Open source

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

There are several criteria which can be combined:

1. Cost:
   • Free
   • Free for certain communities
   • Commercial
2. Open source:
   • Source code is (not) available
3. Copyright:
   • "Free as beer" (you can do what you want),
   • GPL style (you can modify code but must make available modifications and you are not allowed to change the copyright

Well known copyright schemas:

• Creative commons (various variants).

under construction

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

1. Promote the use of OS, do not develop yourself under OS
2. Develop with OS in specific projects
3. Use and development takes place primarily with OS
4. 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)