Using open source in the classroom

June 30, 5:55 PMDallas Educational Technology ExaminerElaine Plybon

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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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