Asian Transactions on Computers (ATC ISSN: 2221-4275) Volume 02 Issue 01

Evaluation of Technical Factors in Distance

Learning with respect to Open Source LMS
Saleh Alshomrani
Department of Information Systems
Faculty of Computing and Information Technology
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
sshomrani@kau.edu.sa

Abstract— Market monopolies are one of the biggest
threats for educational sector [1]. To utilize internet
resources and abide from market monopolies open source
distance learning management systems are addressing the
technical factors in providing perfect solution for
educational sector. Higher Education institution face
challenges to make suitable selection which best fit to their
requirements, as well examining the effectiveness and
evaluation of open source LMS’s are a complex issue. In
our study the main objective is to overcome the difficulties
by comparing best available Open Source (OSC) LMS’s
and recommend a modern open source distance learning
system considering enhancement in technology, recent
trends, quality assurance of instructional process and it’s
outputs according to targeted goals, as well educational
sector can customize, enhance functionalities and
redistribute it. In this study literature is reviewed and as
per our finding not much research has been already
conducted about comparison of open source software in
distance learning. This paper compared and analysed
different open source distance learning systems and
extract the some important recommendations and
conclusions.
Keywords— Distance Learning, Learning Management
System (LMS), Open Source (OSC), Collaboration,
SCORM, IMS
I. SCOPE OF THE WORK
This study exclusively focused on open source learning
management system (LMS) with comparative distribution of
different features. Commercial products were excluded from
the evaluation to ensure a cost effective suggestion.
Recommended learning management system aim is to have all
major features that will be found in a commercial product.
This study represents a detailed comparison and analysis of
active field as of March 2012. The specific intention of the
study is to recommend a suitable standard learning
management system which can be implemented by the higher
education institution having fewer budgets. Recommended
system may require additional customization for some of the
higher education institutions having different requirement
specifications.
II. INTRODUCTION
Distance Education provided great excitement to higher
education institution for its potential to provide learning to
new audience. Evolution in the distance education was not
easy; according to Michael, Distance education is valuable
because it have more than 1one historical path to distance
education. [14] One major problem was implementation and
acceptance of educational innovations. Distance education
allows learners to choose from a wide variety of Higher
Educational Institutions and programs far away from their
area. Distance education is flexible for students who have
other commitments or busy with their professional career and
can pursue towards the degree. Learners have also chance to
peer with the people around the world. Distance Learning
reduces the geographical boundaries, living cost and tuition
fee.
Many higher education institutions are using learning
management systems to improve learning activities.
According to Borderless Higher Education, now some of the
Higher Education Institution continue developing their in
house systems or buy into open source alternatives.[19]
Learning Management Systems (LMS) plays the key role in
distance learning is also known as Virtual Learning
Environment (VLE) or Learning platform. Due to latest
improvements in information & communication technologies
and increase in the usage of internet and its availability
brought lot of opportunities to different fields. Based on the
significant change, Learning environment are capable to
provide wide range of educational alternatives for learners. [11]
III. LITERATURE REVIEW
After extensive literature review, we mainly focus over
four parts: First we examined the e-learning or distance
learning. Second open source software roles, third we
discussed the learning process activities, features and
characteristic required and lastly we compared and analysed
the features, characteristic of learning process used in
different learning management systems.

