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10 for Teachers – Open Source Software

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Here are some of the open source programs that are already proving popular in schools. Give them a try:

Open Office (www.openoffice.org) is an office productivity tool. It’s compatible with MS Office formats and includes all the desktop applications you’d expect, word processor, spreadsheet, presentations, and so on.

GIMP (www.gimp.org) is a graphics program that can be used to process digital graphics and photographs. It includes a wide range of elements that can be used to manipulate images.

Moodle (http://moodle.org/ and www.moodle.co.nz) is a Learning Management System (LMS) designed to help teachers create and manage online courses.

Scribus (www.scribus.net) is a desktop publishing (DTP) program that has many professional publishing features.

Koha (www.koha.org) is an Integrated Library System (ILS). It provides wide-ranging functionality, including modules for circulation, cataloguing, acquisitions, serials, reserves, and user management.

Planner (http://su.pr/1hyXSQ) is a project scheduling tool that comes with all the relevant features – calendar, resource assignment, definition of tasks, etc.

Elgg (http://elgg.org/) is a tool designed for creating social networking websites and includes blogging, file sharing, networking, and collaboration features.

Inkscape (www.inkscape.org) is a vector graphics editor – a ‘drawing tool’ – with capabilities similar to Illustrator, Freehand or CorelDraw.

Mahara (http://mahara.org/) is an e-portfolio system that also includes a weblog, resume builder and social networking system.

Ubuntu (http://ubuntu.com) is a Linux-based operating system that can be used for laptops, desktops and servers, and is both PC and Mac compatible. Edubuntu is a derivative that’s been developed to enable educators with limited technical knowledge to set-up and administer.

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