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We've all been there. Attended a workshop on a great software application or heard another teacher talking about how much they think this or that program is helping in their classroom. Often, reality sets in when we find that the price of the software is too high for us to be able to realistically incorporate its use into the classroom.
Because of the current economy, many schools and districts are cutting back on budgets, leaving teachers scrambling to find ways to fund their favorite technology tool. One alternative is to find open source software that is somewhat comparable to the high-priced software. At least one district in the Dallas area, Irving ISD, has decided to stop putting expensive Microsoft Office programs on student computers, opting instead to use the free, open-source OpenOffice.
Sorting through open source programs can be time-consuming and difficult. Programs that say they are an alternative may have several differences --sometimes in key functionality. Teachers have to be sure to try out software, testing the particular features they know they'll need in their classroom, before implementing its use in their classroom. If a teacher decides to find open source alternatives, there are some websites that can help. The Nonprofit Open Source Initiative has a primer to assist individuals in finding suitable open source alternatives. Open Source as Alternative is a website devoted to assisting in the search for alternatives to expensive programs.
The question is, can open source programs give students the same quality of experience and expertise as the high-dollar versions? For example, is a student who has only used OpenOffice going to be able to make the transition into a job that requires he/she to know how to use Microsoft Word? What do you think? Add your comments and let me know your opinion!
For more information:
How the Open Source Movement Has Changed Education: 10 Success Stories
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Comments
The idea that Irving ISD should be just a Microsoft shop is short sighted. We teach students to drive, not to dive just a Chevy. Students should be exposed to a variety of tools and be able to navigate across them, including MS office. In addition to Open Office on student laptops, every desktop computer in schools will continue to host MS Office and Open Office. Every teacher will have access to both products to accommodate any transitions. Students also have the option to take MS Office course work in business classes and even pursue a certificate. (continued...)
Therefore, students in Irving will have more opportunities for diverse learning, not less. Once students understand the fundamentals, they should be able to easily migrate from MS Office to Google Docs, Open Office, Office Live, ... and vice versa, an essential skill. In this age of abundant web 2.0 and Open Source resources, we should not be scarce in creativity and imagination.
An Open Source software implementation requires a lot of dedication and consideration, but the reward is sophisticated students who can adapt to a fast changing environment.
Adapt, or perish. The choice is ours.
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