03|11|09
Moodle - an Open Source option for Corporate eLearning

Interoperability is the underlying driver behind the development of IT open standards and the resultant open IT systems. This evolution of open standards has seen the development of a range of eLearning platforms that now provide for interoperability of content promoting content sharing and reuse. Given these developments in the eLearning industry and market, Cubic Consulting has recently discontinued its first generation eLearning platform (TIME) and now provides eLearning services which promote the benefits of open, standards-based, and non-proprietary solutions, utilising best of breed technologies and techniques.

Cubic is focusing on helping clients with their considerations around these best of breed technologies helping to ensure that the right toolsets are chosen for their needs. One such technology is based on an open-source program. Open-source software is peculiar in that it not only incorporates open standards but is free to use software (no licence) and has a development methodology where programs are built and maintained by a network of programmers. Prime examples of open source products are Apache HTTP Server, the internet browser Mozilla Firefox and perhaps the most successful open source product, the Linux Operating System.

A successful open-source option for corporate eLearning environments is Moodle - designed to help educators create and deliver effective online courses. Moodle has seen rapid growth around the world, particularly within the education sector, and is now being deployed as a learning/course management system in many Australian companies. Moodle's success in the market is due to some important factors:

• Low cost
• Rapid deployment
• Standards based - your content is not locked-in
• Configurability and customisation

If you would like to learn more about Moodle visit http://moodle.org/ or contact Cubic Consulting's eLearning team to discuss how Moodle may be able to address your eLearning needs.