Navigate 1 - Commercial vs. Open Source Virtual Classrooms

Navigate 1 - Commercial vs. Open Source Virtual Classrooms

Reflect: Consider for a moment the role of synchronous learning in the virtual classroom and the exploration of various synchronous applications. Using the lesson as a point of reference, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the open source versus commercial software in relation to synchronous learning in your blog.

Open source: The benefits of open source resources for synchronous learning would be the variety of available options. There are limitless possible sources for teachers to use for students. Many of these are free. The down side is that sometimes sites are not available. Others may require a fee. Schools need to have a technology person to help train teachers, upgrade and host.

Commercial software: With this type of resource teachers can "control" what is shown to students. This provides an opportunity for students to participate in a safe digital learning community. An example of this is Blackboard. This provides a platform for presenting material as well as communicating with students.

Answer: 

1. When would an open source application take precedence over a commercial product? When cost is a factor, open source applications are free and readily accessible and available online.
2. What are the issues when choosing between Open Source vs. Commercial Software? With Commercial Software, schools can get technical support whereas with Open Source that is not always possible.