effectively.

3. Career Advancement: Certified professionals often find themselves with better job prospects, higher salaries, and more opportunities for career advancement. The certification proves your commitment to your professional development.

4. Community and Support: As part of the LPI community, you gain access to a network of like-minded professionals and resources. This support system can be invaluable as you continue to grow in your career.

Exam Structure and Preparation

Exam Overview

The Open Source Essentials exam is designed to test your knowledge of the fundamentals of open-source software. It consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a variety of topics, including:

• Introduction to Open Source Software and Licensing
• Applications of Open Source Software
• Practical Skills in Using Linux Systems
• Basic Security Concepts
• Community and Professional Development

Preparation Tips

1. Study the Exam Objectives: LPI provides a detailed list of objectives for the exam. Familiarize yourself with these objectives to understand what topics will be covered.

2. Use Official Study Resources: LPI offers a range of study materials, including books, online courses, and practice exams. Utilize these resources to thoroughly prepare for the exam.

3. Join Study Groups: Engaging with other candidates preparing for the same exam can be very beneficial. Join online forums or local study groups to share knowledge and tips.

4. Hands-On Practice: Practical experience is crucial. Set up a Linux environment and practice using the commands and tools that are part of the exam syllabus.

5. Regular Revision: Regularly review the material you have studied. Consistent revision helps reinforce your knowledge and ensures you are well-prepared on exam day.

Why Open Source Skills Are in Demand

The demand for professionals with open-source skills is on the rise. Here are some reasons why:

Cost Efficiency

Open-source software is often free to use, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses. Companies are increasingly adopting open-source solutions to reduce their software expenses. As a result, they need professionals who can manage and develop these systems.

Flexibility and Customization

Open-source software can be customized to meet specific needs. This flexibility is a significant advantage for businesses looking to tailor their software solutions. Professionals with the skills to customize and maintain open-source software are highly valued.

Security and Transparency

Open-source software is often seen as more secure and transparent compared to proprietary software. The open nature of the code allows for thorough scrutiny by the community, leading to quicker identification and fixing of vulnerabilities. Organizations are keen to leverage these security benefits.

Community Support

The open-source community is vast and active. This community support means that there are abundant resources and help available, which can be a significant advantage for businesses adopting open-source solutions. Professionals who are part of this community can bring valuable insights and support to their organizations.

Career Paths with LPI's Open Source Essentials Certification

Obtaining the LPI's Open Source Essentials Certification can open doors to various career paths, including:

System Administrator

As a system administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's IT infrastructure. Your open-source skills will be crucial in managing Linux servers and other open-source technologies.

DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams. Your certification will help you implement and manage continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using open-source tools.

Software Developer

Software developers with open-source expertise can contribute to and manage open-source projects. Your skills will be valuable in creating software solutions that are scalable, secure, and efficient.

IT Consultant

As an IT consultant, you can advise businesses on the best open-source solutions to meet their needs. Your certification will enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Conclusion

The LPI's Open Source Essentials Certification is a powerful credential that can significantly enhance your IT career. By validating your skills and knowledge in open-source technologies, it opens up numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. Whether you are just starting in the IT field or looking to advance your career, this certification is a worthwhile investment.

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LPI in Brussels: European FOSS Insights and Innovations

In February, I had the pleasure of representing Linux Professional Institute (LPI) at several high-level Open Tech events in Brussels. It was a week brimming with activity for enthusiasts and professionals alike in the open source community.

Day 1: Protest, Government Policy, and Networking

On February 1st, the European Commission held an exclusive, on invitation only, workshop on Open Source Key Areas for Digital Autonomy. The event was held the same day as the farmers were protesting in the center of Brussels. On my way to the event, I was feeling like I was in the middle of a war movie scene with all these spike fences around and policemen armed to the teeth. Finally, with some logistical troubles and delays – for me and all other participants – I made it to one of the buildings of the European Commission where the event was organized.

Inside the venue, the discussions spanned a range of subjects: Cybersecurity, ICT system reliability, Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), Open Source for Data Spaces, and the intricacies of deploying open source projects within European public services. Panelists from leading open source entities such as the Open Source Initiative, Eclipse Foundation, Open Forum Europe, and the City of Paris shared their insights on these critical issues.

