Using Open Source Tools

Whether I was managing or teaching, there always seemed to be new problems and challenges; it made sense to be always looking for new tools to help me deal with the ever changing world of TAFE. The problem with the proprietary Office tools and learning management systems was that they were always controlled by someone else. I wanted to be able to fit the tools to the problem, not the problem to the tools. As I discovered free, Open Source applications such as Cmaps, Gimp, Open Office, Postnuke, Moodle and so on, I gained access to free resources that I could use to experiment with design, publishing, online communication and learning support. As a teacher or manager, I was able to experiment with new approaches without having to invest a large amount of time and money.

The really exciting thing was that the guardians of the system (IT managers and help desk staff) were actually supportive. So long as I took the time to talk through the issues that I needed to address, and asked for their advice, there was plenty of support.

Another source of inspiration was the community. When I started experimenting with alternative technologies and approaches to managing the learning environment, I discovered people who would go out of their way to support me. Whenever I talked about what I was trying to achieve, people would be there to help, share their stories, or offer advice. One of the things about working on the edge is that it isn’t lonely. This is what has inspired me to document my experiences and help others to link with the tools and ideas I have discovered.

Here are two of the sites I have set up to share my experiences and showcase some of the tools that are freely available, www.cielens.com and www.designplanet.com.au/Marty/moodle/