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Open Source Textbook For Computer Literacy?

Posted by timothy on from the just-ask-russie-poo dept.

dcollins writes "The college where I work has decided to forego ordering a textbook for the computer class that I teach this fall. Does anyone know of a free, open-source textbook for basic computer literacy concepts (overview of hardware, software, operating systems, and file systems)?"

27 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. You could always write one... by BabaChazz · · Score: 5, Interesting

    And get the class to help. Contributions count towards the class grade, of course. http://en.wikibooks.org/

    1. Re:You could always write one... by _Sharp'r_ · · Score: 3, Informative

      Here's your whole job done already:
      MIT OpenCourseWare - Intro to Computer Science
      If you need some more advanced concepts:
      Full Course list

      Now how can I get a cake college teaching job where someone who is supposed to know all about information systems can't find stuff like this in the two seconds with google it took me? I suppose they just don't pay enough for employees...

      --
      The party of stupid and the party of evil get together and do something both stupid and evil, then call it bipartisan.
    2. Re:You could always write one... by Forge · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Great resource. Except this course starts out a few steps beyond "computer literacy".

      --
      --= Isn't it surprising how badly I spell ?
    3. Re:You could always write one... by sys.stdout.write · · Score: 4, Informative

      There is also a bill being pushed through the House (H.R. 1464) to create open source textbooks at a college level.

      The idea is that there are plenty of retired professors who would love to write chapter seven of the official (say) thermodynamics textbook. There are worse things you could do today than e-mailing your congressman and telling them you support this..

    4. Re:You could always write one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

      Considering this is an introductory class, writing a whole book might be a little much when it's unlikely the students are familiar with the subject. I'm not saying the students can't contribute their notes to an existing project, but making the whole class be just writing the book....
      .
      I would have recommended this link instead:
      Wikibooks:Featured books
      .
      The problem with Wikibooks is much the same problem with open source in general. While finding a books related to the subject you are interested in is easy, finding one that was completed to a usable state before being abandoned is a different matter.
      .
      These two look like they might be a good starting point for the author:
      Basic Computing Using Windows
      How To Assemble A Desktop PC
      .
      There's also the much overlooked:
      http://en.wikiversity.org/
      And Wikiversity Featured resources
      .
      This one might also be useful as well:
      Introduction to Computers

    5. Re:You could always write one... by jdeisenberg · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Note that the instructor wants to teach computer *literacy*, not computer *science*. Those are not one and the same. The MIT course is excellent indeed, but it does not cover such topics as "what is a database" or "what is a LAN and how do I set one up for my home" or "what is the difference between Open Source and shareware". These are topics which don't belong in an introduction to computer science, but would be appropriate for a computer literacy course.

    6. Re:You could always write one... by jadavis · · Score: 2, Insightful

      As much as I like the idea of free textbooks, there are two things that bother me:

      1. Why are we calling them "open source"? All books are open source, by definition. They may not be free-as-in-freedom, and probably not even in digital form, but all the valuable parts are open source.

      2. I don't really think free-as-in-freedom digital textbooks are that high of a priority. The analog versions are quite free. You can share them with a friend legally, and many people do. There are even institutions dedicated for this specific purpose. Additionally, books are quite cheap. I bought at least 5 books recently which would be considered textbooks (I just wanted to read them) and they probably averaged just over $20 including shipping. The average MSRP was probably around $120. Why so cheap? Because I'm willing to purchase a "like-new" book rather than a new book, and I might even be willing to (gasp) purchase one edition earlier than the most current. I'm also willing to wait a week for shipping.

      So, it's not like knowledge is being held captive here. There's a complaint that public schools and college professors tend to do whatever the publishers tell them to do (Why not? It's not like they're spending their own money.), which is valid. However, does the presence of a free textbook really change matters?

      Again, I like the idea of a free textbook, but I'm not sure it's really a big deal. Free software on phones is orders of magnitude more important.

      I suppose the equation might be different in poor countries where the cost of printing is prohibitive. However, computers might also not be as available, so I still don't see a major difference.

