Open Source Software

[Cyndi Danner-Kuhn]

As a Teacher in the Trenches, could you tell us what you think about Open Source software. Are you using any, if so what, if not why? Is your school district using any open-source yet and if so what? If not are they considering and discussing using Open-Source. Can you point us to any resources or good open-source software or articles? ( I have attached the file my students used to research Open Source for you information)

[Lucas Moll]

I have been toying with the idea of making a website to upload powerpoint files and provide links to study tool sites for my students. I have iWeb, but was wondering if there is any OSS out there that might be better for website building?

[Cyndi Danner-Kuhn]

Actually iWeb is great tool. Has a few limitation, but all in all great program. It truly is a no brainer to use. I would also suggest suing Keynote rather than PowerPoint. In Keynote you can export (Share) as a Flash file, or PDF or even QuickTime. There is also a great little program called eZedia QTI (www.eZedia.com). And to toot my own horn, I have written the book on how to use the program and create websites. http://www.teamvistech.com/product_info.php?products_id=307&osC...

eZedia QTI is only 24.95 teacher price.

[Nicole Reichert]

I noticed a lot of schools are already using firefox since mainly it is an open source, and also there is less technical difficulties when it comes to firefox. Right now on my computer I also use firefox since it is more user friendly than microsoft internet explorer. Now the reason I do not use the other stuff is because I did not know it was out there until I did the assignment. Now that I know a little more I think I will be using some more of the open sources I found on the websites. Maybe the reason why these sources are not used is because not everyone knows about them. Especially the veteran teachers.

[Nicole Reichert]

I noticed a lot of schools are already using firefox since mainly it is an open source, and also there is less technical difficulties when it comes to firefox. Right now on my computer I also use firefox since it is more user friendly than microsoft internet explorer. Now the reason I do not use the other stuff is because I did not know it was out there until I did the assignment. Now that I know a little more I think I will be using some more of the open sources I found on the websites. Maybe the reason why these sources are not used is because not everyone knows about them. Especially the veteran teachers.

[Renee Nonamaker]

All of this stuff is awesome!! I looked at Tux Paint, Inkscape, and Audacity and they all seemed to have great information. I'm pretty sure I will have fun with Tux Paint, let alone children. The best thing about all of this is that it's free. Before I didn't even know this stuff was out there and it's great to know it's all FREE! I can't wait to use them!
Renee

[Ginger Lewman]

I"d like to bring in a little more confusion to this topic. The conversation here is tending to lean toward "Free" as in "no-cost," aka: "free beer." However, please note that OSS also is associated with FLOSS, which means "free (libre) open source software." When free is used in this way, it means "without restriction, done with liberty." The user is able to go in and make improvements at will, as long as the original author's code isn't too radically changed from the original intent.

As it frequently is now, free open source software means that there is no cost AND it's free to be changed by those with the knowledge. If we (and that completely includes me) don't know how to change code on a piece of software, then we simply enjoy the "free beer" aspect! Click here for a GREAT explanation of this full concept.

This is where wikis started. My students have been working with Sauerbraten, a game to be downloaded and changed in order to create your own maps, structures, and all sorts of things. I've been asking several of my more-advanced students (they're 5th-8th grade) to go in and create a historical setting for the game. Since kids can go into games and tell you ALL about every aspect of the game, I'm using these kids to create an academic bend to a first-person shooter game. These kids are not only learning programming skills, but also the academic piece! I'm amazed at what kids can do if we just step the heck out of their way!!

Oh, also, if you do a Google search of Sauerbraten, you'll already find several changes that have been created and uploaded to the rest of the world!

It's SO COOL that we're now challenging the idea of what copyright/copyleft is! What an exciting time to be a teacher! Cyndi--maybe we should talk about that concept here too!

[Cyndi Danner-Kuhn]

Absolutely, great idea. I will definately make some changes for this class in the fall based on your suggestions. Thanks

[Matt Babcock]

Open source software is GREAT. Firefox, a wonderful web browser, is one example. You can browse with tabs, pop-up blocker is included, ad blocker is there. Much more secure than IE and most others.

Handbrake is another good one. It allows you to pull the video off a DVD and transfer it to your computer or video ipod. These are just examples, as there are many more. I have never had a problem with any of them.

[Wesley Fryer]

I use open source software a great deal. Wordpress is my favorite blog software, but as far as school-use goes I think Moodle is the most powerful. I have a list of open source software tools I've found saved as social bookmarks on http://del.icio.us/wfryer/opensource. Miguel Guhlin has some great resources about open source on his blog.

[Cyndi Danner-Kuhn]

Thanks for contributing, great resources. My students are required to listen to your Podcast, so it will be great for them to learn you are reading their Classroom 2.0 site as well. thanks!!