I have always been a strong advocate for open source or free software in education. As a former physics teacher who had a computer lab, I really had no choice but go this route. Funding was limited. Sure there is an app for that, but I’m focusing on programs that you can install on your local computer with a couple of online sites added to jazz things up.
There are some amazing open source or free programs available online. Some are easy to install, some require boatloads of patience.
Tour the Universe
One that requires patience is The Celestia Motherlode-3D Space Simulator, but it is well worth the time. When all is working you have a detailed step by step direction set regarding what to click, how to maneuver and what you should be looking for as you gaze at the universe. There are even worksheets for many of the tours. Sure, Google Sky is awesome, but something about hearing the space craft throttle into action always brings a smile to my face.
Create Original Art
If you have a child who loves to draw and likes graphical art then check out Gimp and Blender, these are both powerhouses in the graphics arena. Gimp allows you to create 2D works of art while Blender pulls you into the 3D world. If you are thinking “whoa, we are so not ready for that” then check out Tux Paint-it’s geared for the little tykes in your family.
Programming Success
Perhaps art isn’t on the radar for your child and they show an interest in programming, then check out Alice.org. It teaches computer programming in a 3D environment. If straight-up computer programming is what you require then head on over to Code Academy and there is nothing to install, it’s all online.
Let the Math Fun Happen
First, for math folk, just head on over to Wolfram Alpha (no download required) and check out the examples-seriously. Like. Right. Now. Go! If you have seen it before you are nodding your head and thinking, gee-why couldn’t they have had that when I was in school.
I sigh in delight just by randomly clicking on an example and tinkering with it. It’s by seeing the examples that the full power of the site shows itself.
If you can pull yourself away from Wolfram Alpha long enough and a love of Geometry and Algebra exist in your realm, you have to meet GeoGebra. It’s so awesome, it has it own GeoGebra YouTube Channel. Don’t let it overwhelm you, when I used it in class, part of the lesson was for the student to figure out how to use it. Shh..now you know my secret. I would have students research how to use these programs. It taught them search skills, tenacity and eventually the program. Um, I still don’t know how to use it well-I just had great students.
Mix it Up Musically and Physics
It would be a grand misdeed if I didn’t mention Audacity. I used it for student created podcasts, mixing music and to have fun recording things. My favorite application was physics-it is awesome for showing soundwaves. Amplitude. Wavelength. Crest. Trough. Beats. Doppler Effect. Hip Hip Hooray!
OpenOffice.org
Yes, this has it’s own title. For a long time I rebelled against purchasing a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation (you get the picture) program so I used LibreOffice.org. It does close to the same thing, close, I should say, as the more expensive version. I installed it on my classroom computers so students would know that there existed an alternative.
Installed-Now What?
Sometimes installing the software is the easy part. You then have to figure out how to use it. For example, Blender can be so intimidating that you want to run from the room screaming upon the opening screen. Fear not. Tutorials are abundant on the web. Many of the sites listed have their own tutorials while some are a mere Google search away. Bing if desperate. I think the student should do the research and learn how to use the programs, it’s part of self education.
Inexpensive Instruction
Sure, the programs are available to download, but you still have to have the hardware. Nothing is totally free in life. It takes time to install, activate and learn. If your child can learn these skills then they are way above their peers in life. Of course, you already knew that!