      --
      Social scientists are inspired by theories; scientists are humbled by facts.
    7. Re:You could always write one... by raktul · · Score: 2, Informative

      The reason its considered open source book, is because anyone(or within reason) can submit/make changes to the book. This means the information remains up to date, and no legal problems will occur if you distribute the book.

  2. Free and easy by XPeter · · Score: 3, Informative

    First, there's Wikibooks http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Main_Page which includes a large number of references, but the quality isn't always superb.

    Then, there's Flat World http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/ (A relatively new, growing site) that contains not as numerous titles as Wikibooks, but the writing is thorough and usually better than the textbooks themselves. The big downside to Flat World is that in your case (since it's still developing), it doesn't contain a computer science section, but it's being worked on and is expected to be released soon.

    Though I have not personally used Wikibooks and Flat World extensively, I've heard from others that they're amazing resources.

    --
    "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits" - Albert Einstein
  3. This is college level stuff?? by Krakadoom · · Score: 2, Interesting

    "overview of hardware, software, operating systems, and file systems"

    I have a hard time reconciling that this should be college level course material. What kinds of students actually need to be given this information in 2009?

    1. Re:This is college level stuff?? by unlametheweak · · Score: 2, Interesting

      "overview of hardware, software, operating systems, and file systems"

      I have a hard time reconciling that this should be college level course material. What kinds of students actually need to be given this information in 2009?

      That sounds incredibly arrogant (and quite stupid IMHO). One could always wonder why people would need to review the different functions of various parts of the brain for an introductory psychology course, because well, everybody has a brain so they should know how it works. Unfortunately this line of thinking has very little to do with reality.

    2. Re:This is college level stuff?? by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 5, Informative

      "overview of hardware, software, operating systems, and file systems"

      I have a hard time reconciling that this should be college level course material. What kinds of students actually need to be given this information in 2009?

      I have a hard time reconciling that an educated person would be unaware there are college students enrolled in majors other than Computer Science.

      If you've been to college, you almost certainly have been required to take courses outside of your major - usually known as survey courses. You're usually given a range of classes that meet the basic requirement. A CS survey course would likely satisfy a general science requirement for, say, a history major or an art major. You might even see students from other science programs (e.g. geology, chemistry).

      --
      #DeleteChrome
  4. Obvious innit by Anne+Thwacks · · Score: 3, Funny

    Just read /. - an education in itself!

    --
    Sent from my ASR33 using ASCII
  5. You're asking the wrong question by girlintraining · · Score: 2, Informative

    "Does anyone know of a free, open-source textbook for basic computer literacy concepts (overview of hardware, software, operating systems, and file systems)?"

    Physical books don't have source code. :D It sounds like you are looking for a "creative commons license" for a text that covers the aforementioned. However, those licenses are "free as in beer, not free as in freedom", to quote an old adage. There are write-ups on the various topics, but I haven't seen a book published under any kind of open license available in print. You may have to do what many instructors do -- which is create a workbook instead with various works. If you're looking to create a curriculum, I'd look past just text books. Take this for example; It's a short video with some of these concepts covered.

    Google has an option for searching by "Usage rights". Consider using it to find some of these works.

    --
    #fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
  6. Re:No need by Brian+Gordon · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Lecture notes are no substitute for a well-written textbook. Lecture notes are for when you learn in class, and then remind yourself for the test. But you really should be learning from your coursework and using lecture time to just try to absorb as much insight as possible from the masters..
     
    I've had professors who expect us to learn from the course materials. They don't repeat the same thing that's in the textbook because that's a total waste of time. They do what a professor should: provide insights not in the book, share real-world experience (if applicable), and answer questions.

  7. Open Source Textbook For Computer Literacy by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 3, Funny

    I know one, but your readers will have to fetch the newest sources from a Git repository an then build it with pdfTeX. But mind you, they will be pretty computer literate afterwards!