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 Asian Transactions on Computers (ATC ISSN: 2221-4275) Volume 02 Issue 01
IV. E-LEARNING DEFINITION
Schank (2002) and Sambrook (2003) refer to e-learning as
“communication and learning activities through computers
and networks (or via electronic means)”. [20][21]
There are many definitions available which define the e-
learning and technologies used in education. Scope of
technology used in education is defined by following
definition on the ASTD’s website,
"E-learning - a term covering a wide set of applications and
processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based
learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It
includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet/extranet
(LAN/WAN), audio- and videotape, satellite broadcast,
interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more."
V. OPEN SOURCE
The term open source refers to both the concept and
practice of making program source code openly available.
Users and developers have access to customize the interface,
modify or add features to the source code and redistribute it [1].
Many open source features (Unrestricted distribution,
Modifiable, low cost) distinguish it from closed or proprietary
software.
Advantages of Open Source is cost effective solution, easy
to use both for learner & trainee, simple to implement and
maintain, financial and forensic [11].Higher education
institutions, with budget constraints, are very attracted to open
source LMS.
A. Reliability
Most of the open source LMS’s are examined by the many
software experts and developers. These LMS’s are reliable in
term of error / bug free. Therefore it enhances the user’s trust
to rely on such software’s.
B. Flexible for user requirements
OSC software updated frequently than proprietary software.
These updates reflect the needs of users. Due to availability of
source code users can customize the software according to
their needs.
C. Higher level of security
Open source software provides the security according to
user requirements because user has access to code and they
are well aware of security level of the software.
D. Less dependency on vendors
Comparative to proprietary software open source software
reduces the dependency on software vendors.
Mar 2012 ATC-40232015©Asian-Transactions
VI. CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF LMS'S
IN A LEARNING PROCESS
All According to Ryann K. Ellis Editor of Learning Circuits
an LMS is a software application that automates the
administration, tracking, and reporting of training events.
However an advanced e-Learning system has to fulfil the
following requirements. [17][19]
 Prerequisite handling, Content importing and
configuration (SCORM, IMS Content Package, office
file, java script, PHP)
 System access, Permissions, roles, and performance
 Interfaces with external systems, applications and
customization
 Standards and language support
 Training infrastructure and performance analysis
 Assessment authoring, Mentoring, coaching, and other
developmental scenarios
 Collaboration and communication options
 Competency management and development/learning
plans
 Learner tracking
 Certificates, forms, and surveys
 Ease of use for administrators, Learner and Trainer
 Scalability
 Vendor characteristics
 User training, support, and documentation
 Media and content support
In the light of above mentioned characteristic, features and
functionalities, when we analysed these heading in details as
described in tables below, they analysis shows that success
rate goes up as the functions and features included in LMS
raises.
VII. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In this study, we selected five Open Source LMSs from
more than fifty according to UNESCO website [17]. Moreover,
open source and non-commercial LMS was preferred because
these packages are free to use, modify and study. Features of
all LMS’s EFRONT, MOODLE, ATUTOR, ILIAS and
CLOROLINE are carefully analysed by using the full access
of different roles (Administrator, Teacher, and Learner) of
demo version from their websites. A detailed analysis is taken
by creating different courses, updating course contents and
creating activities e.g. Assessments. Open source distance
learning addresses the technical problems in providing
optimal solutions. Analyse and compare different open source
distance learning management system to measure needs,
trends and recommendations for educational sector for future
developments and provide support for higher education
institutions having budget constraints and looking for a
suitable OSC learning management system.
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 Asian Transactions on Computers (ATC ISSN: 2221-4275) Volume 02 Issue 01
TABLE I
COMPARISON OF OPEN SOURCE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (LMS)

DOCEBO[2] EFRONT[3] MOODLE[4] CHAMILO[5]

Version 4.0.2 3.6.10 2.2 1.8.8.4 & 2.0

Stable Release 11-2011 10-2011 12-2011 08-2011

License GPL CPAL GPLv3 GPL

PHP, PHP, PHP,
Technology PHP, MySql,Apache
MySql,Apache MySql,Apache MySql,Apache
Development Active Active Active Active

System Support Cross Platform Cross Platform Cross Platform Cross Platform

Blogs
Support & Service
Maintenance,
Installation ,

Forums
Exists, large
Documentation Exists number of video Exists Exists
tutorials available
Tutorials
FAQ
Quite good,
Easily
Customize able
Quite good, customizable
User Control & Quite good, Easily appearance, Upload
customizable menus, fonts,
freedom customizable style sheet through
Usability

interface colors, logos,

interface
skins according to
user choice.
Visually
attractive
Ease Easy to use Easy to use Easy to use
interface, easy to
use
230,000 users on 32 million users
Usage Statistics 500,000
cloud in 205 countries
Multiple Language Support 25+ 40+ 80 55
Suitable for
Blended
blended, self-
directed and
Functions Areas

