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<TITLE>[[[IDC]][iDC] Undermining open source: iTunes U</TITLE>
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<FONT FACE="Eurostile"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12.0px'>Been lurking for a while.....been finding the debates on IDC valuable & invigorating....maybe I might speak on this subject?<BR>
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I agree with Trebor, the need for a hybrid approach to software in education is important. As cultural producers we select the appropriate materials for the work in hand, or we experiment with the processes available. But we do this (hopefully) driven by conceptual need. Does It matters less whether the software is politically/ morally justified or whether what we produce with it is? Is a work of art ‘better’ if it is produced ‘open source’ or by an open/ experimental approach to proprietary systems?<BR>
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>From experience as a student, an educator & producer there seems to be arguments for both commercial & FLOSS softwares. It’s a complex one. We might teach digital synthesis/ audio editing technique in industry applications – Pro Tools et al, whilst recommend open source (e.g. audacity) to students who need to work at home. One often finds that familiarity with concepts driven in class by proprietary software opens out and explains the process so much easier, making FLOSS more accessible. (whilst the reverse is also often true].<BR>
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Ultimately, we perform multiple functions – we ‘train’ students to use the software which will get them work (the employers will ask for commercial applications, try saying Gimp to someone in HR asking for Photoshop!) This work funds time to experiment with open systems & freer ways of working & further enhancement of artistic practices<BR>
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The important thing is to promote awareness of & the skills/ abilities to further explore FLOSS alongside the expensive/ corporate systems. It’s all a question of interface...<BR>
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Best<BR>
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Liam<BR>
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