Open+Source+or+Free

There is a wealth of Open Source or Free software available for use in schools. Open Source software is software that is totally free of licence costs. Open Source software has a number of [|benefits] for schools. **[|Open Source Victoria]** has a [|catalogue] of Open Source software available for download that is suitable for use in schools. Generally these programs can be copied on to CD and given to students for use on home computers. However, please check the details carefully by visiting the program websites because circumstances may have changed for some programs.

[|Open Office]: a full featured suite of office programs - it includes Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheet), Impress (presentation), Base (Database), Draw (Vector drawing tool) and Math (mathematical function creator) [|Nvu]: a complete website development and management program. Very similar in capability to Frontpage and Dreamweaver. [|GIMP]: A powerful graphics manipulation and editing program. Often compared with Photoshop. [|Blender]: A powerful 3D modelling tool - probably for older students. [|Audacity]: A powerful and easy to use sound recording and editing tool. Could be used to create Podcasts.
 * Some exceptional Open Source programs are**:

Other software is available for free or in limited function forms for use in schools or by individuals. **Note**: //These programs are not Open Source//

[|Gamemaker]: A program suitable for Grade 5 - Adult. A simple to use game programming environment. It allows students to create various types of arcade games without any knowledge of sophisticated programming. However, it does serve as a useful tool to introduce concepts of event driven computer programming. [|PhotoStory3]: A free program from Microsoft. This terrific program allows students to easily build visual narratives incorporating digital images and soundtracks. [|Powerpoint Producer]: "Microsoft Producer for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 makes it easy to capture and synchronize audio, video, slides and images—creating engaging rich media presentations. Capture, synchronize, and publish audio, video, slides, and images to create rich media presentations viewable in a browser." - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/technologies/producer.mspx [|Google Earth]: A program that utilises satellite maps of the earth to allow students to zoom in on almost any part of the earth. Excellent program for use in SOSE - Geography related topics. Beware, the satellite imagery is downloaded as required over the internet. This can be expensive and slow if many students are using the program at the same time.

[|Google Docs] is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and form application offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. Here are a couple of examples of shared Google docs: 1) [|Twenty Interesting Ways to use Google Docs in the Classroom] 2) [|Thirty-Four Interesting Ways to Use Search Engines in the Class] Some of these sites may be blocked in Vic DEECD schools and some searches may bring up inappropriate images or information so be careful.