It was a day full of inspiring talks and networking with high level attendees. In particular, it was great to see a big number of European Commission staff members interested in learning more about open source technologies.

Day 2: Connecting with the “Crème de la Crème”

The second day of Brussels Open Tech Week – still with farmers protesting, albeit more calmly that day – saw OpenForum Europe hosting their annual event, the Open Source Policy Summit. The venue chosen for this exclusive gathering was the Royal Flemish Theatre, located in the heart of Brussels.

I had the opportunity to engage with members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials, UN delegates, and government representatives from across Europe. Industry experts from corporations including IBM, Red Hat, and Bosch were also present. Attendees exchanged success stories, sought insights, and explored inspirations for transformative ideas.

The summit unveiled an important initiative: the Open Source Ecosystem Enabler, a project by the ITU and UNDP, funded by the European Commission. At LPI, an organization with 25 years of experience at the forefront of developing international, vendor-neutral education programs, we are thrilled about this initiative and fully prepared to provide any necessary support, especially in the development of specialized training within the Global Knowledge Hub for Open Source.

The most positive aspect of this event, aside from its enriching content, was that it facilitated networking. I had the opportunity to meet people in person whom I had previous known only through seeing them on mailing lists, exchanging email with them, or following them on LinkedIn.I also met people I haven’t seen in a long time, such as Emiel Brok, a former LPI colleague working as SUSE Ambassador now, and Alexandre Zapolsky, the CEO of Linagora, an LPI long-term partner in France.

Day 3: FOSDEM: A Diverse Community of Open Source Enthusiasts

Last but not least, on Saturday, February 3rd, the Brussels Week ended with FOSDEM, an annual gathering of the open source European community held at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. It was a crowded event, full of interesting open source solutions, emerging technologies, and a packed agenda of devrooms. Definitively it’s a place to be and experience being part of a diverse and highly international community of open-source enthusiasts.

Looking ahead

Exhausted yet fulfilled, I departed Brussels with a mind buzzing with ideas for potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities. Looking forward, excited for all the new ways LPI can offer its unique standing and expertise to free and open source initiatives.

Source: lpi.org

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Why I Joined the LPI Board of Directors – Ted Matsumura

My name is Ted Matsumura, and I am currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). In this article I’ll explain why I joined the Board and what my experience there has been like.

I have worked in the tech industry since the mid 1980s, and with free and open source software (FOSS), especially Linux, since the mid 1990s. As a product manager for Adaptec NICs for the US and Japan, my role involved supporting and promoting Linux device driver development and FOSS at Adaptec, and later at Intel, Packet Engines, and Penguin Computing. Later, I became an adjunct professor for computer science courses, including teaching classes with Linux, and I am currently working at a multinational firm on secure cloud environments, GitOps, and DevSecOps.

Having gotten certified by LPI myself, and having taught courses about the LPI exams as a college adjunct professor 20 years earlier, I came to the Board appreciating the great work that LPI had done so far. I hoped to help availability and proliferation continue to evolve.

My first desire in joining the Board was to use the business and technical skills I had honed during the past 30 years to bring others up to speed more quickly on the importance of Linux and open source software projects. I also felt that being involved with the teaching and certification process helped me keep aware of the latest technologies, which I use in my job as an R&D engineer.

Second, I wanted to help modernize the training curriculum and certification process to match what enterprise clients are looking for. One important step was to bring the materials and processes more closely in line with an actual work environment and to utilize newer testing technologies, including high-quality lab simulation environments. Another step in this process was to provide the best in class education materials. Testing technologies also needed to exceed the capabilities of strictly multiple choice certifications, and to provide interactive environments that match real-world scenarios to demonstrate knowledge and problem solving capabilities.

Third, I wanted the educational programs and testing to be more widely available to all users, especially those who normally could not afford the time, the resources, or the costs to achieve certification.

Since joining the Board almost a year ago, I have found the virtual meetings with the other Board members enjoyable and productive. Many of the Board members are in different countries and time zones. The global reach of LPI is impressive and constantly growing. Diversity among the board and membership is a good thing, and something I am proud to be promoting within the organization.