    --
    Ezekiel 23:20
    1. Re:Open Source Textbook For Computer Literacy by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 2, Funny

      The link is http://www.whoosh.net/ .

      --
      Ezekiel 23:20
  8. Re:No need by unlametheweak · · Score: 3, Interesting

    That really all depends on your own definition of "teach" and probably on some teaching paradigms that have been used on you. Everything can be taught via a text book (it would save money on hiring teachers). Or everything could be taught through a teacher, or a school could use your hybrid method. There is no "best" way to learn, though my option at least saves the expense of a text book while helping to ensure that the teacher is actually capable of teaching instead of just regurgitating. And the reality is that text books are a waste of money because there will be hardly any students who read them or study from them, except on a very rudimentary level. Even most "reference" works will be a waste of money for most students.

  9. Open source textbook by dhjdhj · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If you don't know how to find such a thing yourself, I would not want to be one of your students!

  10. Source? by rm999 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    What does "source" mean when you say open source? If you mean creative commons or some other open licensing scheme, don't refer to it as "source", which specifically refers to software.

    If you want a really high level overview from a source with an open licensing scheme, Wikipedia is probably good enough. Wikipedia actually has very good coverage of basic computing concepts. I realize that is a bit unprofessional though, but any open source will potentially have the same issues that Wikipedia does.

  11. Re:"Open Source" by st0rmshad0w · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I fail to see the college's angle on this. They are refusing to order a textbook (we are told) that will be required for the class, a class they approved to be taught for which they are happy to collect tuition money from students. But they won't order textbooks? Which are (in every college I have ever seen) ordered by the school bookstore and sold to students taking the courses for a profit? What the hell? There is something more to this story that we aren't being told because it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

  12. Poor Students by moehoward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You will never be able to get for free what you can get in a textbook. What book were you using before?

    Good computer concepts textbooks are updated yearly or every other year to incorporate the latest technology. For example, 2 years ago you could buy an up-to-date book that included floppy drives, but no USB flash drive coverage. But today, a modern book would not include floppies but include flash drives. One example of hundreds.

    A purchased textbook includes exercises, marginal elements that challenge students in a number of ways, copious instructor materials, supporting Web sites, and assessment software. You will NEVER find such a complete, up-to-date replacement for free. Good luck trying, though. Your school is doing both its instructors and students a disservice.

    These days, textbook companies do quite a bit of work for instructors. Modern instructors of such computer concepts courses do not want to do grading, write exercises, and, god forbid, create their own lecture. They want it spoon fed, and textbook companies do that if you want it.

    Just because students (and young instructors) have gotten "free" digital entertainment does not mean that this concept translates to educational material. I see so many young instructors who grew up on Napster now trying to transfer that experience to almost all published material. I'm not saying they want to steal content, just get high-quality for free. How sad. Do you next expect your students to ask you to lecture for free as well?

    --
    "If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid." - Epictetus
  13. Re:No need by maharb · · Score: 3, Interesting

    If you are talking facts and figures you are correct. Some teaching requires a back and forth 'conversation' with a teacher. For instance, try teaching writing using only books. Without a teacher pointing out flaws and showing the student where they are going wrong the student doesn't know if they get it. Some subjects are not so cut in stone enough for a student to just read a textbook and know if they truly understand it. Tests administered through a book can't even prove you know it because as many teachers will say, getting the correct answer isn't as important as how you arrived there. I think having a hybrid method is the best regardless. Books are needed because some students need more time than others to absorb information. Books allow those who are slower learners to spend more time on the subject. The teacher is needed to demonstrate the subject to you. These days multimedia are able to fulfill this role a bit easier. Teachers are also needed to answer questions and promote insightful thought processes. Teachers provide a vital role in learning that has no substitute.

    Russia is currently looking at how the US teaches art because their students lack insight and creativity. Art is delectably the most important subject to have a teacher to look over your shoulder and give insight into your learning. A book can't give you feedback, or help you be creative. Teachers in Russia teach as if they were walking textbooks, they just give facts and ask for those facts to be repeated. The result is little innovation, little creativity, and a whole bunch of robots that can do the same thing really well. I think if people were taught with textbooks they would be 'learning' but they would have little idea how humans actually interact with the subject which even if it could all be articulated into words, may still not provide the equivalent to a teacher.

