We can’t teach in a technological dystopia

Yes but this belies a lack of overall understanding of how complex HE tech ecosystems can be and how poorly many OS tools currently meet institutional needs. Should be - sure - but can be, not yet.

Well written... comprehensive and enlightening !! Basil jide fadipe.

Andy, I am writing (in a personal capacity) as the Head of Digital Learning at Durham University. I found your optimism and willingness to experiment inspiring. I am sure your students were grateful for all your efforts. I hope that when you were looking for possible solutions you did involve your local IT staff to make the most of their complementary expertise. You are the subject expert and sound like you have a good grasp of pedagogy too, but you can't also be expected to be an expert in software licensing, security and the legislative framework in which we all must work. For example did you pause to think how accessible were the solutions you found? No-one wants to discriminate against their students but properly evaluating this requires specialist skills as well as a fair bit of time. Equally we have a responsibility towards our students and their personal data - there is a well-worn phrase "if the product is free, you are the product". IT staff and your legal team can help look at the Terms & Conditions and advice you of any red flag issues. In rare cases free software is also used as a vehicle for malware - when staff recommend tools to their students, often there is an assumption that the tool is OK and they just install it. Some open-source solutions may use old libraries with security vulnerabilities as they have been developed by enthusiastic and generous amateurs who may have later switched focus to other activities. Your IT staff can help weed out high risk tools. No-one wants to see their students in tears because they have become the victim of a ransomware attack and can't access their encrypted dissertation with just a week before the deadline. I applaud your can-do attitude and encourage you and your peers to keep experimenting, but to protect yourself and your students by doing this in partnership with your local IT staff.