Open Source and Academia

When educators realize they never should think they are no longer learners and commit to the idea of their professionalism being their responsibility in determining their life direction, the openness in education will become a part of academia. Everyone should grow in as many interests as they can explore content to best connect ideas, network, and create learning opportunities that stretch the imagination. Open Source is a step in leveling the playing field for equitability in education for learners everywhere. Not surprisingly, the “digital” learners don’t seem to mind using Open Source technologies rather than proprietary offerings. People all over the world work on open source. Its development grows through the spirit of giving.

Realizing the need to seek professional opportunities outside of just accepting employer offerings takes time, exploration, and awareness. As online classrooms become increasingly supportive of distance and blended learning environments, the walls will inevitably start coming down for all learners. This isn’t to say that online learning is for everyone, but the expansion in content connection possibilities will become impossible to ignore. Educators will find themselves being scrutinized by more than just their employers if they try to remain isolated. Learners will seek outside engagement to discover more and more of the world together making those educators obsolete.

Networking has built my awareness and I predict it to continue so. The tool may change as I try one thing and then the next but friends will be gained, connections made, bridges built, and learning achieved along the way. My computing is progressively moving more and more into the “clouds.” To adapt to the many changing tools, programs, devices, etc. the actual hardware and software has become insignificant, but the accessibility to my personal and professional life everywhere all the time is of upmost importance.