Open Source

Open Source technology is technology where the source code is “open”, that is, the code is available to the public and free to be modified. Improvements can be made by developers and it can be spread or sold to the wider community. So, why should an organization choose an open source Learning Management System as opposed to a homegrown or proprietary LMS? Firstly, if a company uses a proprietary LMS, they must rely on the provider to maintain and service the LMS, as well as provide support when problems occur. As the code is widely available in open source LMSs, many developers read and examine the code, resulting in bugs being identified and fixed much faster than proprietary programs. Open Source technology is very beneficial to schools, universities and other educational institutions as well as corporations. Open Source LMSs are fully flexible and customizable, so they can be designed in line with your school/organization brand image. See this video for an example. There are no license or hardware costs associated with open source technology so it is free to start using it and carries minimal risk. Open Source LMSs can also be converted to social learning platforms. You can create an online community through your LMS. For example your learners can chat, blog, connect to social network sites (facebook etc.) and have polls on your open source LMS.