Open source
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Definition
- Open source is software that can be modified (because it is distributed along with its source code).
- Usually (at least at the time of this writing), open source also means free.
Typology of open source models
Open source in education
<< The advantage of Open Source Software (OSS) which one hears mentioned most frequently is that it is free and can be adapted and extended to meet ones own needs. More important, in my opinion, is the advantage educational institutes can obtain by applying OSS: to shape e-learning according to a clear vision of the educational methods one plans to apply >> (de Vries, 2004).
De Vries (2004) distinguishes four stages or phases of OSS adoption
- Promote the use of OS, do not develop yourself under OS
- Develop with OS in specific projects
- Use and development takes place primarily with OS
- Use and development takes place primarily with OS with active participation in community
The latest model is course the most interesting to us.
References
Fred de Vries (2004): Why should institutions apply Open Source Virtual Learning Environments ? [1] (text) [2] (pdf)