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Open Source Software in the Classroom

This is the content from the presentation about open source software in the classroom delivered as part of the NZACDITT conference on the 6th October, 2009 in Christchurch.

Benefits of Open Source Software to Schools

Cost

  • No license costs for use: download, install and use
  • Budget can go towards infrastructure (we got computers, robot kits, webcams)
  • Upgrades are freely available
  • Low cost gets you started but is not the compelling reason for using OSS in the classroom

Freedom

  • Low cost tools leads to a flexible learning environment
  • Students can use the same software at home as school without licensing issues
  • Authentication and 'piracy' become non-issues
  • Opportunity to improve the tools and contribute to the wider community

Learning Opportunities

  • Students are free to choose the appropriate tools for the job
  • Focus on project requirements rather than 'learning tools'
  • Legal issues and ethics around OSS and comparisons with proprietary models are gold for Technology teachers
  • "Think for yourself fool!" - students learn to rely on community support instead of teacher direction

Support

  • The key tools have large communities behind them with a lot of support
  • Local open source companies are crying out for an opportunity to 'get involved' with education (nzoss.org.nz)
  • Internally ... variable

Challenges

My Key Issues

  • Takes time to break the students down to focus on the job and not the tool
  • 'Brand loyalty' and bias hard to break (Windows, Mac, Adobe are 'industry standard')
  • No cost -> no value (ie. there is no way Gimp is as good as Photoshop)
  • Tough to operate Linux in a "Windows/Mac" environment (but so worth it)

Key Software:

These are the S5 files and related print resource (PDF) for the presentation: Open Source in the Classroom