“Why Aren’t More Schools Using Free, Open Tools?”

Penn Manor School District in Pennsylvania is exploring what it means to use open source tools rather than closed systems whenever possible.It has seemingly led to more student ownership over devices and their learning. “While we have the ‘must do’ layer, there’s also that little bit of subversion here, giving kids that little bit of creativity and maybe a ray of hope,” Reisinger, the district’s technology director, said. “I want them to learn that learning is not all about what someone else preordains for you. It’s OK to tinker and play with things.” How might using open tech turn students into creators rather than consumers of technology while also meeting rigorous standards?