Navigate 1 - Commercial vs. Open Source Virtual Classrooms

Synchronous learning takes place when instructors and students are online interacting together in real time.  In a virtual classroom, synchronous learning is the time when the student is able to ask a question or make a comment and get immediate feedback from the instructor. There are open source and commercial software that can be used with synchronous learning.

When would an open source application take precedence over a commercial product?

Open sources tend to be free and have less tech support, however Google + Hangout is a free commercial software. When working with students who are not in the workforce, they may not be able to afford a commercial product and the Open Source may work best for them. Open Sources are often cheap or free, yet very reliable.  They are commonly created by people who enjoy their work.  Some of the disadvantages of Open Source is that many people have access to them and the lack of tech support.  Commercial  software such as Adobe, Cisco Webex, Blackboard Collaborate, and GoToMeeting all have free trails or promotions. The commercial software may limit the number of users.  When using a commercial software everyone must be able to afford the software.  When this is the case, the open source application maybe the best choice and may take precedence over a commercial product.

What are the issues when choosing between Open Source vs. Commercial Software?

Commercial software are offered to educational institutions for a set fee. Commercial software normally have good customer service and is kept up to date.  They also are able to provide security form viruses. When choosing an Open source product instead the issue of technical support comes up.  When choosing an open resource package the technology support may not be as efficient as  with a commercial resource. It may require an in-house Information Technology department to find and fix problems which may come occur over continued usage and time.   Also, there is the issue of an open resource being discontinued because of financial problems.