Your final exam will be time-limited, but open-book and open-browser. You will not, however, be allowed to collaborate with others. To allow you maximum preparation opportunity, I am providing a general outline of the final:
The Scene
You will be provided a scenario that describes your job, school, and boss.
Your Task
You will be tasked with reviewing a specific software application that you may never have heard of. Using LibreOffice, you will write a briefing for your boss to address the software’s suitability for your school. You will be asked to defend your stance with citations and informed opinion.
In writing this briefing, the reader should be able to ascertain that:
- You know what F/OSS is, its potential benefits, and potential limiting factors.
- You know what the challenges of implementing the software in your school are likely to entail.
- You understand total cost of ownership.
- You can communicate in writing: succinctly and convincingly.
- You are able to integrate this semester’s lessons into a coherent stance on F/OSS in education.
Additional Resources For After Class
- OSS Watch: F/OSS Case Studies in UK Colleges and Universities (HTML)
- ZDNet’s Linux and Open Source Blog (RSS Feed)
- SELF Project’s book: Introduction to Free Software (PDF)
