The trend is for universities to select a single system to centrally support and usually that is a proprietary LMS, such WebCT or Blackboard. There are several open source LMS software programs available for download and use. Below are three such systems that have received good reviews and offer opportunities for designers/instructors to experiment with the software. Also listed below is a link to the Open Knowledge Initiative (OKI) project, which is a collaborative effort among universities to support innovative learning technology in higher education.

Please note: The list below is NOT an endorsement of any of the products. They are provided as examples only. You should always do your own homework before adopting any course management system!

Manhattan Learning System is a learning platform that permits placing courses on-line without creating a single Web page. Manhattan is a free system designed for Linux and released under the GNU General Public License. (http://manhattan.sourceforge.net/content.php)

Manhattan Learning System Tools

ATutor is an open source Web-based learning content management system (LCMS) designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind. Administrators can install or update ATutor in minutes. Educators can quickly assemble Web-based instructional content. Students learn in an adaptive learning environment. (http://www.atutor.ca/)

Moodle is an open source course management system. Moodle runs without modification on Unix, Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Netware and any other system that supports PHP, including most webhost providers. (http://moodle.org)

Open Knowledge Initiative (OKI)(http://web.mit.edu/oki/) What is the Open Knowledge Initiative? Read this white paper (http://web.mit.edu/oki/learn/whtpapers/OKI_white_paper_120902.pdf).

Now, let's learn about video delivery of distance education courses.

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