Open Source Software March 1, 2010

I have done a lot of research on open source software because I did not quite understand exactly what it was.  Now I have found plenty of examples that will be beneficial in the future as an educator.  Open Source refers to software products that are freely available and offered by development communities online.  Open Source Software (OSS) is computer software where the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a software license that meets the open source definition or that is in the public domain.  Basically, this permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified forms.  This definition was found from the Wikipedia website, which I usually do not refer to Wikipedia, but it offered the best information.  While the definition still was not very clear to me, I began researching example so that I could better my understanding.  I am not positive that this is correct, but my understanding of open source software is that you are comparing an online based web 2.0 tool which allows multifunction editing and modification to a downloadable software package you can modify.  For example, Microsoft Office is a downloadable software package with modifying capabilities.  Openoffice.net is the web based 2.0 tool that is an alternative to Microsoft Office that allows that same modification features, except it is free!     Some of the more popular Open Source Software programs are google docs, openoffice.net, and Firefox.  Also, here is a site from 2009 that lists the 11 most popular OSS of all time.

After finding some of the popular Open Source Softwares that are available, I began to research what are some popular ones for an educator.  One that I found that is used by educators is called Moodle.  Moodle is an Open Source Course Management System, also known as a Learning Management System or a Virtual Learning Environment.  Educators use this popular tool around the world to create online dynamic web sites for their students.  Many institutions use this as their platform to conduct fully online courses.  Some of the benefits of Moodle include:

• Accessible from anywhere in the world
• Create a course website and limit access to your students
• Upload and share materials
• Hold online discussions and chats
• Give quizzes, tests, and take surveys
• Disseminate, gather, and review assignments
• Record grades
• Online file cabinet
• Communicate outside of the class

Check out this video:

Some of the other popular Open Source Softwares used in education are: SchoolForge, and the Open Source Education Foundation. Open Source Schools provides some further information on OSS and how it can be beneficial in the classroom.

Finally, here is a link to a list of 55 Open Source Apps that are transforming education! Yes 55! This website even splits the Apps up by subject such as biology, chemistry, classroom management, elementary education, flash cards, and much more.

Hope this post is helpful to anyone wanting to learn more about the great Open Source Software capabilities that are available to educators.

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