I have to say my heart goes out to those family members who see all the attractive, education-focused apps available on iOS and wonder why their school is promoting capable (if homely) options like OpenOffice, GIMP, and Scribus. Although many teachers have embraced and see the potential of open source-based software, I occasionally hear people indicating how our districts use of open source software somehow diminishes the learning experience of our students. And just as frequently, the requested technology includes utilizing popular commercial software, iDevices, and so forth.
I am frequently involved in discussions that revolve around bringing innovative to education which of course involves a technological aspect. However, the author refers to frequent conversations he has with his school’s community in which they compare the Linux-based ecosystem to the range of modern apps available to the Mac or iPad ecosystem: Desktop Linux can deliver a decent computing experience for very low cost, and that’s a great thing for cash strapped schools.
I think it’s very clever and appropriate to offer a network of “thin client” Linux-based laptops connected to virtual desktops. Using Linux desktops in conjunction with the Chrome Web Store can give you the wow factor that impresses students and families while building on the strengths of desktop linux machines.
However the author falls into a trap of dismissing the benefits of commercial software and overemphasizing the benefits of desktop Linux software. I was ready to share and recommend this post because I love the idea of using open source software in education. In response to “ Prepare students for a rapidly changing world by teaching with open source” The Chrome Web Store as seen from Google Chrome OS (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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