Free/libre open source software implementation in schools: Evidence from the field and implications for the future

This empirical paper shows how free/libre open source software (FLOSS) contributes to mutual and collaborative learning in an educational environment. Unlike proprietary software, FLOSS allows extensive customisation of software to support the needs of local users better. This also allows users to participate more proactively in the development and implementation process of a FLOSS-based system. In this paper, we observes how implementing FLOSS in an Italian high school challenges the conventional relationship between end users themselves (e.g. teachers and students) and that between users and developers. The findings will shed some light on the social aspects of FLOSS-based computerization

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: CE
• Authors: Yu-Wei Lin, Enrico Zini
• Keywords: CE 2008, Educational Environments, FLoSS, Social