Dokeos http:www.dokeos.com

46 Learning Management System

30. Moodle: PHP-based, GNU-GPL. http:moodle.org

31. OLAT: Learning Management System. Winner of MeDiDa-Prix 2000. Java based, de-

veloped by University of Zurich since 1999. http:www.olat.orgbinview

32. OpenUSS: platform itself and sourceforge site - Java J2EE. http:www.openuss.org

33. Sakai: http:www.sakaiproject.org

34. Segue: Developed at Middlebury College, PHP-based, GNU-GPL.

http:segue.sf.net

35. Seaport: developed at Coastline Community College http:dlearning.coastline.edu

, in addition to being a fully functional course management system, Seaport prompts the instructor into using effective distance learning techniques and it allows for rapid ex- port of content to any standard digital format or storage device. 36. Stud.IP: Learning Management System. 37. TelEduc: PHP-based, Development by NIEDUNICAMP, Brazil, GNU-GPL. http:teleduc.nied.unicamp.br

38. Whiteboard: http:whiteboard.sourceforge.net

39. Workforce Connections: http:www.workforceconnections.dol.gov

One of information sources on the Internet that provide LMS comparison is EduTools www.edutols.infocourse .

C. Strategy of Implementing LMS

A common concern for those wishing to deliver e-learning is whether to use open source or proprietary LMSs. Because many open source LMSs are also free, they are favorites of educators and others operating on a low budget. While open source systems allow the very tech-savvy the opportunity to customize their LMS or help fix bugs many users of open source LMSs have no programming experience whatsoever. Setting up an open source LMS typically requires access to a web server which supports the language that the LMS is written in PHP is common, as well as a database backend. MySQL and PostgreSQL are popular. Use of proprietary backends like MS SQL and Oracle are not frequently used with open source LMSs. The community which surrounds a particular open source LMS is often the determining factor in its success. New or less popular open source LMSs might be distributed as is, leaving the user to fend for themselves. The more popular LMSs, however, such as Moodle and Dokeos provide both free tech support communities as well as pay-for- support vendors from a variety of sanctioned companies. Given the rising popularity of systems which are both functional and free, some have spe- culated that the cost of proprietary MLEs will soon drop to more competitive prices, or else focus on particular niches such as with Knowlagent, which is designed to integrate with the PBX systems of call centers and push content during times of low call volume. Maron 2002 gave some guidelines on how to buy LMS. According to him, there are two success factors in selecting and implementing LMS. Firstly, there must be a corporate learning blueprint that clearly articulates the current learning environment and the