1. Benefits of Free and Open SourceSoftware in Teaching and Learning 12/7/2012 Valmiera Mrt Pder Tartu UniversityPhilosophy teachers programEstobuntu developer and free software campaigner

2. My involvementsIT background, academic education in philosophy andteachingLeaded workgroup for philosophy in development of2010 national curriculumHelping UNESCO Estonian commission organizingannual philosophy day events and software freedom dayeventsDeveloping free software operating system Estobuntuand promoting the use of it in schoolsCampaigning for better support of free software in stateservices (ID card, document formats etc) 3. Reminder: What is Free and Open SourceSoftwareIt is not just the software you download for free (and itdoesnt have to be given away for free)Free software as defined by Free Software Foundation fromperspective of users rights on software:To run software [R0]To study and modify software [R1]To redistribute software [R2]To redistribute with modifications [R3] 4. UNESCO Support from 2001...supporting the development and use of open, interoperable, non-discriminatory standards for information handling and access as important elements in developing effective infostructures that contribute to democratic practices, accountability and good governance.http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and- information/access-to-knowledge/free-and-open-source- software-foss/ 5. In 2010 Finally inEstonian National Curriculum! 6. 1. Optional subject: Informatics1.1. General Provisions1.1.2. Description of the Subject6. free software and open content: whereverpossible, free software and content with flexiblelicenses are preferred over proprietary softwareand copyrighted content;1.1.4. Physical Learning Environment7) computers with different operating systems (forinstance, in addition to MS Windows, Mac OS orLinux); 7. Obvious Benefits for Teachers andAdministrationCost-efficient if done rightScalability, portability, interoperability etcFor teaching as well as administrationLocalisations and translations (can develop terminology)Encourages cooperation in creating materials, designinglearning processes (if people involved are informed ofpossibilities) 8. Real LifeMost of teachers dont use free software in classroomsThey have no time to get used to it, they need to dealwith their everyday teachingAmount of the teachers at some timepoint explainstudents about free software (some of them dont mindthe difference from freeware)Some teachers are enthousiasts and have introducedtheir schools to free software 9. Biggest ObstacleGetting used to free software as an environment of participation and responsibility inherent to healthy information society. It takes time for digital citizens to ripen.One should be accustomed to free software ecosystem already from elementary school. Rights and freedoms in digital sphere should be given much more attention (from privacy concerns all the way to software freedom). 10. For Learners Sake: Growing Up DigitalCitizensKnowing their digital rights and freedoms students gaincontrol over their digital selvesUsing, feedbacking and modifying free software givesstudents hands on experience with real softwareFree software is entry point to job market, free softwareCVs (like GitHub profile) can replace regular CvsPractice in real projects with experienced developers forfree and for the good of society (values dimension)Democracy and transparency: most software producedby and for public administration should be public, i. e.free software with open source code 11. What Are We Trying To Do About It?Free software enthousiasts prepare Estobuntu Linux(from their free time with some donations and serversprovided by IT college)UNESCO local commission is starting to organize eventsto explain software and other digital freedoms for theschools in their networksInformatics teachers association is planning to hold nextconference on free software in ICTThere might be some projects led by European FreeSoftware Foundation to inform teachersOne day a free software enthousiast may write a projectto get some real resources to improve the situation 12. Role models?National ID card software is free software in a mostelementary sense. 13. Where Are We Failing?Commercial entities can lobby for their interests much more persistently and we need more help from state administration to keep free software a viable alternative in Estonia (in schools as well as other institutions/situations).