Open vs. Closed Source

With the state of school funding in the condition that it currently finds itself and state funding of edtech initiatives feeling the same crunch as every other government office, schools are looking very closely at open source software as opposed to the traditionally more expensive corporate versions. Software corporations require that schools purchase packages of software and site licenses in order to stay up-to-date with the latest operating systems, web browsers, media players, and various productivity tools. It has gotten so out of control that school administrators are shying away from software and hardware updates, leaving their teachers and students behind the technological trends in our society and economy.

The easy solution would be to ditch the brand name software and replace it with open source versions that come with the inviting price of nothing, sans some download time. This would be easy if administrators and IT folks weren't so resistant to open source. They worry about the problems associated with free software, but they forget that even corporate-packaged software has its problems as well. It's time these decision-makers get over this hang-up. Open source software has served many an individual, business, and even school district well.

Although cost is still the greatest benefit of choosing open source over commercial brands, there are other characteristics that make the software valuable. Not only is open source free to schools, but students can download the software as well, making it more possible than ever to insure that students have the same access to universal formats as the schools. Open source is always improving. The developers are not limited by gift-giving seasons or marketing campaigns. They can make improvements as they go, often times before their commercial counterparts have even thought of the improvements.

Let's take Firefox for example. This is maybe one of the most widely used open source programs out there. In fact, I'm using it right now over the corporate brand already equipped on my machine. It was a quick and easy download that required no payment or package. In fact, I periodically download add-ons as they become available or meet my needs, instead of regular updates that interfere with the work I'm already doing. Many of the features I most appreciate on Firefox, like a zoom in function, tabs, spell-check, etc., were available well before my other browser went through an overhaul.

I have designs on becoming an administrator myself and plan to utilize open source whenever possible. Ultimately, I'd like to purchase basic machines with no software. We would then set up Linux as the operating system and go from there. Firefox would be our primary browser (assuming something else doesn't come along) and Open Office or some other tool would fill our productivity requirements. With some adjustments to school filters, we could utilize all the many great tools offered by Google, like Gmail, Google Reader, Blogger, and Google Calendars.

The need for expensive software packages with even pricier licensing agreements is over. Schools should move on to open source software in order to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape. Or pay the costs later.

Mystery

Anonymity and privacy does not really exist on the Internet these days. Some of us still act like it does, but there are no mysteries on the World Wide Web anymore. And there is no better lesson we can teach students than to be mindful of this online transparency. Of course, teachers and educational professionals need to be aware of this in their own online activities as well.

It was recently reported that a local television station in Kansas City looked up the names of area teachers, mostly in their 20's, on popular social networking sites MySpace and Facebook. What they found were pictures of drunken debauchery and sexual content unbecoming of people who work with children. The teacher's naively thought that no one would discover their secret online personae. Boy, were they mistaken.

I am not immune from making poor choices on what to post on my various blogs. There will be no details shared for those voyeurs out there. Just understand that I made a mistake by posting information that I thought was harmless and undetectable when a simple Google search could have really compromised people I work with and for. Luckily, no major harm was done and I have a chance to learn from my mistakes and make things right.

The point is that educators need to be as careful online as we wish our students to be. I know of other teachers who blog or maintain social networking profiles that should keep these things in mind. The best way to teach young people is to be an example for them to follow.

I know that I'll be more careful in my own blogging. This blog once had a different focus (and URL) that was negative and not very constructive. Sure, I posted some good things on there, but there was a lot of negativity that wasn't helpful in any way.

So, as I make my first post on this new/old blog, I am considering how to make it as useful as possible. My goal is to post on an educational issue I encounter once a week. This could have to do with methodology, pedagogy, edtech, or administration, all areas in which I have great interest.

Whatever I post, I will strive to mindful of my audience and/or potential audience. I understand that as easy as it is for me to set up this blog, it is just as easy for anyone to read it and react. I want those reactions to be positive. I have to be aware that the mystery of the Internet and blogosphere are no more.