The trend of open source learning management systems has grown recently to such an extent that you can now choose the system that suits you best. The "open-source" characteristic is their common, most important feature, as the user has the possibility and permission to change, improve and even distribute the software further.
The most popular of these learning management systems is Moodle, which we already discussed several times and will discuss further. Today, we're going to look at other similar platforms that might be suitable for your business.
DoceboLMS is a SCORM compliant platform, used in corporate environments, government and education. They offer free online training in the form of audio/video presentation, divided into categories for each topic. You can choose to play a "serious game", which is actually the simulation of managing an e-learning project. Trying these tutorials will help you decide whether this is the right platform for your needs.
Intermediate feedback in a Docebo serious game simulator
An interesting feature of Docebo is the possibility of video chat between participants in a course.
Dokeos is another learning suite, available in four languages (English, French, Spanish, Dutch), which offers the appropriate platform for e-learning and blended learning management. Some of its main features would be the social network tool, mindmapping, document templates, quiz templates and graphic reporting of students' progress. The interface is user-friendly and the forums provide the necessary information for a beginner.
Features of Dekoes
The platform emphasizes on good design, which is a feature often left out by e-learning platforms. The "Dokeos E-Learning Studio" allows designers to work with free resources, templates, images, mascots, and so on. This platform looks very contemporary and it is most probably attractive for students, as it is highly interactive and illustrated.
Claroline.net was initiated in Belgium, in 2001, and it offers all the basic features of a learning management system: publishing documents in various formats, discussion forums, student groups, exercises, agenda, paper submission etc. They take pride in their usability, since the instructor only needs to be familiar with a browser in order to work with Claroline. Dedicated training will not be necessary, so instructors can concentrate on education rather than on technical matters.
Claroline demo course
For certain fees, Claroline offer such services as: hosting and support (installation, backup, updates, securization, phone and e-mail technical support), face to face training and customization.
A very awarded learning system is OLAT, having won the first Medida Prix in 2000, the Swiss Open Source Award in 2008 and The Leadership Award for best open source LMS in 2009. Although created for universities, the platform is suitable for businesses as well. OLAT supports collaborative group work, including the now classic discussion forums, chats, calendars and wikis. A downside would be that some of the informational/demo material is solely in German.
A demo blog in OLAT
OLAT is also available on the most important social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc), which creates great opportunities for the members to interact with each other outside of the e-learning platform.
Of course, there are several other open source LMS, more or less popular than the ones mentioned above: Sakai Project, ATutor, openElms, Ganesha, eFront or eConf. A good idea, before deciding which platform to choose, would be to research more of them and find the one with the best features for your needs. While some open source LMS might have more features than others, these might not be of any interest to business. The suitable features, rather than the most features, that's what matters in this field. You should also note the usability and accessibility of these platforms, which may aid or confuse your trainees just as easily.
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