managing ict managing ict
Increasing choice and flexibility
In the last of his
Becta welcomes this emphasis on open standards age of equipment they own and open source can help
and is committed to driving greater openness in ICT eliminate this issue.
series of articles
systems. But why is it so important? And what does
open source actually mean? And most importantly,
Getting up to speed
what is its direct impact? In order to answer these Becta is keen to expand the open source community so
for SecEd, Becta
questions, it is important to look at how open source can that it includes those that are well versed on the topic
benefit learning providers and how some are already as well as those that have never come across it before.
chief executive
using it to improve choice, flexibility and learning A “grass roots” approach is needed in order that open
opportunities for students. source’s benefits are truly achieved.
Stephen Crowne discusses
The Open source schools website is part of a project
What is open source?
supported by Becta which aims to raise awareness in
Open source software is developed collaboratively, the education community of open source software. The
how open source software
allowing third-party developers to patch and improve site provides resources for schools to find out about the
code, or to derive new functions based on existing benefits that open source software can bring to learning,
for schools is an issue of
programs. teaching, engaging pupils and parents, managing
It differs from proprietary software that is supplied information and resources, and school administration.
open standards and choice
under a licence agreement, which may require a fee to It includes a range of case studies to illustrate how
use it, limit the number of machines it can be used on, open source can be successfully implemented and
and usually prohibits copying or redistribution. developed in schools, and also offers forums in which
Open source software is made available under a heads, teachers, technicians and others can discuss
he use of open source software in the different type of licence which allows users to use, their experiences of software acquisition, distribution
T
education sector has been the subject copy, redistribute and modify the source code. software and development. The site provides links to blogs that
of hot debate in recent months. There is considered to be “open source” if its source code is feature open source in education, news stories and links
are clear benefits to using it, most available under a licence approved by the Open source to open source software developers’ websites.
notably the increased choice and greater Initiative (OsI). Becta is committed to driving greater openness in
flexibility it brings to learning providers’ It is already widely used by learning providers and at ICT systems and will ensure open source software is
ICT systems. It is also a cost-efficient home, often without people realising it – Mozilla Firefox taken into account in future procurement frameworks.
solution, opening up new ways of using technology is an example, as are the vast majority of websites. It is only by understanding the potential of open source,
not always accessible through traditional software. For however, there are now also a growing number of that learning providers can fully realise the goal of open
learners, it offers better access to support and enables learning providers using open source software, such as standards and take this natural step to greater freedom,
better tailoring of learning to suit their needs. Moodle, within their education communities. flexibility and cost efficiencies. SecEd
however, it is often dismissed as “too technical”
or inaccessible, so it is clear there is a need for more
Open standards and choice
• Stephen Crowne is chief executive of Becta.
guidance and advice to address these misconceptions At Becta, our primary focus is on open standards
and ensure it is adopted more widely by the education to ensure that documents and data can be shared
Further information
sector. effectively irrespective of the software that the Open source schools holds its first national
Back in March, the government reiterated its learner, school or college chooses to use. For “unconference” on July 20 at the National College
commitment to the use of open source with its Open example, we do not want the situation where a pupil for school Leadership in Nottingham. Places
Source, Open Standards and Re–Use: Government takes a document home, which he or she has been are free for school and local authority staff. Visit
Action Plan, which sets out the steps needed across working on at school, and due to different versions www.opensourceschools.org.uk/unconference09
government and the ICT industry for the education of software is not able to work on it from their home. You can access the Open source schools website at
sector to take advantage of open source. No learner should be disadvantaged by the type or www.opensourceschools.org.uk
Bring Europe into your classroom.
Comenius In-Service Training
Share knowledge and experience
with peers across the continent
A training activity in another European country not only
improves your practical teaching skills, it’s also a great way
to create lasting links with teachers across Europe.
 Whether you are interested in outdoor environmental education, art education and new technologies, or updating
your skills in the teaching of foreign languages, a huge variety of courses are taking place all over Europe
 Comenius In-Service Training grants are available for teaching staff, support staff and educational professionals
based in local authorities
 You can also apply to job shadow a colleague in a partner institution, and experience life in another European
school or college
‘I would urge others to do it. The fi rst thing I noticed in the Czech Republic was how friendly the people were.
I was amazed how much we had in common when it came to working in schools.’ Shawlands Academy, Glasgow
The next application deadline is 15 September 2009 (for activity taking place between January and April 2010).
Find out more at www.britishcouncil.org/comenius
The European Union’s Comenius programme is managed in the UK by the British Council
10 SecEd • June 25 2009
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