Talk on Open Source Software for Science and Engineering Education

The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) and the Goa State Higher Education Council (GSHEC) collaboratively organized Vidnyan Dhara, a prestigious science series program aimed at fostering scientific awareness and education. As part of this initiative, Prof. Kimberly Morais, a distinguished academic and resource person, delivered an insightful talk on “Open Source Software for Science and Engineering Education.” The event took place on January 16, 2025, at the Aninha Educational Institute of Higher Secondary in Arts & Science. The session witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 55 students from the 11th science stream.

Key Highlights of the Talk

1. Introduction to Open Source Software:

1. The session began with an explanation of free and open-source software (FOSS) and its significance in science and engineering education.
2. The students were introduced to the concept of FOSS and its role in democratizing access to advanced software tools.
3. FOSSEE Project:

2. Prof. Morais highlighted the FOSSEE (Free and Open Source Software for Education) project, which promotes the adoption of FLOSS tools in academic and research contexts.
3. Various FLOSS tools and their applications in science and engineering were demonstrated.
4. Opportunities for Students:

3. Students were informed about the numerous opportunities available under the FOSSEE project, including workshops, internships, and contributions to open-source communities.
4. The session emphasized how participation in open-source initiatives could enhance their academic and professional growth.

The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from the students. Prof. Morais addressed their queries about the practical applications of FOSS in their education and career paths. The talk successfully enlightened students on the importance of open-source software in modern education and inspired them to explore its potential for the furture use. The Directorate of Higher Education and GSHEC’s initiative through Vidnyan Dhara has effectively created a platform for fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among young minds.