Collaborative Development of Open Source E-Learning Platforms

The Internet has been used for many years as a means of publishing information and static pages; it has since developed the use of distributed data processing and currently makes possible the provision of dynamic web services that become powerful platforms for integrating applications. E learning solutions originally distributed on CD-ROM also keep pace with this technological progress. In line with this, and with a view to meeting real market requirements, two LMS solutions have been developed in Luxembourg: AnaXagora by the CRPHT and OpenMCMS by the CVCE. Although developed according to the same philosophy as 'Libre' Software, these two solutions meet different and complementary needs. Firstly, these products are targeted differently: AnaXagora is geared more towards use in a working environment, whereas OpenMCMS is designed more for general use. The means of disseminating the information is likewise different. For example, when a lesson is selected in AnaXagora, clearly defined and targeted content is made available. By contrast, OpenMCMS offers the user access to the entire body of information, making it possible to research material in accordance with their changing needs. The two case studies given below serve to elucidate the characteristics of each solution.