Free+Open+Source+Tools

Thanks to the '[|Cloud]' there is less need to install software and there is far more mobility and freedom at accessing information anyway and at anytime.
 * Free Open Source Software **

To take advantage of this situation we can use free 'open source tools' this [|link] has information on many useful student/school open source tools. Because they are free, no student is disadvantaged. For example, instead of buying photoshop for approx $700 and most of your students not being able to afford it; hence, unable to work on it from home; instead, you can install GIMP a 'Gnu image manipulation programme' on google. AND its compatible with photoshop but without the $$ signs! [|Download GIMP here]

Albany Senior High School have created a [|wiki] that outlines the 'open source' programmes that they use at school and that their students can access free from home.

Browers: Firefox or Chrome. Chrome is becoming more and more attractive as you can add apps to it so there is no need to download software - there are hundreds of [|free apps]to choose from

To edit digital footage use [|Openshot Movie Editor] or [|Jaycut] Learn how to use Movie Maker here

To edit photos use [|Picnik] and for more advanced editing [|Pixlr]

To write documents and you do not have word; try [|Google Docs]. This will also take care of spreadsheets, presentations, drawings and forms! Or try [|openoffice.org] It is also worth looking at [|Scribus] which offers professional desktop editing.

Build 3D models quickly and easily with [|Google Sketchup] OR [|Blender 3D] (instead of paying $5000 for Maya)

Create your own [|blog] with Google Blogger OR [|here] with Wordpress

Create an eportfolio [|here]

Explore the world from your computer with [|Google Earth]

Install a Graphics Calculator using [|Gnu Octave]. [|Introduction to Octave]

Learn to play the guitar with [|TuxGuitar]

Create a quick post-it type board for posting quick messages, maybe for your club or sports team using a [|Wallwisher wall]

For Podcasting use [|Podomatic]

For mind-mapping use [|mind42] (these can be published too)

Create music with [|Audacity] or [|Musescore]

To learn about the basics of programming try out [|Scratch] or [|Alice]

Design your own website (obviously wiki is an option) [|NVU] or [|Wix] or [|Googlesites]

For children from 3-12 try painting with [|Tuxpaint] and [|Sumopaint]

Create an account for class bookmarks with [|Delicious]