21st Century Software

John Iglar & Urko Masse

Make. Play. Remix. Learn.

Use Inkscape to create graphics, remix others, share and collaborate with others, and explore how software can have the 4C's of 21st Century Learning Skills (Communicating, Collaborating, Creating & Critical Thinking) built in.

Participants will:

remix, create & share graphics
examine and discuss how software choices can promote critical skill development
join and participate in online communities of practice

21st Century Software = Open Source Software

We'll start with a brief talk: 21st Century Software.

Use the arrow keys to progress through the presentation.

Some versions of Firefox don't render the graphics smoothly. It works beautifully in Chrome or Chromium.

If you want to learn more about using free & open source software in schools, here are a few places to check out:

A short "ignite" speech John gave about why ICS uses free/open source software: You Don't Always Get What You Pay For
A blog post/presentation by Urko on using free/open source software in schools. You should also read Why Saigon South Int' School uses free/open source software.
A recent Wired article by Richard Stallman, titled Why Free Software is More Important Now Than Ever Before, including his arguments why schools should only teach the use of free software.

Get the software

For the hands-on tasks (links below), you'll need Inkscape. You may need Sozi (the Inkscape extension that allows zooming presentations). Note that you are free to use either software and share with your friends, colleagues, students, etc.

Install Inkscape: click here to choose a download
- The installation process for Windows is fairly straightforward, except for a known bug that causes the installer to pause for a long time.
- Inkscape requires X11/XQuartz to run on MacOSX. This is not included by default on Mountain Lion (10.8). X11 doesn't automatically recognize the Mac's command key shortcuts, but uses the control key. (So, ctrl+S to save, not command+S.) You can configure X11 to use the command key.
Install Sozi: click here for instructions on installing
- Note: Sozi was designed to run on Linux. It does work on OSX and Windows, but it needs Python and some customization to work. The Mac installer is a lengthy process. Windows is more straightforward.

Hands-on Tasks

The best way to get a feel for software is to use it. These are a few simple tasks for you to try. You do not have to do all of them & you don't have to do them in order! Pick one and click the link.

Remix an existing graphic (easy)
Convert a bitmap image (such as a photo) to a vector graphic (medium)
Create a graphic from scratch (even for non-artists!)
Make a Sozi presentation (once installed, it's easy)