Education has been undergoing a digital transformation for years, just like other sectors. E-learning platforms have made education accessible to anyone with Internet access. Among the most commonly used words in today’s society is “e-learning,” which means “electronic learning.”. This refers to online training and education. In general, modern e-learning platforms or LMS (Learning Management Systems) are based on virtual learning spaces that simplify the experience of distance learning. Because of the importance of e-learning, it is necessary to know which platforms are the best. Here are five open-source e-learning solutions that can be installed on a Linux system.
Top 5 eLearning Platforms in 2022 – Open Source
1. Moodle
Moodle is one of the most widely used LMS platforms in the world, Moodle is preferred by many institutions and schools. Constructivist learning theory serves as the foundation for its structure.
Despite its initial complexity, Moodle is thought to be the best LMS for collaborative learning methods. Moodle’s built-in features, such as wikis, glossaries, workshops, progress tracking, custom dashboards, calendars, etc., can be used to conduct educational activities.
Moodle is frequently updated and has a wide global community of users, developers, and collaborators. As a result, it provides a variety of helpful tools, including virtual classrooms and courses. Although initial installation and configuration take some time and work, this can be advantageous.
Another benefit is that Moodle’s capabilities can be further increased by using third-party plugins. For instance, you can activate Level up! or add the BigBlueButton plugin to enable video and audio calls. in order to make learning as engaging and participatory as feasible.
In addition, Moodle is difficult to manage. To use the platform effectively as an administrator or teacher, it is typically important to have prior training. However, Moodle may be customized to a wide range of educational settings, from big universities to little academies. It works best in higher education, though, where you can really benefit from all of its collaborative activities, documentation, reports, assessment systems, etc.
2. Chamilo
An open-source e-learning platform called Chamilo is intended to increase global knowledge access. The Chamilo Association provides support, and there is a worldwide network of service providers and contributors.
Despite sharing the same web technology as Moodle (PHP and Javascript), Chamilo, which first appeared in 2010 as a fork (modification) of the previous Dokeos LMS, is very different from Moodle in many ways.
The first thing to note is that compared to Moodle, Chamilo integrates social features (such as chat, messaging apps, and workgroups) more effectively and simply. Naturally, it also includes all of the tools necessary to operate an online course, including forums, chat, wikis, blogs, documents, lessons, links, assignments, certifications, follow-up reports, sessions, various user profiles, etc.
In comparison to Moodle, Chamilo has less demanding technological specifications. Additionally, it has a more user-friendly design and a lower learning curve. Utilizing icons that improve user experience, it makes greater use of graphical aspects.
The customization possibilities and add-ons for Chamilo, on the other hand, are incredibly limited. Additionally, there is far less community support than in Moodle. Finding specific references and bits of advice on the forums to assist you in resolving any issues you may be having is not always easy.
Although Chamilo doesn’t have its own marketplace, various integrations are conceivable. For instance, the most recent version includes ONLYOFFICE Docs’ preloaded plugin, allowing you to read and modify documents directly within the application. Among other integration, examples are Drupal and WordPress.
3. OpenOLAT
OpenOLAT: A web-based e-learning platform called OpenOLAT is used for online teaching and learning. OpenOLAT stands out from other LMS platforms thanks to its user-friendly design and straightforward operation.
Course creators have a wide range of didactic options thanks to the integrated modular toolbox. Each installed instance of OpenOLAT can be considerably expanded and customized to meet the demands of the academic institution. Another option is integration into already-existing IT infrastructures. The OpenLat architecture is made to be scalable, secure, and resource-efficient.
Assigning users to various courses, creating groups, organizing users, and providing instructional information are all possible with OpenOLAT. The platform allows users to communicate, learn, and exchange knowledge. Additionally, you may access all of these functions through a single system and a web browser without having to download any other software.
The foundation of OpenOLAT is the most recent advancement in the disciplines of education and learning psychology. While keeping its focus on the ease of the learning process, it was designed with cutting-edge technology.
In addition to the standard administration tools (account creation and management, role assignment, server administration, course management, etc.), OpenOLAT differs from Moodle in that it allows users to customize their login screen according to their user type. Additionally, it contains a calendaring application that is quite similar to Google Calendar, if not the same, and an internal chat system.
4. Open edX
With OpenOLAT, it is able to assign users to different courses, create groups, arrange people, and provide instructional content. Users can converse, learn, and share knowledge on the site. Additionally, you don’t need to download any additional software because you can access all of these features using only one computer and a web browser.
The most recent developments in the fields of education and learning psychology serve as the basis for OpenOLAT. It was created using cutting-edge technology while maintaining a focus on the simplicity of the learning experience.
Open Edx LMS, the learning management system, is centered on the students who virtually attend the classes, while Open Edx Studio is geared toward instructors who want to construct courses for the platform.
Multimedia information that supports several formats, such as books or videos, can be incorporated into a course to meet the needs of the learning process. Additionally, it integrates social networks and offers discussion forums open to both teachers and students. Both students and teachers can use it to stay in touch and monitor each other’s progress in the classroom.
The majority of academic settings use Open edX. Furthermore, it is used by major corporations like IBM due to its adaptability and competence management strategy.
5. SWAD
In order to handle the subjects, students, and professors of one or more educational institutions, SWAD (Shared Workspace At a Distance) is a free online learning management system. It was created at the University of Granada (UGR) in 1999, and since 2012, additional universities have started using it.
SWAD, in a nutshell, is a platform for education that enables teachers to set up workspaces for their courses and then generate content, store papers, manage students, connect with them, or set up interactive assessments from there.
SWAD is an online tool that has a number of features to speed up the learning process. It provides data management capabilities and enables content interchange between teachers and students. Additionally, there are social networks, forums, tasks, and interactive assessments for self-evaluation. The Android app also offers some key functions.
With a very low implementation cost even in big educational institutions, SWAD is a comprehensive instrument that can be a valuable addition to the learning experience in the classroom.
Conclusion
Currently, studying online and on a computer is quite advantageous. Anywhere you go, all you need is an internet connection to access courses and advance your knowledge. We refer to that as eLearning. The practice of learning and teaching using electronic educational technology is known as eLearning, often known as learning management systems or virtual learning environments. There is a tonne of open source eLearning systems accessible today.
