Open Source

The Open Source (OS) movement is in many ways a return to the software world before Bill Gates. Bill had a hard time convincing people that software was a commercial product and that you had to pay real money before you could use it. In the 80's I belonged to a software club that sent out a floppy disk each month with new applications and utilities that I could load into my computer. The cost of membership could be paid by real money or contributions to the software library. This model worked well for an emerging industry.

A key component to OS that most users don't consider is that you can have access to the source code and not just the executable code. With access to the source code, developers can modify the code for their specific and unique purposes. Once a developer makes the modifications they can opt to share the modified code with the OS community. An insightful developer will probably supply their code as an add-on to the delivered code. This way when revisions are made to the application, the developer doesn't need to edit the new version's code to apply his new code. As an add-on, it is available to the new version as well without the need for additional coding.

Open Source is not synonymous with "Freeware". Freeware does not usually make the source code available to the user. OS is not necessarily free! I downloaded a database design tool (DBDesigner) that is so complicated that for-fee training and consulting is necessary. OS is just a different business model. The company gives away the code but charges for other necessary services.

Week 2

This semester may be the most challenging of all my semesters so far. I am taking the two classes and my workload is increasing at UCM. In addition to a rather high-profile project, constructing a data mart for the academic departments, I have several smaller projects building web sites for various university departments.

At least with this class I think I will really get some practical experience and knowledge. I support the shift in focus of the Ed Tech degree toward distance learning and away from computer system support. My interest is in adult/post-secondary education but the program still appears to be aimed at K-12. Except for the MO VIP program I haven't seen much distance learning for public school students.

This weeks assignment of creating a PowerPoint tutorial will be interesting. I have had to create several such tools for our reporting tool. I haven't been able to spend much time on it so far because of other pressing work and home issues. I guess that's what the weekends are for.

Who is Jim Van Horn and why is he sending this message?

Well to begin with I am doubtlessly the oldest member of this class. On the other hand, I may be the youngest person you will ever meet that lived during WWII. I was born a half and hour before the Japanese surrendered on August 14, 1945.

My job is here at UCM in the Information Services department. I am an Applications Manager responsible for several web-based applications as well as the ad-hoc reporting tool used by much of the campus community to report against the university data stored with our Banner system.

I received my MS in Information Technology in '07 and plan to finish the MS in Ed Tech degree in the fall. All this is in preparation to RETIRE. After I retire from UCM I plan to continue working, teaching online or F2F classes to adult learners.

Over the winter break I was able to read some interesting books.

• Brain rules: 12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, home, and school by John Medina. brainrules.net


• Teach beyond your reach: an instructor's guide to developing and running successful distance learning classes, workshops, training sessions and more by Robin Neidorf, FreePint.com website. I could never access the book's advertised companion website electric-muse.com


• Make money teaching online: how to land your first academic job, build credibility, and earn a six-figure salary by Danielle Babb teachonlinebook.com


• slide:ology: the art and science of creating great presentations by Nancy Durante. Nancy's blog blog.duarte.com/. Nancy and Garr [see below] are part of a mutual admiration society.


• And what I think should be a required read before granting a PowerPoint “driver’s license” -- Presentation zen: simple ideas on presentation design and delivery by Garr Reynolds. presentationzen.com. Here's a YouTube video of a presentation that Garr gave to Google's staff