Open Source Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are becoming a vital part of classrooms in the 21th Century.
This is a list of open source learning management systems. By open source we mean that source code of these LMSs are made freely available so users can download, install or modify. The adaptation of a LMS can be very expensive. These open source LMSs can be an alternative cost effective solution.
LMSs can be defined as a:
Framework that handles all aspects of the learning process. An LMS is the infrastructure that delivers and manages instructional content, identifies and assesses individual and organizational learning or training goals, tracks the progress towards meeting those goals, and collects and presents data for supervising the learning process of an organization as a whole (p. 28). [1]
LMSs are web based, online so that online/distance educational courses can be taught than can supplement or replace regular, traditional in-person meetings. These sytems can enable you to manage and deliver learning content materials to your students.
See also: Free LMS systems
The following software systems are freely available, meaning everyone can use, copy, modify, and redistribute them.
1. ATutor
- According to the developers, ATutor is designed with accessibility in mind.
- Translated into over 20 languages
- Many modules are available to extend the features of the software
- First release was in 2002
- Licence: GPL
- Web site: http://www.atutor.ca/atutor/
2. Chamilo
- Officially launched in January, 2010
- Licence: GPL
- Developed by the Chamilo Association
- Web site: https://chamilo.org
3. Claroline
- Available in 35 languages
- First release in 2014
- Licence: GPL
- Web site: https://claroline.net
4. ILLIAS
- German for “Integrated Learning, Information and Work Cooperation System”
- Written in PHP
- Licence: GPL
- First release was in 1998
- Web site: https://www.ilias.de
5. Moodle
- Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment
- Many plugins are available developed by developers to extend its capabilities
- Many themes are available to change the look of it
- One of the most popular LMS
- First release in 2002
- Web site: https://moodle.org
6. OpenOLAT
- First release in 2011
- stands for Open Online Learning And Training
- Written in Java
- Web site: https://www.openolat.com
7. Sakai
- First release was in 2005
- Available in 19 languages
- Written in Java
- Web site: https://www.sakaiproject.org
8. WeBWorK
- Mostly a homework system
- Perl based
- Developed at the University of Rocheste
- Mostly for mathematics and science
- supported by the National Science Foundation and the Mathematical Association of America..
- Web site: http://webwork.maa.org
9. OpenSWAD
- Described as social learning platform
- First release was in 1999
- Sistema Web de Apoyo a la Docencia” in Spanish or “Web System for Education Support”
- Web site: https://openswad.org/source/
References:
- Watson, W. R. & Watson, S. L. (2007). What are Learning Management Systems, what are they not, and what should they become? TechTrends 51(2): 28-34.