Source: lpi.org

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Transforming Corporate Culture Through FOSS

Exploring the transformative impact of open source on corporate culture, this article by Ricardo Prudenciato delves into how embracing open-source methodologies not only revolutionizes software development but also fosters a collaborative, innovative work environment. That environment is covered by the new Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Open Source Essentials certificate. Through examples and insights, Ricardo highlights the benefits of open source beyond technology: promoting transparency, knowledge sharing, and a more inclusive, creative corporate culture.

Open source has definitively established itself in recent years as a leading model for software solution development worldwide, across various fields of activity. In the tech world, open source refers to software whose source code is publicly available, allowing anyone to use, study, modify, and distribute it. This free and collaborative approach promotes transparency, innovation, and knowledge sharing. By adopting this methodology, a company and its team benefit in many aspects beyond just technical matters.

Collaborative Learning and Innovation Environment

The open source model is built on collaboration among developers, users, and software communities. By embracing this philosophy, companies foster a strong internal collaboration culture, encouraging employees to share knowledge, work together, and contribute to collective projects. This promotes a more inclusive work environment, valuing diverse ideas and perspectives to drive innovation. It also encourages knowledge and experience sharing through daily interactions, workshops, internal talks, and platforms for collaborative learning and information sharing. Encouraging internal open source projects or contributions to external open source initiatives enhances team skills, enables active participation, and increases team engagement. Participation in open source communities connects professionals with similar interests, promoting teamwork, networking, and practical problem-solving.

Exploring New Possibilities

Adopting open source also encourages the team to have a more diverse vision when looking for solutions to the needs of the company and its clients.

This is because there is such a wide variety of software options and technologies that can be used for the most varied purposes. An open source approach encourages the team to explore different alternatives, compare solutions, and choose those that best suit the specific requirements of the project or client.

By its mode of organization, open source offers much greater flexibility and capacity for customization than proprietary solutions. This allows the team to adapt and adjust the software as necessary to meet the specific demands of the company, encouraging the search for tailor-made solutions that meet the unique needs of each project.

Another very beneficial factor is the reduction in dependence on specific software suppliers, the so-called “lock-in.” By avoiding lock-in, the organization enjoys greater freedom of choice and control over the technologies used. This allows the team to explore a wider variety of supplier and solution options, encouraging the search for alternatives that can offer better quality, performance, or cost effectiveness for each need.

In the End, Everyone Wins!

The adoption of open source has not only revolutionized the way software is developed and used, but also transformed the way companies and their teams operate and innovate. By establishing itself as one of the main models for developing software solutions, open source has brought with it a series of tangible and intangible benefits for organizations.

Firstly, the collaborative learning and innovation environment fostered by open source is an inexhaustible source of growth and development for teams. By encouraging internal and external collaboration, knowledge sharing, and active participation in open source projects, companies create a space where creativity flourishes, skills are honed, and the most innovative ideas come to life.

In addition, the diversity of options and flexibility offered by open source encourages the team to explore new possibilities and solutions for the company’s needs. By preserving access to a wide range of technologies and suppliers, the team can choose the most suitable tools for each project, adapting them as necessary and reducing dependence on specific suppliers.

When adopting open source, organizations are encouraged to constantly strive for the highest standards of performance, efficiency, and quality in all aspects of their operations.

Adopting open source not only drives technical innovation, but also promotes a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and the pursuit of excellence within organizations. By incorporating open source principles into their operations, companies are prepared to face the challenges of today’s market and build a more sustainable and innovative future for themselves, their professionals and their customers.

Source: lpi.org

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From passion to profession: Morrolinux’s Journey in FOSS

Is turning your passion into a profession possible? According to my experience, the answer is: YES.

Does turning your passion into a profession mean you are just taking a shortcut around the tedious life journey of going to school and “working your way up” through low-level jobs? According to my experience, the answer is: NO.

Does turning your passion into a profession probably mean you are going to have a sort of life-changing experience? According to my experience, the answer is: Yes.

I am Moreno Razzoli. Maybe you know me better as Morrolinux. This is the story of how I turned my passion into a profession. And, yes: my passion was, and is, and I am quite sure will be for a while longer, Linux.

