This is a ``proof of concept'' project implementing the Linux1 operating system, and other open-source software2 tools, in physics, mathematics, and computer science (CS) classrooms and laboratories. The Linux operating system is a fully developed, open-source version of Unix3 for PCs and many other architectures. We believe Linux and open-source software have matured to the point that they can meet the needs of both introductory and advanced students. This project addresses the equally valid goals of supporting the use of computers in introductory and general education courses, while giving physics, mathematics and CS majors early exposure to the Unix operating system, a central tool for research in all three of these disciplines.
We will replace a total of 32 computers in the three existing computer laboratories shared by the physics, mathematics and CS departments, with Linux workstations. We will proceed in three one year stages, beginning with a teaching laboratory of 8 networked workstations impacting mainly the upper level curriculum. We will then apply what we learn to two laboratories serving mainly introductory and general education courses in the following two years.
We--the principal investigator (PI) and the two co-PI's--use the three affected laboratories heavily for teaching and, as this project proceeds, increasingly for student research. We will supervise and assist a group of student system administrators, supported with College work study funds, who will implement, maintain and administer the affected laboratories. We will also lead a three week faculty development seminar during Earlham's May term in Spring of 2000 for faculty and student system administrators.
A concrete final product of the project will be a software bundle, designed to facilitate the implementation of Linux teaching laboratories, especially targeting the needs of undergraduate science departments. This software bundle will include the Linux operating system, associated open-source software tools, and documentation. We will make our product freely available both via the Internet and in CD ROM form. As part of the development process, we will identify external collaborators interested in exploring the use of Linux in teaching laboratories who are willing to test and evaluate the product. We will also lobby relevant educational software vendors to port their products to Linux, preferably under open-source licenses.
Expected local outcomes of this project include strengthened collaboration between physics, mathematics, and CS students, increased student-faculty research activity, heightened student enthusiasm and involvement, and increased faculty use of technology in the curriculum. We will perform separate, yearly external evaluations of the impact of the project on students and faculty and of the software bundle we produce. The results of these ongoing evaluations will inform our activities throughout the project.