Kerala Launches KITE GNU Linux 22.04 For Schools

August 21, 2024

The Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) has introduced KITE GNU Linux 22.04, a new free operating system designed specifically for public schools in Kerala. This initiative aims to boost digital education across about 300,000 computers in the state’s schools.

About the Operating System

KITE GNU Linux 22.04 is a customized version of Ubuntu, tailored for educational use. It uses the Wayland system, which provides better performance than the older xorg window system that most school computers currently use.

Applications Included

This operating system comes with a variety of educational applications for both students and teachers, including:

GCompris: Educational games for younger children.

Tux Paint: A drawing program for kids.

Scratch: A basic tool for learning to code.

LibreOffice: A full office suite for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

GeoGebra: Software for learning math and science.

Focus on Artificial Intelligence

As part of the new curriculum for Class VII, which now includes AI concepts, KITE GNU Linux 22.04 offers tools to help students learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. This addition helps students engage with modern technology.

Additional Features

The operating system also includes:

Tools for using the Malayalam language
Ebook readers
Software for editing graphics and images
Applications for sound recording and video editing
3D animation software
Programming environments for coding

Cost Savings and Implementation

By switching to KITE GNU Linux, KITE has replaced costly licensed software with entirely free software, saving around ₹3,000 crore across 200,000 computers. This is a significant benefit for the public education system. KITE will provide training to school IT coordinators to help them install the new operating system on all school computers. The OS is available for free download from KITE’s official website. KITE GNU Linux 22.04 will be officially launched by the Minister for General Education, V. Sivankutty, during the Little KITEs State camp at KITE’s regional resource center in Ernakulam. The launch is scheduled for August 23.

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