Without a doubt, every school system in America should look at the pros and cons of using Linux operating systems in the classroom. Technology offers many options, but typically it’s Microsoft that wins the bid. Microsoft is expensive. Here’s the first pro.
Linux is open source. It would deliver a huge cost savings to the school district. Another very important plus is that it is a much heartier operating system when it comes to security. Microsoft is a major hacker target. When the bug hits, it costs yet another hefty sum to get things back online. As far as ease of use, the fear that Linux is hard to use is probably more of a myth than a reality. It can look very similar to Microsoft, so the switch won’t feel so much like foreign territory.
When operating systems have to be upgraded, that is a good time to make the switch. Of course, it’s something that deserves the community’s input since it’s the tax dollar that funds public schools. In that case, more pros will arise, but so will the cons.
First big con would be whether all of the school’s software would be compatible with a new operating system. That is a huge cost deficit, not only in technology but in staff time. Secondly, kids probably don’t use Linux at home. This could cause some learning issues, as well as compatibility issues with certain learning tasks, such as book reports or power point presentations. It’s not fair to expect parents to know ways to work around these issues. Another factor has to do with a child’s future. Most office settings use Windows. Open any classified section of any newspaper and read all of those job postings that require Microsoft Office expertise.
Of course, there’s the greater cost to society in the form of corporate lawsuits. Nobody just hands over their piece of the pie. Don’t expect Microsoft to do it either.