Open Source in Schools – Which Solutions Exist and What Works Well

Schools need digital tools these days: for assignments, files, chat and remote lessons. Alongside Microsoft 365, many German states and school authorities use their own platforms, often built on open-source software. It's a nice development – and it shows how ready for everyday use open software has become.

What the German states offer

In Germany, education is a matter for the individual states. That's why almost every state has developed its own offerings. A few examples:

Many of these use proven open-source building blocks like Moodle (learning platform), BigBlueButton (remote lessons) or Nextcloud (files). There are also commercial solutions like IServ, which many schools use.

Why open source suits schools

• Data in Europe: The platforms usually run in data centres in Germany.
• Predictable costs: No licence per pupil.
• Customisable: Schools and states can adapt the software to their needs.
• Learning effect: Kids learn that there's more than one big software ecosystem.
• Open formats: Work can easily be exported and reused.

Typical building blocks at a glance

What families, clubs and tutors can take away

What works in schools works on a small scale too:

• Families can keep photos, dates and documents in a shared Nextcloud.
• Clubs organise themselves with chat, calendar and file storage – without per-member licence fees.
• Tutors use video calls and shared folders for worksheets.

How to get started

1. Think about what you need: Files? Chat? Video calls?
2. Start small: Begin with one building block, for example a shared Nextcloud.
3. Bring everyone along: A short introduction helps everyone feel comfortable.
4. Expand: If it goes well, add more tools.

If you'd rather learn a few basics at your own pace, have a look at my workshops.

Tips for parents

You can borrow a few ideas from schools at home too:

• Shared family calendar: With Nextcloud and CalDAV, parents' evenings, training and doctor's appointments show up on every phone.
• Share photos safely: Instead of sending pictures to big group chats, albums can be shared via a password-protected link.
• Open office programs: LibreOffice is free and perfectly fine for presentations, job applications and homework.
• Talking about data: Chat with your kids about which apps collect which data – no finger-wagging needed.

Tips for clubs and tutors

• One place for everything: Statutes, minutes and member lists in a shared Nextcloud folder with clear permissions.
• Chat for the committee: A Matrix room where arrangements don't get lost among private messages.
• Video calls without accounts: With Jitsi or BigBlueButton, a link is all it takes – participants don't need to install anything.
• Forms: Sign-ups and surveys can be created with Nextcloud Forms.

Because there's no per-person licence, this is especially attractive for clubs with many members.

Conclusion

Many schools show how well open source works in everyday life. The nice thing: the same tools are available to you too – for your family, your club or your small office.

If you'd like to give it a try, I'm happy to help – just drop me a line.