Open formats
Contents
Introduction
I consider it basic pedagogy to maximise the flexibility and availability of learning materials, part of which is to use open file formats
), i.e., file formats which can be read by free and open software.
Open formats are in contrast to proprietary formats which can typically only be read by using commercially available software.
Preparing materials in maximally flexible (open) formats helps to maximise the contribution to social and intellectual capital. For example, unit materials in open formats can be more readily utilised in other settings (such as in developing countries), particularly where proprietary software and access to specialist knowledge is nigh impossible due to resourcing and cost constraints.
Example - presentation files
An example of a open document format is presentation files. The open format is .odp (open document presentation files). A example of a proprietary format is .ppt (Microsoft Office Powerpoint). To read an .odp there are many options, one of which is to download and install Open Office (OO), a free, open source, cross-platform office software suite (with word processor, spreadsheet, etc.). One of the attractive features of Open Office is that it is very easy to learn how to use if you already know how to use Microsoft Office.
Another open format for presentation files is pdf format, although this doesn't readily allow the recipient to edit the file. It is useful, however, for efficient distribution of handouts.
Example - organisations
- Norway and the Netherlands both moving to the OpenDocument Format and Free Open Source Software
- US Navy to use only open standards and technologies
See also
- Document Freedom Day
- Free file format (wikipedia)
- Open format (wikipedia)
Comments ( Hide | Add Comment )
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Andrew Read says:Mar 19, 2008 15:02 ( Permalink | ) |
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James Neill says:Thanks for your response, Andrew. My initial inquiry to ICTS on this issue resulted in an answer of the form that to use odfs at UC we will need to wait for the rollout of Vista and MSO 2007. Basically, I can't be bothered waiting because there's a universe of opportunity waiting. And I don't think I can be bothered pestering them for an odf patch to the current system. But I would support efforts to do so and do think it should be raised at the next [ICTS Users Forum]. I am however pessimistic about its chances of being prioritised with any hope of being addressed. |
James
While I support the use of odf files, the University does not currently. The current SOE installation of MS Office does not include read or write support for odf files. While students can open them through Google Docs, this is a cumbersome solution and is not intuitively obvious to many students.
In order to implement odf usage at UC, we need the SOE to include read and write support for odf within its standard applications - particularly MS Office. Sun Microsystems makes an add-on to MS Office to do this (in beta release presently) and we need to encourage the University to insall this (or a similar) add-on to the SOE.
Andrew Read