Linux is blessed with a good range of open source education software. The purpose of this article is to identify top notch open source software targeted at instructors and educational institutions. Educational establishments are constantly examining ways to reduce their overheads and save money, yet retain the delivery of high quality educational courses. Open source software solutions represent a way of fully embracing technology without causing a hole in the institution’s finances.
Educators face a constant variety of challenges that can impact classroom management and the learning process. An inattentive audience, mobile phone texting, disruption by unruly students, absenteeism, time constraints, students forced to take a course they would rather have avoided, and regular changes to the curriculum are just a few examples of the difficulties faced by teachers. Fortunately, there are many different ways for those involved in education, whether in teaching, training, or leadership, to help to improve student’s learning in the classroom, and overcome the obstacles that are encountered.
To provide an insight into the software that is available, we have compiled a list of the 20 finest open source education tools. There is a real mix of applications featured in this article catering for the needs of academics, the teaching institutions, as well as students. Hopefully, there will be something of interest here for anyone who is involved in the education profession.
So, let’s explore the 20 education applications at hand. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, screenshots, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.
| Education Top Picks | |
|---|---|
| Moodle | Produce modular internet-based courses |
| Rogo | Enterprise-level e-assessment system led by the University of Nottingham |
| iTALC | Intelligent Teaching and Learning with Computers |
| Opencast | Lecture capture system tool |
| OpenMeetings | Set up a conference on the Web in an instant |
| Fedena | School management software |
| BigBlueButton | Web conferencing platform |
| Zotero | Collect, manage, cite, and share research sources |
| ClaSS | Classroom information assistant and school management system |
| SchoolTool | Common global school administration infrastructure |
| VuFind | Library resource portal designed and developed for libraries by libraries |
| ATutor | Designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind |
| Epoptes | Computer lab management tool |
| Open-Sankore | Interactive white board that uses a free standard format |
| Sakai CLE | Teaching, learning, research, and ad-hoc project collaboration |
| Docear | Academic literature suite |
| Booked | Web-based reservation and scheduling system |
| Mahara | Electronic portfolio, weblog, and resume builder |
| TCExam | FLOSS Computer-Based Assessment system |
| FET | Generate timetables for schools and universities |
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