Since I started my journey with Linux in 2008, it has been a path of constant learning and exploration. As a self-taught enthusiast initially, I grappled with the complexities of Linux, driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for technology. Every problem I encountered became a lesson, shaping my understanding of the operating system. This phase of self-learning was critical, as it laid the groundwork for my later professional endeavors.

Building up from an Academic, No, Technical Education

Post-graduation, as I stepped into the role of a system administrator, I was handling mixed environments of Windows and Linux systems. This was a practical application of my skills, blending my Linux expertise with real-world scenarios. It was during this time that I realized the importance of structured learning. Deciding to formalize my knowledge, I pursued and achieved LPIC-1 certification through the Linux Professional Institute

This certificaitonwas more than just an academic milestone. The LPIC-1 certification marked a significant turning point, taking me beyond just practical applications to a deeper understanding of Linux. It was not merely about enhancing technical proficiency; it was about gaining a comprehensive insight into the workings of an open source operating system. This understanding is pivotal in the open source world, because it directly influences the way software is utilized, integrated, and shared across diverse platforms and environments.

My university education in Computer Science, after my first experiences with Linux and FOSS, was another significant chapter in my journey. Here, I delved into fundamental computing concepts such as software architecture, client-server models, and cloud computing. This phase was complementary to what the Open Source Essentials program offers, which is a broad understanding of the non-technical aspects of open-source software, crucial for any professional in the field.

Today: Freelancing in FOSS

Transitioning to teaching and content creation, I embraced the role of an educator and advocate for open source. My work as an LPI Training Partner and on my Morrolinux YouTube channel reflects the ethos of the Open Source Essentials – emphasizing community contribution, knowledge sharing, and open-source advocacy. It’s a testament to the community-driven nature of open source, where sharing knowledge and experiences enriches the entire ecosystem.

In my freelance career, I tried to embrace the essence of open source not only as a tech enthusiast but as a strategic business decision. This journey has been about more than just adopting Linux; it’s about deeply understanding the goals and principles behind open licensing.

I’ve explored various business models that thrive in the open source ecosystem, examining how they generate revenue while contributing valuable software and content. My experience has shown the significant role open source plays in larger tech products and services. These explorations have brought me to recognize the nuanced impact of licenses on software development and business strategies.

By focusing on what clients seek in open source, I’ve navigated the cost structures and investments necessary for developing in this space. It has been a practical application of the principles I’ve learned — a testament to the sustainable and versatile nature of open source as a business model.

To summarize my whole public activities in a few words: The challenge was to find the right voice for being entertaining while keeping professionalism and consistency. I wanted to share my passion, not to make statements or boring lessons (and, by the way: Video tutorials do not work!). The other double-edged thing is about being a one-man band: It offers a lot of freedom, but a lot of responsibility and pressure as well.

In refining my approach to open source, I’ve naturally aligned with the ethos at the core of the evolving open source landscape. This journey goes beyond mere adoption; it’s an immersion into a culture where sharing, collaboration, and community drive technological and ethical progress. Through this lens, I’ve navigated the complexities of open source licensing and business models, embodying the principles that foster a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable tech ecosystem.

Today and Tomorrow

Reflecting on my experiences, I see how they resonate with the essence of the open source movement. My journey, a path determined by technical prowess and a commitment to community engagement, exemplifies the dynamic and highly influential nature of open source software. This path isn’t just about professional advancement; it’s a continual process of learning, sharing, and shaping the future of open source technology. Every step I take contributes to the broader community, paving the way for new enthusiasts and professionals to explore the limitless possibilities of open source.

Embarking on this journey with open source isn’t just about acquiring technical skills; it’s about embracing a philosophy that nurtures innovation and collaboration. The Linux Essentials and Open Source Essentials programs offer gateways into this vibrant world, providing the foundational understanding needed to appreciate its spirit and contribute meaningfully. These programs are not merely educational milestones but stepping stones toward becoming an integral part of a community that’s shaping the future of technology.

Source: lpi.org

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A Crash Course in Cryptography

There are many fascinating topics in the universe of Information Security, but if I had to place one above all others (this being a purely personal opinion), Cryptography would occupy the highest level.

