How Open Source Tools Could Help Remote Learning during the First Lockdown in Hungary? – Case Study of University of Public Service

Abstract

This paper analyses how these open source tools could help remote learning at the University of Public Service during the spring semester in 2020 and how their usage rise significantly compared with the previous period.

Covid-19 has had serious consequences in all aspects of people's everyday life – including higher education. Forced emergency responses made a significant impact on the digital transformation of higher education. In Hungary, the University of Public Service switched from attendance education to remote learning within ten days.

Using case study methodology, this paper analyses how open source software usage changed at the first lockdown. The transformation period was between 12-22 March 2020, and online education started on 23 March 2020. The end of the examined period is the end of the 2020 autumn semester. The examined institute is the University of Public Service. This research focuses only open source tools, including the already utilized accessed Moodle course management system.

This paper is highlighting the relevance of the usage of open source software in the given timeframe. The "public money – public code" principle is also emphasized as one which could be an especially key issue in the University of Public Service as this institute prepares students to work as public servants in the future.