Well this is an interesting development. Google has this very interesting business model. The more data they get, the more ways they can mix it and mash it up. For example, google maps is a lot more than just pictures and maps, they have this huge search database where they can geolocate things on the map too.
Most of Google’s tools are free. This is because the vast majority of their business model is based on selling ads online. They use this stream of cash to give away tools that hurt their competitors. For example, Microsoft’s two big cash cows are Windows and MS Office. So Google is developing an OS (Chrome) and seriously investing in Google Docs. They have the resources to just give things away, thus crippling their competitors. I don’t have a problem with any of this of course. It’s business.
With all that in mind, Google has just given away an Open Source LMS called CloudCourse. I imagine this includes integration with Gmail, Google Calendar, Mpas, etc… They used this as an example for something called App Engine. This lets you develop online applications easily and for lower cost then you would in the past. I am not sure if this is tacky in blogging protocol, but I am going to quote myself from a post called What if Schools Don’t Change?
If you look at any industry that goes through a radical change, the leaders of the new industry are usually NOT the same ones who lead the old industry.
It is said that “Nature Abhors a Vaccuum.” If schools don’t change then somebody else will fill that void. In the 20th century the big names in Education were Harvard, Oxford, and University of Iowa. Is it possible in 10 years the big names in Education will be Google, Apple and Walmart? Yes Walmart. They are the barbarians at the gate right now.
Just remember, education is about learning, not about school.
Update: Found another good article here.