Illinois TESOL-BE Teaching from the Heart February 14, 2009

More capabilities for less cost Software costs remain the same

OLPC XO-1 Intel Classmate Asus Eee PC

Session Overview Become aware of array of free and open source software (FOSS)Become aware of array of free and open source software (FOSS) Make informed decisions when selecting FOSSMake informed decisions when selecting FOSS Gain familiarity with use of popular FOSSGain familiarity with use of popular FOSS Recognize how programs are implementing and using FOSSRecognize how programs are implementing and using FOSS

Some Definitions Discounted software – Reduced pricing for copyrighted commercial software available to educational institutions Discounted software – Reduced pricing for copyrighted commercial software available to educational institutions Shareware – Copyrighted software that is downloaded of distributed on a CD that allows users a trial period Shareware – Copyrighted software that is downloaded of distributed on a CD that allows users a trial period Freeware – Copyrighted computer software which is made available for use free of charge for an unlimited time Freeware – Copyrighted computer software which is made available for use free of charge for an unlimited time Open Source – Any computer program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit Open Source – Any computer program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit

Freeware Freeware is different from shareware, where the user is required to pay (e.g. after some trial period or for additional functionality)Freeware is different from shareware, where the user is required to pay (e.g. after some trial period or for additional functionality)shareware The only criterion for being classified as freeware is that the software must be made available for use for an unlimited time at no costThe only criterion for being classified as freeware is that the software must be made available for use for an unlimited time at no cost The term 'freeware' may include public domain software and proprietary softwareThe term 'freeware' may include public domain software and proprietary softwarepublic domainproprietary softwarepublic domainproprietary software From:

Freeware Examples Kea Coloring BookKea Coloring Book –Coloring software for K-2 –

Freeware Examples Sebrans ABCSebrans ABC –Basic skills software for K-2 –

Freeware Examples Saterra – Learn GeographySaterra – Learn Geography –Challenging geography program for grades 3-4 –

Freeware Examples Funny Math for Kids2 + 2 Funny Math for Kids –Basic math skills for grades 3-4 –

Freeware Examples Scratch Programming SoftwareScratch Programming Software –Programming language for creating interactive stories for grades 5-6 –

Freeware Examples ArtRage 2.5 – Paint SimulationArtRage 2.5 – Paint Simulation –Full range paint program for grades 5-6 –

Freeware Repositories Freeware HomeFreeware Home – Freeware GuideFreeware Guide – FreewareFiles.comFreewareFiles.com – FreeMacWareFreeMacWare –

Open Source Open Source – Any computer program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit

Open Source Software SystemSystem NetworkingNetworking ProductivityProductivity MultimediaMultimedia InstructionalInstructional Development toolsDevelopment tools Entertainment / GamesEntertainment / Games

Who Uses Open Source? BusinessesBusinesses GovernmentGovernment MilitaryMilitary Colleges and universitiesColleges and universities K-12 educationK-12 education

Open Source Advantages Cost-effective (free); simplifies licensingCost-effective (free); simplifies licensing Runs well on older hardwareRuns well on older hardware Adaptable to local needsAdaptable to local needs Worldwide community driven; continuous improvementWorldwide community driven; continuous improvement More likely to be built to open standards, so interoperable with other open standards systemsMore likely to be built to open standards, so interoperable with other open standards systems

Open Source Disadvantages No maintenance and support (unless purchased through a 3 rd party)No maintenance and support (unless purchased through a 3 rd party) No warranties regarding media, viruses, and performanceNo warranties regarding media, viruses, and performance For server-based software, staff must be open source savvyFor server-based software, staff must be open source savvy

Windows Windows Internet Explorer Internet Explorer Office Office Photoshop Photoshop Illustrator Illustrator Final Cut Final Cut Mavis Beacon Mavis Beacon Microsoft SQL Microsoft SQL Linux, Solaris, BSD Linux, Solaris, BSD Firefox Firefox OpenOffice OpenOffice GIMP GIMP Inkscape, Cinepaint Inkscape, Cinepaint Cinelerra, Kino, Lives Cinelerra, Kino, Lives TuxType TuxType MySQL MySQL Open Source Applications ProprietaryOpen Source

Dreamweaver Dreamweaver Flash Flash Soundforge Soundforge WMP, Quicktime WMP, Quicktime Blackboard Blackboard Quicken Quicken iPhoto iPhoto KompoZer KompoZer Gnash Gnash Audacity, Jokosher Audacity, Jokosher VLC, Mplayer, Xine VLC, Mplayer, Xine Moodle, Joomla Moodle, Joomla Gnucash Gnucash f-spot, digikam f-spot, digikam Open Source Applications ProprietaryOpen Source

Operating Systems Linux

Productivity Software Open Office

Paint Software Tux Paint

Image Manipulation Software GIMP

Vector Graphic Software Inkscape

Desktop Publishing Software Scribus

Sound Editor Software Audacity

PDF Creation Software PDFCreator (Windows only)

Project Management Software GanttProject

Web Authoring Software KompoZer

Typing Software Tuxtype

Learning Management System Software Moodle

Some Questions to Consider Are you willing and able to search for solutions rather than buy them?Are you willing and able to search for solutions rather than buy them? Are willing to experiment?Are willing to experiment? Can you build or shift capacity over time?Can you build or shift capacity over time? Can you risk depending on the open source community for help or do you need more certainty?Can you risk depending on the open source community for help or do you need more certainty?

General Advice Move forward strategicallyMove forward strategically Include stakeholders in planningInclude stakeholders in planning Look for low threshold opportunitiesLook for low threshold opportunities Consider hybrid solutionsConsider hybrid solutions Define criteria for file handlingDefine criteria for file handling Consider total cost of ownershipConsider total cost of ownership

Case Study Saugus Union School District

The Source for Open Source Software SchoolForge.net

FOSS: For Every Purpose and Every Need!