A learning management system is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting and delivery of educational courses or training programs. This concept emerges from e-Learning.
E-Learning consists of all types of electronically supported teaching and learning. It represents the computer and network-enabled transfer of knowledge, behaviors, and skills. E-learning includes Web-based learning, virtual classrooms, digital collaboration, and computer-based applications. The learning activity is often delivered over the internet and intranet/extranet, although optical media, and satellite TV are also alternatives.
E-Learning has many benefits over traditional methods of learning. It enables individuals to study when it would otherwise not be practical. For example, a student may live in a remote location and be unable to relocate e.g. because of family commitments. It also allows the tuition to be self-paced or instructor-led, and is often more economical than traditional methods.
This section covers learning management systems. The most common use for this type of software is to deploy and track online training initiatives. They offer a repository to store and track information. Learning Management Systems are useful for educational institutions as well as corporations.
The three recommended solutions are all excellent software for educators. All of our medal winners are, of course, released under a freely distributable license and can be downloaded without charge. With even tighter constraints facing the public sector, cost is an important consideration for any information and communication technology solution.
Recommending only three learning management systems was a tough choice. Our goal medal winner goes to Moodle. It offers excellent collaborative tools, an all-in-one calendar, a personalised dashboard, all wrapped up in an easy to use interface.
| Learning Management Systems - Best Open Source Software | |
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 | Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) is a tremendous course management system. It enables educators to produce internet-based courses and websites. One of the main advantages of Moodle is that it has a strong grounding in social constructionist pedagogy. The focus of the Moodle project is to give educators the best tools to manage and promote learning. https://moodle.org/ License: GNU General Public License v3 |
 | ILIAS is a powerful learning management System for developing and realising web-based e-learning. The software was developed to reduce the costs of using new media in education and further training and to ensure the maximum level of customer influence in the implementation of the software. https://www.ilias.de/ License: GNU General Public License v3 |
 | Claroline is a collaborative learning environment based on the PHP programming language and the MySQL relational database. This software allows teachers or education institutions to create and administer courses through a web browser https://www.claroline.net/ License: GNU General Public License v3 |
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