Following up yesterday's post I found that the VTcite resource database
already has a section for open source software and tools. Fruits of the OOS
forum could be submitted there. Resources in the database can be tagged as
different 'resource types' for easy aggregation later on. There is already a
resource type defined for OOS: Software [open source – free]. An examples of
an OOS resource already in the database is information about a Moodle class
available online at VTLearn, posted by Bob Sargent. The class was produced
by Joseph Thibault, et al. on Internet safety, acceptable use, research, and
copyright. Instructions for registering for the class are attached as part
of the resource. 

I noticed that Bob S. uses the acronym GEOSS in all of his forum posts and
resource descriptions, as well as for the GEOSS group name, which makes it
easy to locate everything that VTcite has on GEOSS. It would be beneficial
to follow a similar methodology as we start to post to an OOS forum.

Here's a start at describing the focus of an OOS forum. After folks have had
a chance to provide feeback for a day or two I will create a forum. 

Proposal for an Open Source forum on Vtcite

The purpose of the open source forum is to share knowledge and resources in
support of open source solutions for education. Topics include, but are not
limited to: 

OOS in support of administrative functions, such as Student Information
Systems, Curriculum Mapping, Data Warehousing, Library Automation Systems

OOS used to integrate technology in the delivery of classroom instruction
and professional development

OOS in support of the IT infrastructure, such as computer operating systems,
network monitoring tools, email and web hosting, content management systems,
inventory and asset management and learning management systems


Susan Briere
RNESU