Libresoft is a research group based at the public research university Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (King Juan Carlos University) in Madrid, Spain. The group consists of about 25 researchers and support staff. Libresoft’s focus is on the quantative study (research) of libre (free, open source) software and development in different areas such as software engineering, mobile technologies, virtual communities and e-learning.

Libre Software as an Educational Resource

Libre software creates a wealth of opportunity within the field of education but it doesn’t come without some challenges. One of the distinct advantages to libre software is of course that a lot of tools can be had for little to no expense. Libre software is also, for the most part, easy to use, is able to be adapted to particular needs and customized for each application. Besides these benefits libre software allows educational institutions and individuals to have access to fully functional software without having to allocate significant funds for expensive software licenses. Libre software can often be used in place of well-known software that must be purchased that, often at great expense and requires updating at additional cost. The user gets most of the advantages of the expensive version without the hefty price tag, which for many educational institutions is important because they don’t have the fund to allocate to expensive software.

While the obvious cost advantages make libre software highly desirable there are aspects of the free, open source software that may cause some educational institutions to shy away from using it. The main one is that it requires the user to be capable of adapting the software to their specific needs. Unless the user is very familiar with using libre software this may require hiring someone to assist with set up and maintenance, or make it not viable for an educational institution that doesn’t have anyone available or the money to pay someone. Most libre software programs have a license that never expires and is free.

There are some people who believe that libre software is every person’s right, and that all software should be free to use. By restricting the use of certain software and charging high prices for it those that may need it the most to further education are being denied access simply because they are unable to afford it. Proprietary software leaves the user unable to modify it in any way, and because access to the source code is denied to the user, the user is unable to ascertain what exactly the software is doing. Proprietary software may be doing things that the user doesn’t want it to do and yet they are unable to discover any problems due to the restrictions put on the software that do not allow access to the source code. Proprietary software’s use is typically restricted to the purchaser and cannot be shared except where a multi-user license is purchased. Such a license usually costs significantly more than a single user application.

With Libre software the user has the freedom to use it as they see fit. The user has access to the source code and is able to make changes to it to make it work for their specific application. Libre software can be copied and given to others to use as they see fit. The user can copy their own modified version of libre software and share it with others. There are no restrictions on the sharing of a modified version of the original software.

The beauty of libre software (free, open source) is not so much that it is available at no cost, but that it allows the user the freedom to doanything they wish with it. It removes the need to purchase licenses. When a copy is made and shared with someone else there are no legalramifications. When the source code is accessed and tweaked to suit the user’s specific application the user is notdoing anything illegal. When a user makes changes that improve on the original libre software every user thereafterbenefits without having to pay for an upgrade. Free truly means free in all meanings of the word.

For educational institutions the possibilities with libre software are endless. Not only can libre software be used to help with administration of the school or university, but as a teaching resource it is invaluable. Students can begin with a piece of libre software and learn how to rewrite the source code to make the software do whatever they want it to do. Because the software is free there is no financial loss should the source code be tweaked incorrectly by a student. Provided copies of the original software were made the student can obtain a copy and start their project again, learning where they went wrong as they go.
As part of the learning process students use libra software tools and apply their knowledge in all kinds of projects compatible and operational on different platforms and devices. Comprehensive guides and video lessons are at their disposal thanks to leading developers and programmers.
The same people who believe that all software should be free believe that schools should only use libre software, and that students should only use free software to learn on. The consensus of opinion is that by teaching students to use proprietary software they will be restricted to buying that proprietary software for themselves when they leave school. It is a way for proprietary software developers to insure future sales of their software, and such companies will often provide schools with a free or very low cost version of their software to encourage this.

This information was kindly provided by  

Teaching students to use freesoftware gives them a level of independence that they cannot have when all they know how to use is proprietary software. Once a student knows how to read and write code they will no longer be limited to using proprietary software. Libre software will give them a freedom and independence to create their own software and share it with others. Each time a piece of libre software is improved every student will benefit. If education is the key to our future, then libre software is the door that will open to a better, freer world. In the long term libre software will enrich us all.