OSS In Schools.pdf

A study compared the use of open source software (OSS) in 15 schools with 33 non-OSS schools, examining total cost of ownership (TCO) and effectiveness in supporting curriculum delivery and administration. OSS schools used open source solutions in three ways: running servers, providing operating systems, and providing applications. The study found that OSS can provide a suitable technical infrastructure and basic applications for classroom use, with 20-30 OSS programs relevant to the curriculum. Technical infrastructure was well-supported, with staff satisfaction higher in OSS schools. The study measured seven main elements of TCO, finding that annual total cost per PC was less for nearly all OSS schools, with primary school OSS costs half that of non-OSS schools and secondary school OSS costs 20% less. Support costs accounted for 60% of total annual cost per PC in both OSS and non-OSS schools, but were lower in OSS schools. Expenditure on training was low, and teachers in OSS schools viewed their ICT skills more positively.