This topic has its deepest roots in pure mathematics, but now touches many areas of technology in the daily lives of thousands of people… so much so that in many cases its presence is taken for granted. It is present on multiple levels and is the key that guards our electronic secrets.

But…What is cryptography?

Symmetric and Asymmetric Cryptography

Cryptography is a method to encode content in a format that is impossible to read for those who are not authorized to do so. It is composed of a series of technologies that, together, keep data safe. The term encryption is roughly synonymous with cryptography.

The original text, which is readable by anyone, is called clear text or plain text. Encryption produces encrypted text.

When using unprotected connections, without a proper encryption protocol, it is relatively easy for a snooper to steal personal information by seeing data in transit in the clear. For instance, if you sit in a café and send email over a connection that is not protected by cryptography, the person on a computer at another table could pick up your traffic and ready your email.

We can categorize the various types of cryptography as either symmetric or asymmetric.

Symmetric cryptography uses the same, single secret key to encrypt the clear information and to decrypt it. If the text is being transmitted between people both the sender and the receiver use the same key.

In practice, the sender encrypts the message with a secret key, then transmits the message through a communication channel. The recipient receives the message and decrypts it with the secret key. The recipient normally receives the key from the sender through a predefined, safe transmission channel–not the same channel used for the message, because by definition that channel is assumed to be viewable by attackers.

The keys represent a shared secret between the parties, which can be used to maintain a private link of information.

Symmetric cryptography is relatively simple (although the mathematics used to create the key is very sophisticated), easy to implement, and has good overall performance.

Among the algorithms that support symmetric cryptography we find:

◉ DES

◉ 3DES

◉ AES

Among these, AES is currently the most modern and robust, and is commonly used for very sensitive information, even by government bodies.

Asymmetric cryptography, also known as public key cryptography, encrypts and decrypts data using two distinct keys. These two keys are named the “public key” and the “private key.” The public key can be distributed wherever the sender wants a message to be readable, whereas the private key must be kept, of course, secret.

If either of the two keys encrypts the message, it can be decrypted only with the other key.

Asymmetric cryptography is significantly slower than its symmetric counterpart, because the keys are longer and the related calculations to be performed are much more complex.

The exceptionally long length of the keys in use makes it practically impossible to derive private keys from the associated public keys, even though they are mathematically linked by the calculation that produced them both.

Because the public key can be safely transmitted over a channel where attackers can grab it, asymmetric cryptography is often used to exchange the secret key used later for symmetric cryptography.

Some of the algorithms that support asymmetric cryptography are:

◉ El Gamal

◉ Diffie Hellman

◉ RSA

RSA, given its ease of use and its intrinsic robustness, which stems from computational entropy, is the preferred algorithm for encrypting and signing messages.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

Asymmetric keys introduce another fundamental infrastructural concept in the matter of encryption: Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

PKI is a sequence of processes and tools that allow authoritative third parties “in trust” to determine the identity of a user and to verify that a public key legitimately belongs to that user.

The impetus behind PKI is that, when users make initial contact online—such as by logging into a retail web site—they don’t know whether they are reaching the real person or company they want. A malicious “man in the middle” attacker could claim to be a major retail site, and an encryption key by itself cannot guarantee that the legitimate site is the one sending the key.

To provide the trust necessary for Internet communication among parties who don’t previously know each other, PKI registers identity of at least one party.

Identities are defined in a digital public key certificate with a standard called X.509.

A site called a Certification Authority (CA), which is recognized and trusted by both side, creates digital certificates that securely tie sites to their public keys. Web users generally trust CAs because the CAs’ identities are hardcoded into the user’s browser.

The implementation of PKI can be found, for example, in contexts such as:

◉ Certificates for websites

◉ Private networks and VPNs

◉ Cloud applications and services

◉ Email security

◉ User and device authentication

◉ Signing of documents and messages

Uses for Cryptography

You should now have a rough idea of cryptography and its value. Here we’ll look at different contexts for using cryptography:

◉ Email

◉ Web browsing

◉ Data storage

Email

The main email encryption protocols are S/MIME and PGP/MIME.

