Free is not Always Easy, but Expensive is not Always an Option: Using Freeware and Open Source Softw

1
Free is not Always Easy, but Expensive is not
Always an Option Using Freeware and Open
Source Software in TeacherEducation Programs

• Sara J. Lindsey, Ed.D.
• Kevin R. Jones, Ph.D.
• Morehead State University

2
What is Open Source (OS)?

• Special kind of software that anyone can change
  or share. The "source" is the source code of a
  program the engine. Anyone can make changes.
  
• Most software is closed source or "proprietary."
  Only software companies can change or share it.

3
Pros

• Cost - Free No complicated licenses Students
  can take home
  
• Quality - Many programs mature, suitable for
  schools
  
• Independence - Schools can't be forced to
  upgrade. Solutions modular and customizable
  
• Community support - Free support available
• Advanced curricula - Students learn technology
  without depending on specific company/software
  brand.

4
Cons

• Specific apps - Specific curriculum software may
  be unavailable
  
• Migration - Changes often disruptive New
  software new support/training
  
• Uncertain future Growth industry Long term
  costs unknown
  
• Supporting learning - Many programs don't work
  with OS May be challenging to use initially

5
Where do I get it?

• http//sourceforge.net/
• http//www.openoffice.org/
• http//directory.fsf.org/
• http//freshmeat.net/

6
Why use it in Teacher Education Programs?

• Teacher candidates
• Become familiar with different products
• Start to look beyond the norm
• May work in low income schools

7
TuxPaint

• A program designed for 3-12 year olds
• Simple interface
• Additional stamps available
• Sound effects included

8
TuxPaint

• Used in several ways
• Illustrating existing poems/stories
• Creating illustrations for new stories
• Learning games for younger students
• Simple diagrams
• Sample 1 (Michele)

9
TuxPaint
10
(No Transcript)
11
Pivot Stickfigure Animator

• Freeware
• Designed for older students
• Sample 1 (Keith)

12
Pivot Stickfigure Animator

• Used in several different ways
• Introduction to animation
• Telling or retelling stories
• Building block for making own movies
• Thinking about movement

13
Introducing Pivot Stickfigure Animator
14
Using Pivot Stickfigure Animator
15
(No Transcript)
16
(No Transcript)
17
The Gimp

• Powerful image editing software
• Storywriting and illustrating
• Reading activities (missing elements)
• Administration (names, labels)
• Sample 1- before and after (Mallory)
• Reflection (Mallory)

18
FreeMind
19
FreeMind
20
Audacity

• Record live audio
• Convert tapes and records into digital recordings
  or CDs
  
• Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, and WAV sound files
• Cut, copy, splice, and mix sounds together
• Change the speed or pitch of a recording

21
(No Transcript)
22
Photo Story 3 for Windows

• Free from Microsoft (for those using Windows)
• Creates slide shows and videos
• Sample 1 (Michelle)
• Sample 2 (Mallory)

23
OpenOffice

• Multiplatform and multilingual office suite
• Open-source project
• Compatible with all other major office suites
• Free to download, use, and distribute

24
(No Transcript)
25
Software

• Open Source
• NVU
• TuxPaint
• The Gimp
• Audacity
• OpenOffice
• Freemind

• Freeware
• Pivot stickfigure animator
• PhotoStory 3

26
References

• http//www.netc.org/openoptions/home/quickstart.ht
  ml