The Emergence of Open-Source Software in North America

Autor/inn/en	Pan, Guohua; Bonk, Curtis J.
Titel	The Emergence of Open-Source Software in North America
Quelle	In: International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 8 (2007) 3, S.1-17 (17 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1492-3831
Schlagwörter	Computer Software; Participative Decision Making; Models; Innovation; Management Systems; Distance Education; Educational Technology; Higher Education; North America + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Analogiemodell; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; Unterrichtsmedien; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen; Nordamerika
Abstract	Unlike conventional models of software development, the open source model is based on the collaborative efforts of users who are also co-developers of the software. Interest in open source software has grown exponentially in recent years. A "Google" search for the phrase open source in early 2005 returned 28.8 million webpage hits, while less than two years later that number had jumped to 376 million. This paper discusses the origin of the term open source and the key tenets of the open source software development model. In addition, it analyzes the merits and drawbacks of using this model and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of applying the model in higher education. Importantly, examples are provided of computer software, and course management systems in particular, developed using the open source model. Also included are brief analyses of the "Linux" operating system, and two open source course management systems, "Sakai" and "Moodle," as well as the "uPortal." A timeline of major open source projects of significance in North America is provided. The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential for applying the open source software development model to open and distance education. (Contains 2 tables.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Athabasca University. 1200, 10011 - 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-421-2536; Fax: 780-497-3416; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10