FOSS Background (Module)
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* Have students use a FOSS program similar to one they currently use (e.g. Open Office/Word, Photoshop/GIMP). Have the students compare the two software packages and discuss the pros and cons of choosing an open source alternative. | * Have students use a FOSS program similar to one they currently use (e.g. Open Office/Word, Photoshop/GIMP). Have the students compare the two software packages and discuss the pros and cons of choosing an open source alternative. | ||
| − | === Comments: === | + | === Comments: === |
| − | ;What should the instructor know before using this module | + | ;What should the instructor know before using this module? |
: It is important to note that teachers do not need to have any background in open source software in order to successfully lead these activities | : It is important to note that teachers do not need to have any background in open source software in order to successfully lead these activities | ||
: It is very useful to test all the activities (installs, etc) that students are being asked to do | : It is very useful to test all the activities (installs, etc) that students are being asked to do | ||
| − | What are some likely difficulties that an instructor may encounter using this module? | + | ;What are some likely difficulties that an instructor may encounter using this module? |
| + | : Projects and links can change with little warning in FOSS. Teachers should be sure to check all the resources for availability every time the module is used | ||
=== Additional Information: === | === Additional Information: === | ||
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| − | |'''Level of Difficulty''' || | + | |'''Level of Difficulty''' || Easy |
|- | |- | ||
| − | |'''Estimated Time to Completion''' || | + | |'''Estimated Time to Completion''' || 1-3 class periods depending on whether extensions are used |
|- | |- | ||
| − | |'''Materials/Environment''' || | + | |'''Materials/Environment''' || Internet access, for some activities students will need administrator privileges on their machines (the ability to install software) |
|- | |- | ||
| − | |'''Author(s)''' || | + | |'''Author(s)''' || Kate Lockwood |
|- | |- | ||
| − | |'''Source''' || | + | |'''Source''' || This module includes lessons created by a number of POSSE/TOS members - all linked lessons contain attribution |
|- | |- | ||
|'''License''' || Under which license is this material made available? (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/) | |'''License''' || Under which license is this material made available? (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/) | ||
Revision as of 13:59, 16 August 2016
THIS MODULE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
TEMPLATE
| Title | CS Principles: FOSS Background |
| Overview | This module introduces students to the philosophy and processes of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). It is meant to align with Learning Objectives 7.3.1 and 7.4.1 |
| Prerequisite Knowledge | No prerequisite knowledge required |
| Learning Objectives | At the end of this module, students should be able to:
|
Background:
- Background reading for teachers
- It might be helpful for teachers to complete the Intro to FOSS module located here: http://foss2serve.org/index.php/Intro_to_FOSS_Activity
- In particular, the readings in section 2 will give teachers some important background in the history and vocabulary of the FOSS community that can be used to help frame course discussions.
- What is the expected knowledge level of the student?
- This activity is appropriate for beginning level students
What is the rationale for this module?
Include helpful hints to faculty here.
Sequence/Sub-Path
Include the sequence of activities
| Topic | Activity | Deliverable | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link to First Activity | ||||
| Link to Second Activity |
Potential Extensions
There are a number of possible additions and extensions to the materials here. Please use the discussions tab on this page to share your experiences using the materials, to ask questions, or to offer additional activities. Here are a few examples:
- Have students find and read a license for a piece of software they currently use regularly (e.g. Microsoft Word, iTunes, or Gmail). Then have them find a FOSS license for a similar product. Have the students read both licenses and compare the contents. Ask them to compare and contrast the benefits/drawbacks of both licenses from a user perspective and also from a corporate/programmer perspective.
- Have students find and install two pieces of software (one open source and one traditionally distributed). Ask them to compare the processes (finding the software, installing it, setting up the license, etc). If time allows you could have students complete the Installation Test activity here: http://foss2serve.org/index.php/Test_Installation_Instructions and contribute their observations back to a project. This can be a meaningful way for students with no/little programming background to contribute to a project
- Have students use a FOSS program similar to one they currently use (e.g. Open Office/Word, Photoshop/GIMP). Have the students compare the two software packages and discuss the pros and cons of choosing an open source alternative.
Comments:
- What should the instructor know before using this module?
- It is important to note that teachers do not need to have any background in open source software in order to successfully lead these activities
- It is very useful to test all the activities (installs, etc) that students are being asked to do
- What are some likely difficulties that an instructor may encounter using this module?
- Projects and links can change with little warning in FOSS. Teachers should be sure to check all the resources for availability every time the module is used
Additional Information:
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Estimated Time to Completion | 1-3 class periods depending on whether extensions are used |
| Materials/Environment | Internet access, for some activities students will need administrator privileges on their machines (the ability to install software) |
| Author(s) | Kate Lockwood |
| Source | This module includes lessons created by a number of POSSE/TOS members - all linked lessons contain attribution |
| License | Under which license is this material made available? (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/) |
Suggestions for Open Source Community:
Suggestions for an open source community member who is working in conjunction with the instructor.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
