WebQuest about Open Source Software

Process

Lesson 1. Individual 'expert' work

Stage 1 ..... Choosing the software

Look through the list of open source software on the Resources page. You have to choose one program from the list. Follow the link and go to the software developers website. Read the basic information about the software, look through the main web site sections, and find the information about the functions and specifics of the program. Then download the installation file (or use a copy given by the instructor), and install it on your computer.

Stage 2 ..... Exploring the tutorial

At the Resources page find a tutorial for the software you selected. Look for the page describing how to work with the basic functions of the program. Make a list of the most valuable fuctions which, you think, you may need as a user.

Stage 3 ..... Testing and evaluation

You are given one week to test the software which you have chosen. Try different features, play around with the menus, options. Pay attention to the interface and its usability. Download and print out the following form for the software evaluation.

Questions	Write your answers here
1. The name of the evaluated software
2. What is the utilization area of the software?
3. What could be the target audience of this program?
4. What are the basic functions of the software (e.g. music editing, image viewing, file converting, etc.).
5. Are the menus, toolbars, navigation buttons easy to understand and use?
6. What other software having similar features do you know?
7. Does this software have updates or new versions? If 'yes', what is the latest release?
8. Does the tutorial for the software provide clear and complete information for an inexperienced user?
9. Would you recommend this software for use?
10. Does this software prevent copyright violation (e.g., does not allow converting protected, importing documents requires access rights, etc.)?

Completed?

Continue in the group!

Lesson 2. Group 'expert' work

Stage 4 ..... Group discussion on the 'pros' and 'cons' of the open source software

You will join a group of 2-3 other 'experts'. Look through the following pages and discuss them in your group:

http://www.cippic.ca/open-source/

http://oedb.org/library/features/how-the-open-source-movement-has-changed-education-10-success-stories

http://www.computereconomics.com/article.cfm?id=1043

Stage 5 ..... Group report

Your group is responsible for making a short report about possibility of utilizing open source software by an average representative of one of the following target groups:

Secondary/High school student,
College student,
Office worker,
Teacher/College professor,
Graphic designer,
Engineer,
Home user.

The report (2 pages maximum) supported by a presentation (about 5 slides) has to describe general 'pros' and 'cons' of using the open source software by your target group. Make a list of programs which can be recommended for satisfying the basic work and study needs, and the other software which can be useful to some extent. At the end, you have to make an overall conclusion about the cases in which a representative of your target group can rely on Open Source, and cases, in which it is better to avoid it.

Your report has to include the following information:

Name of your target group,
Brief desctiption of what basic tasks an average representative of the target group can do,
The recommended software,
The possible limitations of the chosen software,
Your 'expert' conclusion: can open source be used effectively by your target group?