The Online Journal of Distance Education and e-Learning, July 2015 Volume 3, Issue 3
www.tojdel.net Copyright © The Online Journal of Distance Education and e-Learning 26
Freeware and Open Source Software Tools for Distance Learning in
Mathematics
Farha Sattar
1
, Laurence Tamatea
2
, Muhammad Nawaz
3
1
Charles Darwin University, School of Academic Language and Learning, Darwin, Australia
farha.sattar@cdu.edu.au
2
Charles Darwin University, School of Education, Darwin, Australia
laurence.tamatea@cdu.edu.au
3
Charles Darwin University, School of Academic Language and Learning, Darwin, Australia
muhammad.nawaz@cdu.edu.au
Abstract:With the contemporary growth of modern technology a number of free and open source
software tools have been emerged to support online or distance education for basic level
Mathematics. Technological aids for example; digital learning material, videos, recorded lectures,
open tools to solve mathematical problems, online discussion boards, and online classrooms enhance
the ability of students to solve mathematical problems. This research paper enlists the freeware and
open source software tools for teaching and learning in mathematics and describes the role of
technology for improved delivery of mathematical concepts. It also shows that how freeware and
open source software tools are useful for distance education to achieve learning outcomes in a better
flexibility and dynamism than ever before.
Key words: Freeware, Open Source Software Tools, Distance Learning, Basic Level Mathematics
Introduction
Advancement in technological developments has opened up the new ways in teaching and learning basic
level mathematics. State of the art computers, user friendly software and interactive communication technologies
have introduced the new methods of teaching and learning. Availability of a range of free and open source
software tools for basic level mathematics can play a vital role in mathematics teaching and learning particularly
in distance learning environment.
Free software also known as ‘software libre’ or ‘libre software’ is software that can be used, modified,
copied and redistributed either without any restriction or with restrictions allowed by the manufacture and are
generally available without any charge (Subramanyam and Xia 2008). Open source software (OSS) is software
that is available in source code under a software license that permits users to study, modify, improve and
distribute information to other users (Hauge, Ayala et al. 2010). Open source software is available within the
public domain and individuals who have expertise in software development and an interest in its free distribution
very often develop it collaboratively. OSS is not generally subject to copyright restrictions and access to the
source code means that software developers can modify it for their own particular purposes. Free and open
source software does not necessarily mean inferior or substandard software. There are some very significant
open source software products that have revolutionized many areas of activity. Probably the most famous open
source software is the operating system UNIX, now by far the mainstay of large computer installations and even
PC operating systems such as Linux and Mac OSX. Using open source software can provide some advantages,
the most significant being usually a cost advantage (Ven, et al. 2008).
One of the problems faced by educators who are interested in using free and open source software as
alternatives to commercial software for basic level mathematics education is first identifying what alternative
free and open source software is available, what the software does, and where it can be accessed from. Currently
there is no one place with information on free and open source software for basic level mathematics education.
In undertaking the research for this paper, to identify appropriate free and open source software, different
categories of software are identified and enlisted that can be used for teaching and learning for basic level
mathematics.
Freeware and Open Source Tools for Distance Learning in Mathematics
Freeware and open source software tools like calculators, interactive geometry softwares, computational
softwares, visual Maths applications and equation solver have given new direction in basic level mathematics
teaching and learning. IPods, iPAD, iPhone and Android apps are playing a pivotal role for teaching