What are some ‘Open Source’ programs or software that you have used?

Why did you choose this program/software over other options?

Some of the Open Source programs I have used include Firefox, and Zotero.   Can anyone answer a burning, but possibly silly question of mine.   How do open source software and program creators make money?  To further clarify my question… I have read Lerner and Tirole (2002) and understand that reputational benefits can afford material gains, such as the Apache case where many contributors were hired by other companies.   But how do the creators survive in the meantime?  Do they create after their day jobs end?  And I am still surprised that many developers choose to go the open source route rather than a for-profit route… maybe my ETEC 522 Ventures in Technology class is jading me!?

1. What do you feel is the most challenging issue facing the future of educational technology as a result of ‘the digital divide’?

I believe funding is the biggest issue facing the future of educational technology.   I believe it is the government’s responsibility to fund ALL schools in regard to technology.   Schools have the ability to level the playing field and currently this is not happening.  At my children’s school it is up to the PAC to provide.   But unlike other cases cited, we live in a fairly up-scale neighbourhood.   Our PAC doesn’t see value in funding technology for the schools because they argue that the students all have their own devices and why can’t they BYOD.  I was really surprised when I heard this argument.  Instead they prefer to purchase jerseys, playground equipment, and pay for field trips.   As a result our school only has the technology that the district provides and currently the school does not have a BYOD policy so I feel my students are way behind in technology.

2. What are your experiences with “Have vs Have-Not” schools?  What is the impact on the students, parents and teachers?

My experience is that regardless of whether I have taught in a high or middle income school the student’s knowledge and abilities to use technology varies quite a bit.   Some students may be technologically savvy when it comes to specific programs (i.e. games) but not necessarily technologically literate.  In BC technology is integrated into all of the curricular areas.   I agree with this in principle but I also wish we had a mandated scope and sequence of media literacy skills that should be taught and supported in schools.   Until we have this, we will have pockets of students who not only have technology but also have the skills needed to effectively use it and vice-versa.

Choose any word from the wall and explain how it encapsulates your thoughts on this topic.

I chose the word “pedagogy” because I believe at the forefront of any discussion on what technology we should or should not include in our practice should be based on solid objectives.  “Educational goals must drive technology decisions” (Puryear, 1999, p. 49).