TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING ASSISTED BY FREE AND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
Vikas Rao Naidu1*, Baldev Singh2, Raya Ali Al Harrasi3, Haleema Hassan Al Balushi4
1Mr., Middle East College, Oman, vikasrn@gmail.com
2Dr., Vivekananda Institute of Technology, India, baldev.vit@gmail.com
3Ms., Middle East College, Oman, r92oman@gmail.com
4Ms., Middle East College, Oman, haleema.h56@gmail.com
*Corresponding author
Abstract
The education system of the present day has undergone a great revolution, with the enhancement of education technology. Especially in the higher education sector, IT is playing a vital role in the advancement of teaching and learning practices. Most of the educational organizations have already adopted smart learning environment by upgrading their infrastructure and with proper capacity building among staff members. But in the education sector, sustainability of technology is always being a challenge. To develop learning materials, many institutions have already started using free and open source software (FOSS) tools. FOSS gives freedom to the developer with the provision of various customization options as per the requirements of the class or subject. Moreover, in the longer run, free and open source software could be considered as the best option in education for e-learning implementation, for sustainability. There are many tools which are available for e-learning resource development. Some of them are available online and some are available as an installer for the various platform. In order to adapt ICT in education, especially in non-IT specialization, the faculty members need the training to learn and implement these tools in their classes. But there are many tools, which are specially designed for educators with basic knowledge of computers. Educators can plan their sessions, based on content, duration as well as the level of the subject and the students. This research paper will highlight various aspects of the implementation of FOSS, in education by using such easy-to-implement tools and techniques. This would provide general guidelines for the development of various e-learning solutions for technology-enhanced teaching and learning practices in higher education.
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