Open Options | Open source: What & why?

Open source is a special kind of software. Anyone can change or share it. The "source" is the source code of a program: the engine underneath what you usually see and use. Most of the software you use is probably closed source or "proprietary." Only the software company can change or share proprietary software.

Open source has many potential advantages and disdvantages. Here are some important ideas about open source for:

Administrators & technicians
Teachers, students, & parents/guardians

Administrators & technicians

What

Everyone has access to the source code. You don't have to wait for a company to make the changes you need.

Why

Cost - It's free to download. There aren't complicated licenses. With enough expertise, it may save money.
Quality - Many programs are mature enough.
Independence - Schools can't be forced to upgrade. Solutions are modular and can be customized.
Community support - Free support is available from a thriving online community of educators.

Why not

Legacy issues - Many programs in schools aren't compatible. It may not be user friendly.
Specific apps - Specific curriculum software may not be available for classroom teachers.
Migration - Changes can be extremely disruptive. New software requires new support and training for effective integration.
Uncertain future - Many programs and companies are still growing. The long term costs could be high.

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Teachers, students, & parents/guardians

What

It's a different kind of software. Anyone, including students, can see how it works and make changes.

Why

Cost - It's free to download. It may save money. Students can take it home.
Quality - Many programs are suitable for schools. They have the features schools need.
Advanced curricula - Students can learn technology for future careers, without depending on a specific company or brand of software.
Community support - Free support is available from a thriving online community of educators.

Why not

Supporting learning - Many programs, especially curriculum software, don't work with open source. There are no open source programs for some things.
Challenging - It may be difficult to learn how to use some programs.
Uncertain future - Many programs and companies are still growing. The long term costs could be high.

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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.