Self-Directed Video conference is

collaborative Suitable for
available. Suitable
learning. Virtual blended, self- Video Conference
for blended, self-
class room, video directed and support & White
directed and
conferencing, collaborative board exists
collaborative
Collaborative slide show learning
learning.
sharing, message
center, chat
available
Testing policy, A secure window
Extensive test Exercises,
anti-cheating option for exams
and vide range of assignment
Assessment / Exams policies for exams exists. Supports
question types submissions, online
/ assessments 10 different type
are available exams available
available of question exams
Backup is
available, Backup &
Backup & Restoring backup Does not exist Exists
automatic backup Recoveries available
on set date & time
XML Support Does not exist Exists Exists Exists
Compatibility to other standards e.g. SCORM, SCORM 1.2 & SCORM 1.2 & SCORM & IMS, SCORM,
AICC 2004 support 2004 support LAMS, ELLG, IMS/QTI,AICC,

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 Asian Transactions on Computers (ATC ISSN: 2221-4275) Volume 02 Issue 01

available available Open ID support ICal, HotPotatoes

available Support is available
HTML based HTML based HTML based HTML based
Authoring / Content Editing Tools content editor content editor content editor is content editor is
available available available available
Survey & Form support Exists Exists Exists Exists
Import & export
data in .csv Import & export
Individual module
format, internal Import & export exists for
Data Exchange tools can be import and
API system to exists individual
export
customize modules
interface
LDAP, IMAP,
MNET, MNTP
LDAP support,
support exists.
IP restriction and
HTTPS support, Also
extensive XML
Secure password Recommendations
based API
policy, xss, sql are available to HTTPS &LDAP
Advance Security & Access controls provides the
injection, session implement support is available
mean to
hijacking, csrf securely e.g. dual
communicate
filtering available firewall, secure
with other
password, quick
systems
updates for
moodle

TABLE II
OTHER EXAMPLES OF OPEN SOURCE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

ATUTOR[6] ILIAS[7] DOKEOS[8] CLOROLINE[9]

Version 2.0.3 4.2.1 2.0 1.10

Stable Release 09-2011 11-2011 03-2011 09-2011

License GPL GPL GPL GPL

PHP, PHP, PHP,
Technology PHP, MySql,Apache
MySql,Apache MySql,Apache MySql,Apache
Development Active Active Active Active

System Support Cross Platform Cross Platform Cross Platform Cross Platform

Blogs
Support & Service
Maintenance,
Installation ,

Forums
Exists, wide range Exists, Wide
Documentation of video tutorials Exists range of video Exists
available tutorials available
Tutorials
FAQ
Good easily Perfect menu
User Control & Customize able Customize home page
customizable by design and user
Usability

freedom main menus and the controls

individual users controls

Ease Easy to use Easy to use Easy to use Easy to use

115 countries & 2286

Usage Statistics 23,925 Not available 600
organizations
Multiple Language Support 64 22 5 35

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 Asian Transactions on Computers (ATC ISSN: 2221-4275) Volume 02 Issue 01

Virtual meetings, Suitable for blended

Blended
White board, learning. Many
Functions Areas video advance features are
Self-Directed
Suitable for conferencing, file unavailable
Fewer features
blended learning sharing, chat,
support blended
and collaborative forums, wikis
learning
learning suits for blended,
Collaborative
self-directed and
collaborative
learning
Exists 9 different
type of question
support exams
Exist 8 different 29 templates of
Latex Support for Different exam types
Assessment / Exams type of question online learning
establishing are available
support exams activities
formula in
learning modules
Available
Create backup and
restore from
Backup & Restoring backup Exists Exists Does not exists
backup file is
available
XML Support Exists Exists Does not exists Does not exists
Compatibility to other standards e.g. SCORM, SCORM & IMS SCORM support SCORM & IMS SCORM support
AICC support available available support available available
HTML based HTML based HTML based
HTML based content
Authoring / Content Editing Tools content editor is content editor is content editor is
editor is available
available available available
Survey & Form support Exists exists Exists Exists
Import & export Import & export Import & export Import & export
Data Exchange tools
exists support exists support exists support exists
External
authentication system
LDAP support is RFPolicy is LDAP support is
Advance Security & Access controls & as well Single Sign
available. available available
on (SSO) system is
also available

