Anyone wish to share thoughts or opinions regarding Web 2.0 and Open Source software programs?

My school district’s Technology Coordinator and Technology Committee advocate the downloading and utilizing of Open Source programs available on the Internet as they are virtually free of financial costs. They believe purchasing inexpensive laptops and uploading of free software programs from Open Source providers saves money and is just as effective as purchased programs in classrooms and computer labs. I have had a difficult time arguing against that reasoning during this stressful financial period in California. Persuading administrators and teachers to purchase software programs is nearly impossible even if they agree the programs are unique and will help students perform better academically.

I attended the recent California CUE Conference in Palm Springs and observed it was dominated by advocates of Open Source software programs and representatives from Google and Apple. Seems Apple is creating computers and operating systems that work seamlessly with freeware offered by Open Source writers and downloadable programs such as G-Mail, Earth, Sketch, Docs, etc. I was excited and intrigued by the CUE presentations and started learning how to use them as soon as I arrived home. These and other powerful programs work as well as commercial programs costing hundreds of dollars.

How does FableVision fit into the picture as the educational technology paradigm shifts into a new direction?