by Jan Schwartz
What is open source? According to answers.com it is “Of or relating to source code that is available to the public: an open-source operating system.” What does that mean? According to opensourcematters.com, it’s a pretty simple idea: “When programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, the software evolves.” That’s because it can be easily improved, adapted, and fixed. “And this can happen at a speed that, if one is used to the slow pace of conventional software development, seems astonishing.”
Education and Training Solutions uses the Moodle open source course management system (CMS). Moodle is the acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment—too scary to say, so Moodle it is! What I like about Moodle is that it is community based and enables one to create flexible and engaging online learning experiences, and it supports a style of learning called Social Constructionist Pedagogy. This means that people learn best when they interact with learning materials themselves, either by constructing new materials for others or interacting with others about the materials. The difference between the traditional classroom and this philosophy is the difference between the “sage on the stage” chalk and talk and the “guide by the side” discussion.
Lot’s of studies have been done on the efficacy of open source, particularly Moodle, and the proprietary course management systems–Moodle consistently scores favorably in comparison. I think it is because educators with technology skills developed Moodle, and those educators continue to help it evolve according to the needs of the learners. That’s very different than an IT department developing a system for education based on IT needs rather than educational needs!
What’s your experience with course management systems?
Photo: wordle by Jan Schwartz
Tags: collaborate, elearning, Moodle. community, online learning, open source
