Open Source Software

The entire notion of open source sofware was, until this class, something that I had never heard of, and frankly did not think even existed. I did know that some programs obviously were free, but it just seemed like any prestigious program that you can buy cost money for a reason and that the creators were happy to keep it that way. Contrary to my beliefs, open source software has been created, thanks to the Open Source Definition which determines whether a sofware license can be considered open source. If a programs falls under this definition, that means that the source code that is normally reserved for copyright holders is made available for the public to use, change, improve, and redistribute the software. This helps the public not only economically, but also in the sense that we may receive better quality versions of programs like Photoshop and Microsoft Office Word.
I certainly think that knowledge of the existence of open source software will benefit me in the teaching profession. It goes without saying that I will want my students to have at their disposal any computer program that will enhance their learning. And because there is such an economic burden on teachers for their students' resources, being able to access software that is equal to the expensive ones for free will allow me to share that information with my students and use the programs on my in-class computers.

http://www.getpaint.net/

The link I have provided above goes to a website called GetPaint, which I think is something I can use as a teacher. It is an example of an open source software that allows you to edit images. Because my goal is to teach younger children, I would use this to create exciting images for lessons that will help to get my point across, and even to teach my students to use to increase their computer skills.