S/MIME, which stands for Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, is integrated into most devices and uses a centralized CA to determine the encryption algorithm and keys to be used. S/MIME is primarily used in large Web-based email platforms.

PGP/MIME, which stands for Pretty Good Privacy/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions uses a decentralized authority model. In contrast to S/MIME, key management is not governed by a CA, but is more the responsibility of the user. Users rely on a “web of trust” to establish the authenticity of the user on the other side of the communication.This protocol depends on of third-party encryption software.

PGP/MIME is proprietary. A free re-implementation, GnuPG (also called GPG), performs the same task without major differences.

Web browsing

A user establishes an encrypted connection to a website by entering or clicking on a URL starting with HTTPS instead of HTTP. HTTPS is a hypertext transmission protocol that additionally is secure because all traffic sent over the Internet is encrypted. Therefore, when a connection is based on HTTPS, privacy and integrity of data are guaranteed.

HTTPS is the successor to HTTP, which transmits date in plain text and has been gradually deprecated (except for a few rare use cases).

The HTTPS protocol integrates HTTP with the TLS cryptographic protocol (a successor to another protocol for web encryption, SSL), adding a valid digital certificate. SSL and TLS are essentially the same protocol that has evolved over time, with TLS being the most modern format and now in version 1.3.

Browsers that send and receive data over secure HTTPS often display a green lock.

Data storage

Data can be encrypted at multiple levels: not just in transmission when email or the Web are used, but also locally on storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives,and tape drives.

The use of storage-side or file-side encryption greatly offsets the risk of data loss. Like encryption used on the network, storage-side encryption is a very powerful tool that protects all data on every device, regardless of the type of physical media, interface, or data privacy class.

Storage-side encryption is a great way to ensure data security, especially if the device is stolen.

Linux users can keep data safe through Linux Unified Key Setup (LUKS). It employs a brute force encryption algorithm and totally secures data if a strong password is used. LUKS is currently in version 2.

Newer Linux distributions also offer full disk encryption (FDE) at the end of operating system installation, setting a strong password to control access to the contents of the disk. But be careful and don’t forget your password: When data is encrypted on the disk using full disk encryption, if the password is lost the data inside will be very difficult to recover.

Absolute security is a pipe dream, but to paraphrase J. W. von Goethe, “He who wants to take sure steps must walk slowly.”

Source: lpi.org

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2024 Open Source Professionals Job Survey Report Available Now

Toronto, 04-23-2024 — Linux Professional Institute (LPI), in conjunction with Open Source JobHub, released today the 2024 Open Source Professionals Job Survey Report, which summarizes the results of a job survey among open source professionals. Based on the responses from administrators, developers, and non-technical professionals, the report highlights the concerns of employees in the world of free and open source software (FOSS).

Respondents care most about work-life balance and remote work options when considering a new role. A stated policy for using and contributing to open source software and opportunities for training and certification were also important to respondents.

This report details findings from the survey and provides insight both for job seekers and for hiring managers aiming to attract and retain open source professionals. The full report can be downloaded under https://www.lpi.org/2024-open-source-professionals-job-survey-report/

“Our mission is to promote the use of open source by supporting the people who work with it. This includes helping employers understand what our community members want from their jobs and work environments. Our aim was to collect relevant data that we felt was not sufficiently covered in other reports.”—G. Matthew Rice, Executive Director of LPI

“It is beneficial for both sides, employees and employers, to know each other’s expectations. Employers say in job advertisements what they expect and what they offer. But what do the people who are asked to apply expect? We wanted to show what potential is available in the workforce and what offers and values are relevant to leverage that potential.”—Brian Osborn, Founder of Open Source JobHub, CEO & Publisher at Linux New Media

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is the global certification standard and career support organization for open source professionals. It’s the world’s first and largest vendor-neutral Linux and open source certification body. LPI has certified professionals in over 180 countries, delivers exams in multiple languages, and has hundreds of training partners. Our mission is to promote the use of open source by supporting the people who work with it.

Open Source JobHub aims to help everyone find a place in the open source ecosystem by connecting job seekers with employers looking for top talent. Let us help you turn down the noise and find the perfect job fit.

Source: lpi.org

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