Is open source e-learning right for you?

Open source software has become mainstream. Applications such as the Firefox Web browser, Apache Web server, Linux operating system, MySQL database platform, and PHP programming language continue to gain popularity. Most importantly, these applications often equal or even surpass the quality of well-known commercial, proprietary software.

Open source software is also making important inroads into the world of online learning. Open source e-learning now includes:

Learning management systems (LMS)
Learning content management systems (LCMS)
Course authoring tools
Tools to create media elements such as animations, audio, and video clips
Browsers and players to present content
Courseware libraries

Open source e-learning software can provide important benefits:

Low initial cost: Open source software is free to download.
Flexibility and customizability: You can modify the software as needed to make it better.
Extensive active user communities: Participating in open source projects is a source of distinction among developers.
Multi-platform capabilities: Many open source applications run on multiple platforms including Windows and Linux.
Adherence to standards: Interoperability is a high priority for many open source developers.
Tendency to use and link to other open source software: Including popular languages and platforms such as PHP and MySQL database

(source: Brandon Hall)