| A learning management software system also known | | | | Open source means that the source codes of the |
| as LMS is an application that is used for companies | | | | LMS programs are free to be accessed by anyone. |
| who are in need of elearning solutions. The software | | | | The developers as well as the users can access the |
| is able to function as a tool for the documentation, | | | | essential functionalities of the software and can add |
| tracking, reporting, and over all administration of any | | | | modifications or create major changes to the code. |
| corporate training course. Some of these computer | | | | Then, they can disseminate this newly improved |
| applications are developed by companies all in-house | | | | code thus creating a faster evolution through this |
| for commercial profit. Then they sell each developed | | | | collaborative cycle. |
| or modified software with its own license in order to | | | | So just what are the other advantages of this kind |
| limit other people's access to the application's source | | | | of software system for electronic learning that sets |
| code. However there are also those that are open | | | | it apart from the usual closed kind of training |
| source. These open source LMS are free systems | | | | management system? |
| that are used by a lot of companies to successful | | | | * The source code of the whole open source |
| results. | | | | software is so easy to modify. If for example the |
| A lot of schools for instance have been racing to set | | | | source code is not visible, then the software shows |
| up their courses and materials online in order to | | | | a website where users can easily get the code. |
| attract investors who would be interested. It is also a | | | | * The distribution of the code is not restricted. There |
| means to bringing together the global community | | | | are no royalties to be paid for the distribution or |
| onto this one banner of elearning which not only | | | | even the selling of the product. |
| makes it easier for companies to provide the | | | | The software |
| necessary corporate training but also makes it easier | | | | * The license of the product itself allows for the |
| for schools to reach out to remote geographical | | | | distribution patch file. The new version though will |
| locations and to students who cannot afford the | | | | have to have a different name. |
| traditional classroom education. There are a lot of | | | | * It is unnecessary to reapply for a new license. |
| challenges of course that stand in the way of | | | | Whatever privileges that the original program has will |
| elearning's further spread and development. However, | | | | also be applicable to everyone who will receive the |
| there are a lot more positive signs telling us that | | | | redistributed program thus removing much hassle. |
| elearning is truly on the rise and that there is this | | | | * The rights that come along with the license are not |
| progress will not stop. One good sign is the | | | | exclusive to any one product. |
| development of open source learning management | | | | These are just some of the advantages that come |
| software. This kind of LMS has helped create great | | | | with open source learning management software |
| solutions to the technical difficulties that companies | | | | systems. Truly with such advantages, this system will |
| and educational institutions encounter in the delivery | | | | truly increase the evolution of LMS. |
| of electronic learning. | | | | |