Welcome to LTEC 647C at University of Hawaii-Manoa! This course is about the free and open-source software (FOSS) movements and how educators can leverage FOSS to their advantage. The first lesson will provide an introduction to the topic.
This lesson consists of two parts:
- readings and activity on your own; and
- subsequent synchronous meeting that kicks off our semester with discussions, activity, and review.
In it, we’ll dispel some myths and misunderstandings about the word “free” in this context, and start becoming familiar with the people, organizations, and history behind the software. We will also take a closer look at the roots of Free Software, and the Open-Source response to it.
The course introduction addresses these topics:
- What is Free Software?
- What is Open Source Software?
- History of Free and Open Source Software
- The Free Software Foundation (FSF) and Open-Source Initiative (OSI)
- FOSS and Proprietary Counterparts
Advanced Organizer
This week, look for answers to the following questions. NOTE: consider copying and pasting these questions into your notes to reference while you read and review content
- Who defined the term “free software”?
- Who defined the term “open-source”?
- What determines if software is free, open-source, or both?
- Why did Richard Stallman start the Free Software Foundation?
- Why was the term “Open Source” created?
- How does the Open Source definition differ from the Free Software definition?
- What are some FOSS alternatives to software you currently use?
- If FOSS costs nothing to obtain and use, why doesn’t everyone use it?
Walk-through
Complete all of the readings in this week’s walk-through. Answer the Advanced Organizer questions.
You’ll find my annotations via hypothes.is in the online PDF versions. Please contribute your own questions, highlights, and comments.
1. Reading: Producing Open Source Software:
- History (PDF pp. 3 – 9)
- The Rise of Proprietary Software and Free Software
- “Free” vs. “Open Source”
- The Situation Today. (PDF p. 9)
Let’s start with the history of the Free and Open-Source movements. Karl Fogel does a great job of summarizing this history in his book Producing Open Source Software. Note that Mr. Fogel’s text is focused on managing a successful open source project, or conversely – avoiding the failure of an open source project.
As you read, there were (and are) many sources of resistance to the rise of proprietary software, and many motivations for resistance. Some consider F/OSS an ethical or moral choice, others a superior software development methodology, and yet others regard it as a good business strategy. As Fogel states, “Free software is a culture by choice.” Understanding the motivations for using or contributing to F/OSS software is a key to integrating it successfully as an educator. Fortunately, the benefits of adopting F/OSS don’t change based on your motivation for involvement.
2. Reading: Free Software, Free Society:
Chapter 1 – (pp. 3-8) What is Free Software?
As Fogel discussed, Richard Stallman, or RMS as he is frequently referred to, is a pivotal character in FOSS culture and community. In chapter 1 of Free Software, Free Society, Stallman defines and discusses the Free Software definition. Note Stallman’s stance on the ethics of non-free software. He references “copyleft” in this chapter – copyleft refers to the requirement that user freedoms be preserved in modified versions of software.
3. Read the Open Source Initiative’s Annotated Open Source definition:
In Fogel’s History chapter, we learned about the motivations behind the Open Source Initiative (OSI). Now let’s review the Open Source definition maintained by the OSI. How does this definition differ from the FSF’s Free Software definition? How is it that 10 criteria for Open Source and 4 criteria for Free Software generate nearly identical sets of conforming software?
4. Browse the 2016 Open Source Yearbook – a diverse set of open source stories from 2016
Opensource.com publishes stories about creating, adopting, and sharing open source solutions. Visit to learn more about how the open source way is improving technologies, education, business, government, health, law, entertainment, humanitarian efforts, and more.
Assignment
Browse some FOSS titles
There are lots of good places to find FOSS software to download. Each FOSS project likely has its own website, but you need to discover the software before exploring it. Browse by category or search by keywords. Pay attention to which operating systems the software supports. Try to identify a few applications that you might want to install and try out. Some good places to start are:
- Sourceforge.net – includes a Home & Education category, also filter by operating system
- Open Source Software Directory – includes an Education category under Home Users
- Google Search – just use “open source” and try to specify the type of application you want
“Clog” Bio and Blog link
- Complete your Profile section in Laulima. It’s on your Workspace tab, not inside our course tab.
- In our Laulima course tab, go to the Clog (Collaborative Log) tool in the left-hand navigation.
- Read my Example post and post your self-introduction in Clog.
Blog Post #1
- Make a first Blog post. You can post in Clog or an external blogging site like WordPress or Blogger.
- Had you heard of “free software” or “open-source software” before this class? Provide some details, if so.
- Which FOSS titles caught your attention for future exploration?
- Explain the FSF’s philosophy in your own words.
- Explain the OSI’s philosophy in your own words.
- Review 2 classmates’ blogs, especially the FOSS titles they are interested in exploring
- Either mention these blogs in your post, or comment directly on the classmates’ posts
- Choose 1 article from the 2016 Open Source Yearbook. Summarize it in one or two paragraphs, and provide your thoughts and reactions on the article.
Synchronous Meeting
Blackboard Collaborate Web Conference
- See Syllabus for Dates and Times of HOT sessions
Please join the web conference 15 minutes early to re-test your microphone and headset. The first part of class will be devoted to a Collaborate orientation, followed by introducing ourselves, holding discussions, viewing a presentation, participating in a group activity, and reviewing the syllabus and assignments.
Additional Material
- Eric Raymond’s original call to the community to use “open source” terminology
