By John D. Homer, Ph.D.
NETS-T IIIA

Many schools are moving to use open source software in their classrooms. When facing a decision like this, it's important to understand the issues involved and know the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Open source software is software for which the source code (the set of computer instructions that establishes or defines the software application) has been made available to its users, who can modify or add to the software in any way they choose. The term open source software was introduced as an alternative label for what had previously been called "free software." This type of software is distinguished from proprietary software, also known as "closed source" software.

The source code for proprietary software is protected under copyright laws and is customarily kept secret, so that a user can purchase and use the software as it is written, but cannot see how the software has been created and certainly cannot modify its workings. The iconic examples of proprietary and open source software are, respectively, the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems and the varied collection of Linux operating systems.

Cost

Why are schools considering a shift to open source software? In today's environment of tight budgets, open source software boasts an appealing price tag--free. In monetary terms, free software is definitely an advantage over proprietary, pay-per-license software, and it can provide useful software to a greater number of students at a much lower cost.

It is important to remember, however, that free cost does not always lead to free implementation and troubleshooting assistance. Indeed, some companies have constructed a business model on the distribution of free, open source software packages, like Red Hat Linux, but they charge customers for assistance in installation, modification, and maintenance. Many proprietary software packages come with a limited time of telephone support as well as extensive and organized online documentation.

Customization

Open source software is modifiable, but this does not mean that the average student or teacher will have the necessary knowledge to make significant changes in the structure or appearance of the software application. Open source software relies on the intellectual contributions of hundreds of individuals, each of whom chooses to make an effort to expand and improve some piece of open source software. This system works well in practice, but it doesn't guarantee that a specific change will be made unless someone chooses to work on that aspect of the application.

Security

There is an ongoing debate as to the relative security of open source and proprietary software. Open source advocates claim that because all users can examine and improve the code, there are greater opportunities for a security vulnerability to be identified and corrected before it is utilized in an attack.

On the other hand, proprietary advocates observe that malicious users also can very easily identify and exploit vulnerabilities in open source software, while closed source software makes it much harder for a hacker to find and exploit a weakness in the application. There is some merit to this claim, but it is undeniable that proprietary software applications also have weaknesses that are discovered and exploited.

In short, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to employing either open source or proprietary software applications in the classroom. It is best to carefully and completely consider the costs, in both money and effort, before making a decision. Unless a district provides technical support for an open source system, many teachers may find that the disadvantages to using an open source software package still outweigh the financial incentives.

This issue and the next issue of Technology Integration for Teachers will spotlight a few of the many open source software options available.