In Table I, one can easily compare that, Moodle,
ATutor and Ilias stand out with their available features
among others open source learning management system.
Comparison shows that Moodle, ATutor and Ilias have
flexible language support and usage statistics as an
important factor involves in the selection of learning
management systems. Moodle have ability to track user
logging, activities statistics along with rich graphs and
reports as well advance security and access controls.
Moodle owns the collaborative tools such as file
transfer, forums, email, calendar, white board and voice
and video conferencing. Important date and key dates can
be set and system can monitor activities. Important topic
related to course or general issues or problems can discuss
through forums and chats.
Moodle, ATutor and Ilias have advance assessment
system. Instructor can create multiple or single choice
questions, true or false, Essay writing on random topics,
matching questions, Numerical questions and built in
questions. Tutor can easily analyze student performance
and can track progress.
As mentioned in Table I and II, only Moodle supports
external video conferencing, chat, file transfer and white
board tools which can be integrated with in the Moodle and
allow learner and trainer to setup meeting and discuss the
problem and issues in particular assignment or course work.
By using the web conferencing tools virtual classes can be
arranged. Multimedia support in such software plays vital
role for learner.
Moodle, ATutor and ILIAS support SCORM and IMS
to reuse the contents and provide flexible import and export
facilities.
VIII. CONCLUSIONS
Open Source Learning Management System provides
wide range of functionalities to support learning process.
The key points of our final results is whether they had
 Usability
 Standards-oriented content authoring / importing
such as IMS & SCORM
 Multi Lingual Support

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 Asian Transactions on Computers (ATC ISSN: 2221-4275) Volume 02 Issue 01
 Collaboration features
 Support for learning methods
A. Moodle- The First Recommendation
In this study we compared and analysed many
Open Source LMS's and figure out that Moodle is the
suitable choice because of its great features and rapid
improvement in quality that minimizes the Distance
Learning problems. Moodle is popular because of its
modular and simple design which guarantees its
flexibility. It also has multiple languages and open
standards (SCORM, IMS) support, wide range of
authentication options, collaboration and strong
assessment features. Moodle is also suitable for self-
based learning, blended learning and collaborative
learning because of forums, wikis, multimedia contents
support, video conferencing and chat facilities. A
learner can get help or obtain material without visiting
the college physically. Learner can get help by posting
question our forum, through chat or by video
conferencing or by searching relevant content from the
previous material. Moodle is strong enough to support
such kind of activities.
To configure Moodle in your environment you need
open source software (Apache server, PHP, and MySql)
which reduce the cost.
B. ATutor- The Second Recommendation
ATutor is web base application, developed by using the
open source technology (PHP, MySQL). It have built in
content authoring, course assessment support and one of
the most favourable features for the distance learning is
strong collaboration features. It’s also design to support
multiple languages, easy to use and access. ATutor stands
out as a number second Learning Management System
which most suitable for the blended learning, self-learning
and collaborative learning.
C. ILIAS – The Third Recommendation
ILIA is also a web base learning management system,
developed by using best open source technology (PHP,
MySQL) and Apache is used as web server. ILIAS is
developed in German but it also supports multiple
languages including English. ILIAS have desktop for its
learner containing information about courses, emails,
notice, forum, notes, tests and search engine. Rich
communication and collaboration tools (integrated content
authoring, forums, chat, and group work system) help
ILIAS to stand out as a best choice for distance learning.
IX. LIMITATION & FUTURE WORK
Some of the limitations of this study are:
 This study includes only Fewer open source
learning management systems for the comparison
and evaluation. Many of the learning
management system are not considered in this
study.
Mar 2012 ATC-40232015©Asian-Transactions
 Day by day open source learning management
systems are getting more mature. Such study is
required in future to analyze more new and
sophisticated open source learning management
systems.
 Enterprise learning management systems were not
considered in this study. In future enterprise
learning management system should be
considered to evaluate industry best learning
management systems.
 In this study, it is clearly stated that most of the
learning management systems vary by their
features. A future suggestion will be having a
new framework for integrating different modules
of learning management systems with each other
to minimize the variations.
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 Asian Transactions on Computers (ATC ISSN: 2221-4275) Volume 02 Issue 01

[16] Ryann K. Ellis, A Field Guide to Learning Management Dr. Saleh Alshomrani is a faculty of
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