According to wikipedia the definition of Open Source Software can be defined as computer software, which the human-readable source is made available under a copyright license. This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner. On the other hand, Proprietary software is computer software on which the producer has set restrictions on use, private modification, copying, or republishing. Similar terms include "closed-source software" and "non-free software". Proprietors may enforce restrictions by technical means, such as by restricting source code access, or by legal means, such as through copyright and patents. www.wikipedia.org.
Even though Proprietary software such as Microsoft word is highly used in educational environments educators and learners today, have another free alternative for digital documents creation. It allows, editing, storing and sharing freely. Google offers a free alternative on a web-based word processor, spreadsheet and presentation tool that allows not only the creation and editing of documents but it also encourages collaborative work with multiple people at the same time. http://www.google.com/educators
In my opinion, this is a great alternative of open source software for educator and studentsthat offers an affordable option that can be used, at home, in class or anywhere with an internet connection such as coffee stores and airports.
In addition, the benefits of helping educators to raise the standards of presentation and quality of education for their students to achieve their full potential for free is extremely valuable. Furthermore open source software and material encourage the teaching community, to share content as well as resources to expand the boundaries of education around the world.
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I really liked the Google tools for educators link. Most of the tools were ones I am familiar with but Google groups is new to me. The tips on moderating online discussions as well as the idea of building a community within a community online were very fertile.
I agree that Free Programs are good for educators.I mean HELLO??!!! Though I am surprised that our society does not invest in education more. Teachers are underpaid, undervalued and undermined in their roles as cheerleaders and guides for encouraging students as they develop the learning skills and styles that will come handy for use in life.
Yeah the stock market is great and all but.. why not invest in something important??? Teach for the future today! Someone told me last week that the easiest indicator of class is education. Why do we link the idea of being cultured or civilized with education yet fail so miserably at making learning a fun, life long process that children look forward to and relish?
I think Moana's expression "the easiest indicator of class is education" is really interesting. But, I have to say I can't really agree with it. I think it should be "the cleanest (or tidiest) indicator of class is education." After all, we are all in this program to earn Master's degree, but, as our fields of art and education are heinously underpaid, we might not all fit into a simple education level vs. salary graph. We will not make the same money as someone with a fresh MBA in International Business or a MS in Chemical Engineering. We, as both artists and educators, are outliers in this graph. We cannot be easily represented here. And I absolutely agree that teachers should be more. Maybe one day we will fit easily into that education level vs. salary graph, but we don't today.
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