The Open School model has been tested in Kasavuori School in Kauniainen. According to Principal Riitta Rekiranta, the model is easy to use. And it has produced savings.

“The pupils needed perhaps 15 seconds to learn the system, the teachers closer to 15 minutes.”

Rekiranta describes the earlier situation as “chaotic.” The school had computers, but their functionality was touch and go.

“It could take up to 15 minutes just to get to the point where you were asked log in. They were more likely to be with IT support personnel than with pupils.

Now the old machines have been harnessed for Open School use, and new terminals have been purchased. The Linux-based system is updated externally, via the network, so updating expenses remain low. All the machines have been connected to a system which instructs them to shut down at 16:00, cutting back on electricity costs, too.

“The technology side of IT should be made invisible in schools. It’s simply a tool used by both pupils and teachers. It should be reliable and user-friendly,” Rekiranta says.

“This frees up schools to do their actual job: teaching, and supporting children’s development.”