    I have a perfect example of this that I just went through yesterday. Teaching someone to wake board. First I explained to the person how to do it (a textbook could have done this job) then it was time to try and do it. They tried to follow the instructions but fell forward. They probably didn't have the insight or perspective to know what the did wrong, but I, as a teacher did and I explained that they needed to do to fix the situation. This process went on until they finally learned how to wake board. A book can't do this, a teacher can.

  14. I need more info by Atrox666 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Do you have a syllabus?
    A description of where these people are going to be starting and what standard you want to bring them up to would be handy.
    Do they need a description of how to use a mouse?
    How many classes are going to be devoted to this?
    How long are the classes?

  15. Secret Guide? by Aryeh+Goretsky · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Hello,

    Many years ago, I purchased an edition of The Seecret Guide to Computers. I am not sure if it is still available in its entirety online, but it might be a good starting point for novice computer users.

    Regards,

    Aryeh Goretsky

    --
    Dexter is a good dog.
  16. Re:"Open Source" by Magic5Ball · · Score: 2, Insightful

    The timing of this question one month before classes start suggests that the department or instructor missed the bookstore's deadline to order sufficient copies for sale in September, due to unexpected increases in enrollment, recently discovered issues with the old text, or to lack of administrative support/orientation to a new or sessional instructor who would be expected to adhere to bookstore or publisher/distributor deadlines.

    Also, university bookstores are increasingly encouraged to operate as profitable or self-sustaining business units, putting other objectives in front of servicing students and faculty. Ordering and shelving a low/high number of copies on a rush basis may not be sufficiently profitable at the margins involved.

    --
    There are 1.1... kinds of people.
  17. Quick answer and research links by mattr · · Score: 5, Informative

    Quick answer:

    Introduction to Information & Communication Technology - Using Free Software and Open Technologies
    Edited By: Will Brady
    http://openbookproject.net/courses/intro2ict/index.xhtml

    The Non-nerds Guide to Computers
    http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Non-nerds_Guide_to_Computers

    But seriously spend half an hour going through results of Google search on these terms: open textbooks computing

    You will have to go through the texts yourself but there are many out there at many different levels.

    Here are the main resources.

    Wikibooks
    http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Subject:Computing
    http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Non-nerds_Guide_to_Computers
    http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Computers_for_Beginners

    Flat World Knowledge
    http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/

    MIT Open Courseware
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_OpenCourseWare
    http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Electrical-Engineering-and-Computer-Science/index.htm

    Make Textbooks Affordable open textbooks
    http://www.maketextbooksaffordable.org/statement.asp?id2=37833

    Student PIRGs
    http://www.studentpirgs.org/open-textbooks-catalog#computersci

    List at Walla Walla Community College
    http://www.wwcc.edu/CMS/index.php?id=2835

    The Assayer free books list
    http://theassayer.org/
    http://www.theassayer.org/cgi-bin/asbrowsesubject.cgi?class=Q#freeclassQAc

    California Learning Resource Network (only math and science)
    http://clrn.org/FDTI/index.cfm

    OER Consortium
    http://oerconsortium.org/discipline-specific/#Computer

    Open Book Project
    http://openbookproject.net/
    http://www.openbookproject.net/courses/

    Introduction to Information & Communication Technology - Using Free Software and Open Technologies
    Edited By: Will Brady
    http://openbookproject.net/courses/intro2ict/index.xhtml

    O'Reilly Open Books
    http://oreilly.com/openbook/

    Textbook Revolution
    http://www.textbookrevolution.org/index.php/Book:Lists/Subjects/Computer_Science

    http://www.opentextbook.org/
    http://freelearning.bccampus.ca/openTextbook.php?page_id=221&bookmark=Computing