Abstract:

This paper represents the evaluation and integration of Open Source Software (OSS) technologies to enhance the learning of engineers and scientists within the university. The utilization of OSS is essential as costs around the world continue to rise for education, institutions must become innovative in the ways they teach and grow Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) majors. To do this effectively professors and administrative staff should push toward the utilization of OSS and other available tools to enhance or supplement currently available tools with minimal integration costs. The OSS applications would allow students the ability to learn critical technological skills for success at small fraction of the cost. OSS also provides faculty members the ability to have students dissect source code, analyze network traffic, create virtual instances of real Operating Systems (OSs), and prepare students for low level software development. It is critical that all institutions look at alternatives in providing training and delivering educational material regardless of limitations going forward as the world continues to be more global due to the increased use of technologies everywhere. Through reviewing the available technology, possible implementations of these technologies, and the application of these items in industry could provide a starting point in integrating these tools into academia. When administrators or faculty debate the possibilities of OSS, gaming, and simulation tools this applied research provides a guide for changing the ability to develop future scientists and engineers that will be competitive on a global level in STEM fields.

Keywords:

Open Source Software, Linux, innovation, technology, information systems, education technology.