Learning the Open Source Way
FLOSS as a learning environment
OpenLearn 2007 conference Milton Keynes, UK – 29.10.2007

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Free / Libre Open Source Software - FLOSS
FLOSS communities are today known for producing good
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quality software using a different development approach than
proprietary software producer.
FLOSS is built by a community of volunteers and might be
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backed by companies that generate their revenues by providing
services related to the software.
In more recent years FLOSS communities also gained attention
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for their community production and support models and
regarding their way of knowledge creation and learning.
FLOSS communities possess many characteristics that
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educational settings seek to apply.

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Floss Communities as Learning Environments
Open and inclusive ethos: everyone can participate, no charges, no
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deadlines, life long participation
●Up to date content; everyone can add, edit and update the content
●Materials are usually the product of many authors with many
contributions from people other than authors
●Frequent releases and updates where product features and
community structures are the result of a continuous re-negotiation /
reflection process within a continuous development cycle
●Prior learning outcomes and processes are systematically available
through mailing lists, forums, commented code and further
instructional materials (re-use)
●A large support network; provided voluntarily by the community
member in a collaborative manner nearly 24/7
●Free Riders (lurker) welcome paradox – the more the better
●New ICT solutions are adapted early by the community

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
So, how is it in FLOSS?
And what might be relevant?

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
The community factor
Apache community – Source Faz.net, Author unknown

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
A large variety of information spaces – outside
FLOSS Community Places (source http://innovationcreators.com/wp/?p=70

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
A large variety of information spaces – inside

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Individual learning, community support,...
Learning is happening...

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
... product development, or off topic socialisation spaces
... in a larger context...

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
... provided by and for the community
... and a larger community
117 new members within 4h41m

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Community support services
User help user; a double gain where both learn; lurkers welcome

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Where community support meets content production
Providing support leads to the production of knowledge
bases that serve as a base for the production of
instructional materials and help in definition of product
requirements and improvement

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Where community support meets content production

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Where community support meets content production
Don't produce if you can re-use!

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Where community support meets content production
The different roles of bugs: nasty evil and community builder

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Where community support meets content production
The value of feedback and discourse – anyone asked for further bugs?

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Developer the small core of the community

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Types of content – it's not only bugs
... but it seems to be simple and yet working out

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Types of content – it's not only bugs
...and it's not about state-of-the-art technology, but...?

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Types of content – it's not only bugs
... and it's produced
by the help of EVERYONE

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Types of content – it's not only bugs
... and under current reconsideration of processes and structures

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Types of content – it's not only bugs
... but it records and displays
the most basic questions, answers
and the way towards them – so they
can be re-used by others

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Re-use – benefit from what others did and experienced
... code, materials, templates, tutorials, discussions,
reflections, problem solving processes and solutions, ...

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Reviewed by peers
... for core contributions, individual modifications or on other occasions

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Core, modularity and 3rd party add ons
Users do have the option to develop their
own modules, or to discuss and suggest
new features

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Modules, extensions, add-ons...
Modularity allows participation at a low entry level

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
... to enhance the core product
Where modules might even have 3rd party sub-modules

Learning the open source way – the floss approach

FLOSS Principles for formal education?!?
So what does this show?
Content is not something static but dynamic
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Learning resources are manifold
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Users are also active creators
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Support and learning resources are closely connected
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Open and transparent structures foster re-use and discourse,
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but also continuous improvement and evolutionary growth
Existence of a wide range of possible activities to engage at
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around the core product
Self-studying and learning from what others did are the pre-
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dominant form of learning

Learning the open source way – the floss approach
Thank you!
Further information at: www.flosscom.net
Contact:
andreasmeiszner@spi.pt
or
A.Meiszner@open.ac.uk