Open Source in Education

The way forwardManimohan

Presented at the first "National Open Source Conference & Exhibition"

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris - 6th - 7th of August 2002

Why Open Source ?

�The growth of open source

�The role of sharing in knowledge growth

�ICT as the foundation of modern society

�All technology depends on software

�Software expertise is the key for Malaysia

Sharing

� Free exchange of ideas

�Human progress comes from sharing ideas and

concepts

�Collaboration is the foundation of the academic process

�Educators have to plant the seeds, foster and nurture

this

Action areas

�Traditional schools� Increase awareness among students and staff

�Encourage them to learn, experiment and use

�Use Open Source Systems to demonstrate their value

�UPSI/other educational training institutions to lead

�Technical and Vocational Institutions�As above

� Introduce courses in Open Source�As specific, independent modules

�As part of other modules as appropriate

Action areas

� Institutions of Higher Education�Relevant academic dept.’s e.g. Com. Sc./Engg

�Primary motivators of Open Source – include in syllabus

�Encourage research and development

�Participate more in world-wide efforts of Open Source

�Other departments and Administration�Use Open Source Systems to demonstrate their value

� Incorporate into areas as appropriate

� Professional Institutions�Promote awareness and educate about Open Source�Use Open Source Systems to demonstrate their value

Action areasThe government's role

� Strategic Leadership and facilitation�Use Open Source in government - MAMPU

�Ministries�Education Ministry

�Ministry of Human Resources

�Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment

�Ministry for Entrepreneurial Development

�Ministry for International Trade and Industry

�etc. etc.

Open Source & UNITEN

� SCADA

�Telemetry & Process Control

� Embedded Applications

�R & D in Innovative Local Open Source Applications and Systems

�The spearhead for our very own ‘MOST’ ‘Malaysian Open Source Technology’ Initiative

A Vision for tomorrow – “MOST”Malaysian Open Source Technology

UNITEN & TNB

Telekom University & TMB PETRONAS

… LMN … XYZABC

Benefits

�Economic�$aving millions/billions in licensing

�Free or low-cost alternatives

� Intellectual�Study and learn

�Growing our own expertise

�Modify and customise�Add value by tailoring to our purposes

�Share for mutual benefit�Collaboration leading to synergy and leverage

The choice is clear

�Open Source Systems are the way forward

�The benefits are obvious

�The nation needs OSS

�The world needs OSS

�We must ensure the future of our nation

�We must ensure the future of the k-economy

Together we can do it

Thank you for your attention !

Presented to the College of Engineering, UNITEN6th September 2002

Manimohan mani@apiit.edu.mym3@computer.org