Exploring Open Source Applications

MM 462
Course Outline

Course Number MM 462

Credit Hours 48
Prerequisite MM 218
Developers R.A. McCormack
Development Date 02/28/2007

Description
Open Source Code is growing in importance each year. This course will explore how to make the best
use of Open Source applications. An emphasis will be on web applications, but also sound and graphical
applications will be explored. Some applications will be modified; others just used in the same manner
students use traditional applications. Ways of profiting as a freelancer will be discussed and case studies
will be used. Open Source applications will change how we look at software.

Textbooks
None

Other Resources
Learning package may be required.

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Competencies, Learning Objectives, Performance Standards, and
Linked Exit Learning Outcomes

1. Determine the Open Source Software applicable to rich media applications.

Learning Objectives
What you will learn as you master this competency:
a. Determine how Open Source is revolutionizing software.
b. Investigate reasons for major companies (HP, Pixar etc.) choosing Open Source software.
c. Explain the need for Open Source Software.
d. Explain the types of Open Source Software.
e. Recognize various Open Source programming languages.
f. Describe the major categories of Open Source Software database’s structure.
g. Identify various licenses for Open Source Software.
h. Research history of Open Source Software.
i. Describe the Microsoft reaction to the Open Source Software.

Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
- in an online test
- in a topic summary assignment

Your performance will be successful when…

- you successfully complete the online test
- you successfully complete and submit your assignment according to the prescribed
criteria

Linked Program Outcomes

- Develop applications using a variety of current programming languages and standards.

Linked Essential Employability Skills

- Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
- Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and
information systems.

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2. Use Open Source software to construct a multimedia asset.

Learning Objectives
What you will learn as you master this competency:
a. Identify the options open to you to create rich media with Open Source Software.
b. Classify popular Open Source file format types.
c. Explain the attention to detail in works created with Open Source Software.
d. Use a combination of Open Source software and commercial software to create rich
media.
e. Identify the history of the Open Source movement.
f. Access the leading site for Open Source software (sourceforge.net).
g. Compare commercial software to Open Source software.

Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
- in an online test
- in a group assignment to create rich media using Open Source Software

Your performance will be successful when…

- you successfully compete the online test
- you successfully complete and submit your assignment according to the prescribed
criteria

Linked Program Outcomes

- Develop applications using a variety of current programming languages and standards.
- Compose harmonious artwork.
- Ensure quality standards.

Linked Essential Employability Skills

- Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
- Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

3. Determine corporate benefits of Open Source software.

Learning Objectives
What you will learn as you master this competency:
a. Evaluate case studies of companies using Open Source software.
b. Develop a hands-on testing method for evaluating Open Source software.
c. Evaluate various Open Source software applications.
d. Apply various techniques to rate the effectiveness of Open Source software.
e. Recognize the main differences and limitations between commercial and Open Source
software.
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 f. Use Open Source software on various platforms (Mac, Windows, Linux).
g. Utilize Open Source code to customize its functionality.

Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
- in an assignment to create a rich media asset

Your performance will be successful when…

- you successfully complete and submit your assignment according to the prescribed
criteria

Linked Program Outcomes

- Compose harmonious artwork.
- Assemble multimedia content.
- Manage digital assets.

Linked Essential Employability Skills

- Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
- Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
- Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

4. Use Open Source software as an alternative to commercial software.

Learning Objectives
What you will learn as you master this competency:
a. Use Open Source software in a multimedia application.
b. Evaluate the application/work for appearance and purpose.
c. Apply various media to a project (sound, images, animation).
d. Recognize project compatibility.
e. Formulate well written documentation (Artist statement, or statement of purpose).
f. Use Open Source Code to extend existing applications/works.

Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
- in a group assignment to create an advanced server side application

Your performance will be successful when…

- you successfully complete and submit your assignment according to the prescribed
criteria

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 Linked Program Outcomes
- Develop applications using a variety of current programming languages and standards.
- Compose harmonious artwork.
- Assemble multimedia content.
- Manage digital assets.

Linked Essential Employability Skills

- Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
- Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
- Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

Grading Information
A 80.0 - 100%
B 70.0 - 79.9%
C 60.0 - 69.9%
D 50.0 - 59.9%
F Less than 50.0%

Student Assessment
30% Test (2)
10% Google Document Assembly Assignment
20% Open Source Software Multimedia Assignment
20% Open Source Corporate Benefits Assignment
20% Open Source Alternative Assignment

College Policy

Tests/Assignments
All assignments are due on the assigned date. Any assignments received after that time will be subject to
a late grade penalty.
Students are to write tests on the dates and within the time lines specified by the professor.
Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the professor in extraordinary circumstances. The professor
may request medical certificates or appropriate documentation at the student's expense. Early
departures at semester end, March Break, or vacations planned during the academic semester will not be
considered as extraordinary circumstances.
The policies are meant to maintain consistent, clear, and appropriate adult expectations for all students,
thus creating an environment of choice and fairness in a postsecondary educational institution.

Note: Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and will result in a failure grade for the assignment. An
instructor may choose to allow the student to submit a new assignment for a reduced grade.

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This course is available for challenge or assessment through Prior Learning Assessment and
Recognition (PLAR). Please contact your Program Coordinator for more information or look for PLAR on
the College website at http://www.confederationc.on.ca/plar/

Services for Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation it is your responsibility to
register with the Learning Centre (Room 153 of the Shuniah Building) or call (807) 475-6618 and discuss
your needs with your faculty early in the semester. It is strongly recommended that students contact the
Learning Centre as early as possible in order to ensure that accommodations can be put in place in a
timely manner.

Dean, School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts _________________________

Approved for use in academic semester(s): _________________________

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