M6 Discussion Forum Posting: Copyright matters

In revisiting this module’s contents, I found myself agreeing with Petrina & Kim’s (2007) take on the usage of free/libre open source software (FLOSS) and open access content in educational contexts and their point on the marginalization of learning about technology to be very relevant. The authors note at the end of their article that the challenge is “to link open source philosophy and policy with practices of digital literacy” (p. 4).  My simple understanding is that this challenge can be overcome with a gradual adoption of FLOSS and phasing out of the usage of proprietary and closed source software (PCSS) to facilitate learning. This can most likely be achieved with workshops that help educators see how FLOSS can be used to facilitate various e-learning activities already being mediated by PCSS. When students become exposed to technological affordances that enable them to learn without additional financial constraints, the cycle of confinement imposed by PCSS can be successively broken.

Reference

Petrina, S., & Kim, S. (2007). The sources of production: Open source, philosophy, policy and practice. Retrieved from https://connect.ubc.ca/bbcswebdav/pid-1079931-dt-content-rid-3600170_1/xid-3600170_1