Open Source Software

Programs and software have source codes, which are transformed into machine codes so they can be read by computers. If the program is to be fixed, extended, or changed in any way, this is done by ammending the source code and creating another machine code to create an updated copy of the software. Software is open source when the author of the software gives users of the software access to the source code and gives them the right to change and redistribute the source code as they need to. The concept of open source was created by computer programmer Richard Stallman. When Stallman couldn't get a printer to work, he asked the manufacturer for the source code so he could adapt it and fix the problems. The manufacturer denied Stallman access to the source code, saying it was a trade secret, so Stallman became frustrated that he could not alter software he had paid money to own and thus created the concept of free software, which open source software came from. Open source allows users of software to access the source code so they can alter the software any way they want. While commercial software has to be purchased and the source code is kept secret, open source is free to download and users can access the source code. By having access to source codes, users can create different codes for different applications and versions of the software, as long as they don't sell or make profit from it. Open source software is available for word processing, image editing, web browsing, and multiple other uses. Some very popular open source programs include Firefox web browser, Linux, Open Office word processing, Gimpshop photo editor, and Audacity sound editor. These and thousands of other programs make software usage free and easy.

In elementary education, open source provides a way to access educational software and programs for free, allowing for more software in the classroom than if the software had to be purchased. Since much of the software used in an elementary classroom down not need to be commercial grade, open source is a great way to obtain educational software, games, and materials. This is vital to public schools that are already on a tight budget and don't have thousands to spend on word processing programs, educational games, and other programs necessary in the classroom. I could use multiple programs to enhance lessons and engage students in the educational process. Open source provides software for creating presentations, editing projects, and creating documents. Open source can be used to make educational resources more effective, efficient, and available, and increasing communication and sharing of resources between teachers. Open source would, to put it simply, would make utilizing educational software cheap and easy.

This is a great website that includes links to and explains numerous educational open source software. I chose this site because it includes programs that cover a variety of subjects, including art, music, astronomy, mathematics, and variety games. These programs enhance education and make learning fun and engaging.

Educational Technology

Educational technology is the practice of addressing educational needs and improving education by utilizing the most current and versatile resource-technology. By definition, education is "learning, teaching, knowledge, instruction, mental growth" and technology means a craft or art, gadgets, tools, techniques, products and practices. Therefore, educational technology can be described as addressing the needs of learning, teaching, knowledge, instruction, and mental growth by using new gadgets, tools, techniques, products and practices. There has been a drastic transition to the use of educational technology because of the transition of the world at large. The world has transitioned into the information and technology age, and that transition has required education to also make a change in order to keep up. At first, this was with the use of radio, slides, and sound recordings in classrooms-the latest, greatest technologies for enhancing education. Now there are numerous more technologies available that are used every day in education to best prepare children of the 21st century for the high-tech, ever changing 21st century. In today's world, students are learning in ways never thought possible 60,30, even 10 years ago. As the amount of information is infinitely growing, faster and more complex means of utilizing and spreading that information to students is needed. Thus, students are growing up in an educational system of technology. Computers, internet, television, video, virtual classrooms, online assignments, interactive lessons and activities, blogs, wikis, web pages, social networking sites-these are all technologies students are experiencing, learning from, and utilizing in their education. Educational technology is also being used in the military and workforce for training, instruction, and communications.

As an educational major, educational technology is going to increasingly be an aspect of my career. Teaching a classroom full of 21st century children, using technology in my classroom to improve education is basically inevitable. As a kindergarten teacher, I can use technology not only to enhance learning, but to engage young children and keep their attention and make learning fun and exciting. I can use different types of technology in different ways to best fir the needs of each child, help them visualize what is being taught through the use of video or computer graphics, and help them learn the basics of certain technologies such as computers. However, I don't want technology to become a substitute for me. I do not want my students to become so distracted by and enveloped in technology that learning in others ways (from me or by working with each other) becomes unexciting. Technology will be used only when necessary or highly beneficial. That is, assuming I work in a school where technologies, which can be expensive and challenging to keep up to date since it is ever changing and improving, are affordable and available.

A Changing World!

This video (embedding was disabled so I included a link) goes through the evolution of technology in education over the years. I chose it because it not only gives the history of technology in education, but it shows just how far technology has come and how the shifts have greatly affected the way classrooms are run and how education is administered. It also provides a look into the future and a glimpse as to where technology may take education in the future!