| Is Open
Source E-Learning Software Right for You?
Open source software has become mainstream.
Applications such as the Firefox Web browser, Apache Web server,
Linux operating system, MySQL database platform, and PHP programming
language continue to gain popularity. Most importantly, these
applications often equal or even surpass the quality of well-known
commercial, proprietary software.
Open source software is also making important
inroads into the world of online learning. Open source e-learning
now includes:
- Learning management systems (LMS)
- Learning content management systems (LCMS)
- Course authoring tools
- Tools to create media elements such as
animations, audio, and video clips
- Browsers and players to present content
- Courseware libraries
Open source e-learning software can provide
important benefits:
- Low initial cost: Open
source software is free to download.
- Flexibility and customizability:
You can modify the software as needed to make it better.
- Extensive active user communities:
Participating in open source projects is a source
of distinction among developers.
- Multi-platform capabilities:
Many open source applications run on multiple platforms
including Windows and Linux.
- Adherence to standards:
Interoperability is a high priority for many open source
developers.
- Tendency to use and link to
other open source software: Including popular languages
and platforms such as PHP and MySQL database
Written by Brian J. Dooley, an author, analyst,
and journalist with more than 20 years of experience analyzing
and writing about trends in telecommunications and IT, "Open
Source E-Learning: Alternatives to Proprietary Tools, Systems,
and Courseware" provides the information
you need to help decide whether open source e-learning is
right for you.
This report:
- Details the differences between open
source and commercial software, including details about
typical software development cycles, pricing, licensing,
and more.
- Shows how open source has impacted online
training, particularly through ties with academia.
- Discusses the environment in which training
software is developed and deployed.
- Delves into issues involved with implementing
open source software tools, including deciding whether you
should go the open source route.
- Examines the outlook, strengths, and
trends of six open source LMS software packages, four course
development and packaging tools, multiple tools to create
media elements, and open courseware offerings.
- Explores the growth of open source solutions
and how proponents overcome resistance to using open source
e-learning products.
By opening more doors in e-learning technology,
open source software has become a strong contender in online
training and e-learning sectors. With technology constantly
advancing, you can expect more open source offerings to emerge
in the e-learning arena – changing the landscape of
online instruction and training for the academic world and
industry alike.
With such swift technological advancements
on the horizon, chances are you can find tools to meet your
training needs in either the open source or commercial sector.
But open source provides unique advantages – filling
the low-cost high-control niche – that are difficult,
if not impossible, to achieve through commercial, proprietary
avenues.
Is open source the right move for your online
training efforts? Read this report today and find out!
This report is also available through
a subscription to the Brandon
Hall Research Library. |
