Open Source in LeGS
Roger Saunders an adviser in the Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao (BEAM Project) asked me a couple of months ago if its possible to have a LeGS seminar-workshop in USEP’s computer laboratory. I can vividly remember how enthusiastic Roger was when he asked me about the workshop. We exchanged a couple of email messages pertaining to the workshop. All I know is that Roger is an avid Open Source advocate and he is very keen on using open source whenever possible. He was the one who introduced Inkscape to me and until now I am using it… and I love it… very good app.
When Roger emailed me the software requirements for the workshop I already have a clue on what’s in it… of course open source stuff. And yes, I was right… He asked me if it’s possible for them to use Ubuntu as the OS for the workshop. However, I told him that all computers in the lab are equipped with XP. Well, that did not bother him at all “nevermind… just prepare Open Office and Freemind” he said. To my surprise I informed the laboratory in-charge to install the software he asked. I told them that it’s an essential app that should be present in the computers in the lab. Yes… why? Because I’ve been using it for quite some time now and it’s really amazing and powerful app. No doubt with OO and so with FreeMind. Organize your thoughts through a very sharp and powerful mind mapping software. You bet… these apps really rock. I’ve been using Freemind for most of my mindboggling moments and it helps… it really helps.
Going back to Roger… he told me just this morning to attend one of the sessions in the workshop so that I can see and feel the experience of creating a Learning Guide using open source. Learning Guides are comprehensive and flexible teacher-resource and student-learning materials that include activities and strategies to foster the development of higher order thinking skills. They (Roger’s team) have developed a Learning Guide System ( LeGS) which will soon be rolled out nationally (through DepEd central and other partners). Way to go Roger… I believe with LeGS you can promote and continue advocating Free and Open Source Software which you like most. Congratulations…
