The pedagogy of migration from proprietary software to free software: a freirian perspective.

Author(s)

Anderson Fernandes de Alencar

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Educação (FE/SBD)
• Defense date: 2007-09-26

Examining board members

Moacir Gadotti; Gilson Schwartz; Sergio Amadeu da Silveira

• Advisor: Moacir Gadotti

Abstract

This dissertation is the result of research work aimed at considering a migration proposal from proprietary software to a free software that addresses elements of the thoughts of both philosopher Álvaro Vieira Pinto and educator Paulo Freire. This work discusses, as theoretical beddings, the contributions of Álvaro Vieira Pinto and Paulo Freire to the art of technology in the current context by considering their thoughts on technique and concepts of technology; various attitudes with respect to technology; criticism of technological dependence; and technology as a patrimony of humanity, a possible \"technological praxis\", a source of emancipation and social change, and a defense of an info-inclusion concept. Free software is also presented as a viable and coherent alternative, holding the dream of another possible world. Its description and evolution are presented, as well as philosophical, economical and technical reasons for its use, its limitations, and free software as a social movement. Concerning methodology, the Instituto Paulo Freire, institution Paulo Freire followed since its foundation, was chosen as a case study for the experiment of the migration to free software. The researcher participated in the experiment from the beginning of the proposal, and during its maturation, development and last actions. However, he was not able to participate in the experiment to the end due to time limitations. The entire experiment is reported in this research report. With the intent of acquiring elements that would bring strength to a new migration proposal and to an understanding of the experiment itself, questionnaires were submitted to all migrants, whose answers brought important contributions to the experiment. It was concluded that the Instituto Paulo Freire experiment was completed in accordance with the Freirian principles it defends. The migration experiment for free software is an essentially pedagogical experiment. This is why the participation of educators and expertise are essential for the migration. (AU)