How can you decide between open source and proprietary educational technology?

1 What is open source software?

Open source software is software that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. The source code, which is the set of instructions that make the software work, is also accessible and editable by anyone. Some examples of open source software in education are Moodle, a learning management system; Scratch, a programming language for kids; and H5P, a tool for creating interactive content. Open source software is usually developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, who collaborate and share their knowledge and expertise.

2 What is proprietary software?

Proprietary software is software that is owned and controlled by a specific company or organization. The source code is usually hidden and protected by copyright or patent laws. Users have to pay a fee or a subscription to access or use the software, and they cannot modify or redistribute it without permission. Some examples of proprietary software in education are Microsoft Office, a suite of productivity applications; Zoom, a video conferencing platform; and Kahoot, a game-based learning tool. Proprietary software is usually developed and maintained by a team of professionals, who aim to generate profit and market share.

3 What are the benefits of open source software?

One of the main benefits of open source software is that it is free or low-cost, which can save you money and resources. Another benefit is that it is flexible and customizable, which means you can adapt it to your specific needs and preferences. You can also contribute to the improvement and innovation of the software by reporting bugs, suggesting features, or adding code. Moreover, open source software can foster a culture of collaboration and sharing among learners and educators, who can benefit from the collective wisdom and creativity of the open source community.

4 What are the drawbacks of open source software?

One of the main drawbacks of open source software is that it may require more technical skills and time to install, configure, and maintain. You may also encounter compatibility or security issues, as the software may not work well with other systems or devices, or may be vulnerable to hackers or malware. Another drawback is that it may lack support or documentation, as the developers may not provide adequate guidance or assistance to the users. Furthermore, open source software may not offer the same quality or functionality as proprietary software, as it may have fewer features, less testing, or more bugs.

5 What are the benefits of proprietary software?

One of the main benefits of proprietary software is that it is easy and convenient to use, as it usually has a user-friendly interface and a simple installation process. Another benefit is that it is reliable and secure, as it undergoes rigorous testing and quality control, and complies with industry standards and regulations. You can also expect to receive regular updates and support from the developers, who can help you troubleshoot problems or answer questions. Moreover, proprietary software can offer more features and functionality than open source software, as it may have more advanced or specialized capabilities, or integrate better with other platforms or tools.

6 What are the drawbacks of proprietary software?

One of the main drawbacks of proprietary software is that it is expensive or restrictive, which can limit your access and options. You may have to pay a high upfront or recurring fee, or agree to a long-term contract or a strict license agreement. You may also have to deal with vendor lock-in, which means you depend on a single provider for your software needs, and may have difficulty switching to another solution or transferring your data. Another drawback is that it is inflexible and unmodifiable, which means you cannot alter or improve the software to suit your specific needs or preferences. Furthermore, proprietary software may raise ethical or social concerns, as it may infringe on your privacy or autonomy, or create inequalities or monopolies in the educational sector.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?