Open Source Software

Title: Transforming High School Classrooms with Free/Open Source Software: It's Time for an Open Source Software Revolution

Source: Pfaffman, Jay (2008).  Transforming High School Classrooms with Free/Open Source Software: It's Time for an Open Source Software Revolution. USA: The University of North Carolina Press. Retrieved from http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/high_school_journal/v091/91.3pfaffman.pdf

Abstract:

This article discusses the similarity of Free / Open Source Software (FOSS) in science. Both FOSS and scientific knowledge are built in the concept of creating shared knowledge and the desire to have one’s work adapted by the scientific or computer using commonly. Thus, it is perfect to use FOSS for science classrooms already with subject matter like molecules, periodic table, astronomy (such as the stars, galaxies, and a realistic 3-D sky).

3 Things I Learned:

1.  I learned the practical applications of FOSS in teaching in the classroom specifically for science related subjects.

2. I became aware of the uses and applications of FOSS tools that can support education in high schools in general science education in particular continues to grow. Using FOSS offers a practical means to give teachers and students the tools they need in the classroom.

3. Finally, I learned that FOSS itself models the way that science is developed and propagated. Because there is much similarity between FOSS and science giving students a better understanding for how science works.

Implications:

As a science teacher, this article is very helpful to me. I could apply the different things I learned in teaching science. And these are all for free. In this way, students will hundred (100 %) understand and retain to their memories the different lessons using FOSS. They see objects that behave as exactly as the original objects do. These are through the application of realistic 3-D. Thus it is essential and there is really a need to integrate FOSS into science classrooms.