The "Circular on the Use of Open-Source Code in Public Institutions," which aims to promote the use of open-source software in the public sector, was published in the Official Gazette with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Within this scope, a protocol was signed between the Ministry of National Education Directorate General for Innovation and Educational Technologies and TÜBİTAK to expand the use of the national operating system PARDUS in schools.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of National Education, the largest user and key stakeholder of PARDUS, efforts towards Türkiye's goal of digital independence continue. In this context, the transition and nationwide dissemination process of ETAP 23, the new version of the PARDUS operating system, was launched with a pilot implementation in Samsun.
The new version will be gradually introduced across all 81 provinces.
During school visits conducted as part of the pilot implementation, teachers provided positive feedback on aspects such as touch-screen compatibility, ease of use, user-friendly interface, compatibility with z-books, and technical support. These positive evaluations during the pilot phase serve as an important indicator, and following the completion of the pilot implementations, the next-generation PARDUS ETAP 23 operating system will be gradually deployed on all interactive whiteboards across all 81 provinces.
PARDUS ETAP Redefines Interactive Whiteboards
The newly implemented next-generation PARDUS ETAP 23 elevates ease of use and functionality to a whole new level with its innovative features.
Some of the operating system's notable features are as follows:
- Mobile Access Convenience: Quick and secure login via QR code or USB.
- Advanced Virtual Keyboard: Multilingual support, resizable and movable layout, customizable with color and transparency settings.
- Creativity with ETA Pen: Features for writing, drawing, and sketching on various page backgrounds, maps, or desktops, as well as saving and exporting.
- Comprehensive Break Mode: Limited access allowing controlled usage by restricting application and website access.
- Centralized Management and Monitoring: Enhanced log system and improved monitoring and management capabilities through the Leader Harmony Board Management Systems.
- User Health-Focused Design: Features such as eye care tools and other personalization options for a healthy and personalized user experience.
- Wide Application Range: Useful apps like a timer, screen blackout, QR code reader, along with thousands of educational applications accessible via the PARDUS Software Center.
- Extensive Support: ETA help application providing forums, FAQs, data bank, remote training content, and error reporting functionality.
PARDUS, a free and open-source operating system, also stands out with its diverse solutions in education. PARDUS ETAP, designed specifically for interactive whiteboards, and PARDUS EDU, tailored to the needs of students and teachers, prioritize the effective use of local resources in educational technologies.
Detailed information about PARDUS ETAP, which includes comprehensive educational features ranging from office tools and web browsers to audio and video players and document readers, can be accessed at www.etap.org.tr.
PARDUS EDU, the educational desktop version designed for computer labs, continues to be improved and used based on feedback from teachers. Enriched with over 50 pre-installed educational applications, this version aims to create an effective and efficient learning environment in computer classrooms. More information about the latest version of PARDUS EDU is available at pardus.org.tr/pardus-21-4-egitim-surumu-yayimlandi/.
Meanwhile, the PARDUS Volunteer Platform, a key part of the PARDUS ecosystem, serves as a central source for information, articles, and community interactions related to the system. Featuring rich content sections such as Blog, Developer, General, News, Command Line, How-To Guides, and Application Introductions, the platform enables users to easily access information and engage with the community. The platform can be visited at gonullu.pardus.org.tr/.
Click here to subscribe to the Educational Technologies Bulletin.
