Getting Open Source Software into Schools: Strategies and Challenges.
Gary Hepburn, Jan Buley · NSUWorks (Nova Southeastern University) · 2006
This article focuses on the sociopolitical aspects of implementing open source software (OSS) in schools.Supporters of such implementation make a compelling case for OSS based on the clear advantages it offers over commercial applications-advantages such as its low cost, its freedom from cumbersome usage restrictions, and its ethical value in promoting a more democratic form of technological practice (e.g., BECTA 2005;Hart 2003;Hepburn 2004Hepburn , 2005;; Open Options 2005; Tong 2004).However, while these benefits make the transition from commercial software to OSS attractive, actually making the change is a complicated process.Below we will briefly describe some approaches that may be used when integrating software change; we will then indicate several sociopolitical factors that may act as barriers to such change and discuss how these barriers may be addressed in the decision-making process.Our intention is to provide suggestions for leadership and research to support schools as they consider moving to OSS-based computing environments. Implementing Open Source SoftwareA wide variety of OSS is available for download, most for little or no cost.OSS applications exist for a wide range of operating systems including commercial platforms such as Windows and the MacOS as well as Linux, the nonproprietary flagship of OSS and a capable desktop alternative.Further, the comprehensive variety of functions afforded by OSS applications, which include everything from office suites to Web editors to graphic programs, is comparable to those afforded by commercial applications currently used in schools ( Table 1).The rapid growth of OSS development has thus reached such a point that the continued use of commercial applications can no longer be taken for granted as the best option for educational institutions; open source systems now offer such institutions much of the same technological benefits without the added licensing cost.Schools can harness the potential of OSS, provided they carefully plan for its implementation.This planning should account for the time-consuming technical process of changing a school's computing environment as well as the sociopolitical challenges that accompany such a change.Before exploring these challenges, we will outline three approaches for introducing open source software into schools. Open Source Applications on Windows.OSS counterparts can be installed in place of commercial software and successfully run on the existing commercial operating system, such as Windows or MacOS.This approach significantly reduces software costs and releases schools from commercial software restrictive licensing agreements that limit how the software may be used.2. Linux and Windows.The Linux operating system can be installed on a school's computers alongside Windows (or the MacOS).The hard drive of the computer is divided, allowing space for both operating systems and their applications.When a user boots the computer, she or he may choose the OSS or commercial operating system to use.This approach saves little or no money since it still retains the existing commerical software.Further, this approach provides little motivation for users to try the less familiar OSS option.3.All Open Source.The most technically straightforward way to introduce OSS is to replace all commercial operating systems and software with Linux and open source applications.In this rapid conversion to OSS, the cost savings are dramatic.