WebQuest about Open Source Software

Teacher's Guide

Introduction

The actual content of the WebQuest coincides with the US K-12 Technology Standards, although its target audience is primarily international. This WebQuest is designed as a response to the requirements of the state standards and the local educational policies in Russia, which do not match the real situation in the system of education. The necessity to follow the policy of the 'informatization' of the educational system does not meet the ability of an average student or an average university/school staff member to buy expensive software for personal and professional purposes.

Learners

This WebQuest is designed for two main social groups, further called 'students':

1. The first-year college students who have mid-level or advanced computer skills after graduating from high school. These young people (18-20) usually have to utilize various software for their studies (distance education, IT-related courses, writing assignments and presentations). Most of them are required to use computers for performing educational and research tasks on regular basis, though this group of students is often unable to buy computer software. This is the most at-risk group in terms of violation the copyright laws, and the instructor has to be careful but persistent when giving explanation of the responsibility of an average PC user.
2. The teaching staff of an average Russian school or college, participating in short-term refreshing course session. Most of the teachers and college staff members have to minimize their expense on the software due to the economical crisis.

Goal and objectives

The goal of the WebQuest is to increase the students' knowledge about open source software, and eliminate (when it is possible) the necessity of buying expensive commercial software having free analogues.

Upon completion of the WebQuest the students will be able to:

• define the necessity of obtaining open source software for completing everyday tasks,
• find and utilize the self-explanatory tutorials for the software,
• and evaluate the program interface and the basic functions.

The WebQuest also helps to develop critical thinking, rational thinking, comparison and categorization skills.

Process

This WebQuest requires at least two lessons separated with a 3-5 day break. The students need some extra time to test the software and look through the tutorials. The instructor is responsible for supporting students individually and managing the groups.

Resources

For using this WebQuest in the classroom the instructor needs:

• A copy of the disk with open source software (OpenOffice, GIMP, Audacity, Blender, etc.);
• Several copies of Linux Life-CD distributions which can be used without installation;
• Printed copies of Evaluation form.

Evaluation

The evaluation spreadsheet can be used for evaluating the students' work.