Open Source Software Solutions for K-12

A product of NETC at NWREL

Open source software may be a good solution for your state, district, or school. This site will help you weigh that choice.

Try Open source: What & why?
- Administrators & technicians
- Teachers, students, & parents/guardians
Or try Using this site
See also News & site updates & the Site map

BACKGROUND
Anyone can change or share open source software.

PROS & CONS
Open source software has many potential advantages and disadvantages.

K-12 EXAMPLES
Educators are using open source software for a variety of solutions.

DECISIONS
Each school or district should compare their needs and goals with the potential value of open source software.

APPENDICES
A glossary, handouts, links, recommended reading, references, and research notes.

It's almost as though the village blacksmiths of the world can now build axles in their backyards, assemble them together and compete with General Motors. - Paul Maritz, Microsoft

Open Options is a product of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. These materials are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. The following acknowledgment is requested on materials which are reproduced: Developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, Oregon.

This Web site was developed and maintained by the Northwest Educational Technology Consortium. The federal funding for the regional technology consortia program ended on September 30, 2005, and no further updates are planned unless additional funding becomes available. However, much of the content is still useful and NWREL will continue to provide access to this site to support educators and to meet its own technical assistance needs.