The GNU Education Team was initially created to carry out the task of building a section within the gnu.org website to specifically address the importance of using Free Software in the education field. We believe that the achievements of the GNU Project must be applied to all areas of education if they are to have an effective positive influence on society as a whole.

The Team provides an answer to the need for a comprehensive approach to the adoption of Free Software by educational institutions. Along with technical support and availability of adequate free educational software, an improved understanding of the fundamentals of the GNU philosophy will significantly aid the decisional process at times when schools and universities are considering the possibility of installing or migrating to Free Software. For this reason, we aim at emphasizing the importance of the ethical principles of Free Software since they are in line with the goals of educational institutions of all levels. This approach will ensure success and effectiveness of the migration experience over time. Raising awareness about these principles is the main goal of our Team.

We oppose any measures undertaken by governments or educational institutions to impose the use of proprietary software and standards in the school. We stand up for the right of teachers and students to use Free Software at school.

With our work, we also want to provide evidence that the freedoms granted by Free Software live not in the realm of abstract theories but can be exercised by all users, including educational institutions. Universities and schools can and should put those freedoms to good use, and our aim is to show how.

With those objectives in mind, the Team intends to perform the following tasks:

• Present cases of educational institutions around the world who are successfully using and teaching Free Software.
• Show examples of how free programs are being used by educational institutions to improve the learning and teaching processes.
• Publish articles on the various aspects involved in the use of Free Software by educational institutions.
• Maintain a dialogue with teachers, students and administrators of educational institutions to listen to their difficulties and provide support.
• Keep in contact with other groups around the world committed to the promotion of Free Software in education.

If you are interested in our work and wish to help, if you have any questions or suggestions, or if you know of educational institutions around the world who follow the GNU philosophy and have successfully implemented Free Software, please drop us a note at <education@gnu.org>.