Computers are usually not made with children in mind, but Edubuntu is an exception to this. You can convert your current computer into an Edubuntu device, perfect for students of all ages. Edubuntu is free to download and install. Here’s how to use it.
What is Linux?
Linux refers to a group of operating systems that can be used as an alternative to Windows and Mac. People can make their own Linux varieties for different purposes, like for education or general use. These varieties are called distros, distributions or operating systems (OS.) Unlike Windows and Mac, Linux distros are often free for anyone to legally download.
One of the most popular Linux distros is called Ubuntu. Edubuntu is a special version of Ubuntu designed for school children. It comes loaded with educational games and other apps, as well as useful programs for reading, writing, making art and using the internet. Kids can learn to type, code, spell, do math, etc. This review is an overview of some of these apps and how to use them. At the bottom of the article you will find a link to download and install Edubuntu if you decide it is for you.
Getting Started with Edubuntu
On the left side of the screen, you will see a vertical list of app icons. Your most basic apps are here. From top to bottom: Firefox (web browser), Geary (email program), Files folder, Calculator, Notes app, Dictionary, LibreOffice Writer (similar to Microsoft Word), the App Center, Help and the Recycling Bin.
How to Install and Uninstall Apps on Edubuntu
Click on the orange icon with the A. That’s the App Center. We can use the App Center to add and remove apps.
Let’s try removing an app first. Since LibreOffice Writer is a great writing program, we don’t need Notes. In the App Center, do a search for Notes. Choose to filter by “Debian packages” instead of “Snap packages.” You will see Notes with the same icon as the one on your computer. Click on it and hit “Uninstall.” You may need to enter your password. Notes will then be uninstalled. You can always add it again later if you change your mind.
Educational Games for Kids
Still in the App Center, search for “tux” and you will see several educational games appear. Tux is a penguin character, a mascot for Linux, who often appears in games and other software. Click on the ones you would like to try and select “Install.”
Note: Not all Tux-themed games are educational – some are just for fun. However, this review will focus on the ones suitable for schools and homeschooling.
Tux Paint
Tux Paint is a digital painting program aimed at very young children. Kids can make art with different brushes, stamps and other tools. This program is popular in schools around the world. It’s developed by Tux4Kids. They also created the next two games on our list.
Tip: Looking for a more advanced art program? Try Krita or Inkscape.
Tux of Math Command
Next let’s try a math game, which is listed as “tux-math” in the App Center. In this game, you play as Tux the penguin. You control lasers which can zap comets that are falling from the sky. The comets will have numbers or math equations on them. Type the number, or the answer to the equation, and then hit Enter. If you don’t stop the comets in time, they will melt the other penguins’ igloos, but don’t worry, the penguins aren’t hurt, they just leave. It’s possible to bring the other penguins and their igloos back if you manage to hit bonus comets.
Tux Typing
In this day and age, it’s important that children learn how to type on a keyboard. Tux Typing has simple lessons and two typing games. One of the games is extremely similar to Tux of Math Command, except you eliminate the comets by typing out words instead of numbers. In the other game, Tux is looking for fish to eat, and you have to type the words appearing on the fish. This game can also help kids with their spelling.
Other Educational Apps on Edubuntu
If you want to see all currently installed apps, click on the circle icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This will show every program on your computer. By default, they are sorted into categories like Art, Mathematics, Language and Learning, Science, and Technology. Click on the categories to see what programs are in it.
For instance, in the Language and Learning section, there is the app Calibre. Calibre is an ebook manager. You can use it to download books, convert them from one file to another, and so on. And if you need places to find free ebooks to download legally, you can find a list of websites here.
Another app you will find on Edubuntu is Kgeography. This app is full of interactive maps of the world. You can select a country and it will teach you about the different regions. You can then be quizzed on capital cities, locations, flags and so on.
Interested in brain teasers and logic games? Try Gbrainy. This app is aimed at older users. There are quizzes aimed to make you think and improve your memory.
There are even more educational apps. Here are just a few more:
- Kalzium – an app for studying the periodic table of elements
- Pencil – an app for creating animation
- Laby – a game that teaches programming
- Kanagram – a word puzzle game, good for memorizing spelling and vocabulary
- KwordQuiz – a flashcards program with fill in the blank and multiple choice options
Find a longer list on the Ubuntu Wiki.
How to Install Edubuntu
Thinking about switching to Edubuntu? First things first, you need to see if it can run properly on your computer. Check out the system requirements on Edubuntu’s download page. If your computer can handle it, go ahead and download Edubuntu. Nothing will happen right away. There are a few more steps.
Next, you will need a USB Flash drive. You can buy flash drives with Edubuntu already on them, or you can start with a blank one and put Edubuntu on there yourself. To do that, download a program like Rufus or baleenaEtcher, then follow the instructions carefully, and it will turn your flash drive into an Edubuntu installer.
Once that’s done, plug the drive into the computer. Restart the computer. As it is coming on, you will need to hit a special key to open the boot options menu. This key differs by computer. It is usually something like the ESC key, or F2, F9, F10, or F12.
Then you should see a boot order options menu. Select it and look at the boot options. Do you see your USB flash drive? Select it and hit enter. You will then be given the option to try and install Edubuntu.
Important: When you replace your computer’s operating system, all files will be lost. Everything will be wiped clean. You must backup all your files, passwords, etc on a separate device first.
Some computers may have additional steps, like security settings that need to be adjusted first. If you have trouble, ask for help on Ubuntu Discourse.
Tip: If you current computer can’t be converted to Edubuntu, try buying a cheap Ubuntu laptop instead. It’s easy to switch from standard Ubuntu to Edubuntu. Alternatively, you could try using a Linux distro designed for old computers, like Linux Lite.
