K12 Open Technologies

While the Consortium for School Networking is vendor-neutral and tries to help inform technology decision-making in K-12 environments by focusing on the choices available, there are times when examining a specific product can be very helpful. Such, we believe, is the case with Moodle. While this report is technically not vendor-specific (since Moodle is “Open Source” software it does not require going through a commercial vendor), we believe that the widespread and often enthusiastic response to Moodle by K-12 institutions creates a need to briefly define what Moodle is, to what it can do, and to give some specific examples of how it is being implemented.

Moodle is a software program for electronic or "e-learning," a category of programs that are variously identified as "Course Management Systems" (CMS), "Learning Management Systems" (LMS), or "Virtual Learning Environments" (VLE). Many of the mechanics of classroom operation—such as assignments, scheduling, and quizzes—can be easily set up through simple resource-based “courses.” Moodle also has a broad variety of additional modular features and a relatively quick learning curve, helping educators easily and effectively develop full online classes, either in advance or as the course is being taught. This versatility allows Moodle to be used in a variety of ways depending on the needs and capabilities of the school or district: from simple classroom management to pure e-learning--or a “blended” combination of the two, with e-learning content and utilities extending on-site classroom learning.

See how Orwell High School, in Felixstowe on the East Coast of England, successfully implemented Linux Terminal Server.

We are all witness to the controversy over the relative cost of ownership of open source software (OSS) versus that of proprietary software offerings. While articles and case studies from some of the proprietary software vendors may be considered a defensive move, they do bring up points that address the total cost of ownership, helping users to consider issues beyond the initial and annual licensing costs.

This report provides an overview of the use and attitudes toward open source software in higher education. 

Gary Hepburn and Jan Buley describe the implementation strategies available to schools considering open source software.

We all have our opinions about open-source technologies. While many are in favor of "free" and "open" software conceptually, there are those whose reservations about open source trump even the high ace in the deck, also known as budgetary restrictions. 

Article on using the Moodle engine to create more interactive classrooms.

This report records work that Becta has done with schools which have implemented a range of open source software (OSS) solutions.

Many experts believe that the real potential of technology cannot be achieved until there is a one-to-one student-to-computer ratio. However, the costs associated with one-to-one—combined with the other changes required for successful implementation—have been beyond the means of many schools. Today, low-cost open source operating systems and application software are making one-to-one a possibility for more schools.

The prospect of converting of the Network Operating System for an entire school district is enough to make most technology directors cringe. Make this a shift from an established proprietary system to blend of Open Source solutions and you have a real formula for fear.