Educational Open Source Software Programs

Educational Open Source Software

Listed below are some possible open source software applications for Southern and they are all Free.

1. Firefox – Very stable Internet Browser similar to Internet Explorer - http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/
2. Open Office – Same as Microsoft Office - http://www.openoffice.org/
3. Moodle – Course management software for possible online courses - http://moodle.org/
4. Scribus –Desktop Publish Software http://www.scribus.net/
5. Picasa – Photo editing program - http://picasa.google.com/features/index.html
6. GIMP – Photo editing program - http://www.gimp.org/
7. CMap Tools – Concept –Mapping Tools - http://cmap.ihmc.us/
8. Nvu – Web Page Editor - http://www.nvu.com/index.php

There are many more, just do a Google search on open source and you will find a wealth of information. Also check out http://www.schoolforge.net/ to learn more.

I look forward to talking about the educational benefits of open source with you.

Looking ahead to the 2007-2008 School Year for Technology

As we begin to plan for the 2007-2008 school year a couple of areas I would like you to begin to familiarize yourself with are the areas of Web 2.0 applications and Open Source Software. If you are not familiar with these terms please take a look at their definitions at the following web sites:
Web 2.0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0

Open Source Software

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source

And yes the wikipedia sites you visit are an example of Web 2.0 applications. Also the blog you are reading right now is another example of a Web 2.0 application.

The main reason I'm taking a good long look at these applications is the fact that they are all free. From an educational view in our district I'm thinking this might be the way to go at SCA.

Please read and let me know your opinions. I will have more positing coming later.