CMS/LMS
OLAT 6.3 Expands Learning Resources, Reporting
OLAT, an open source learning management system (LMS), has been updated to version 6.3, expanding various media resources, adding new search capabilities, and enhancing notifications and reporting.
OLAT ("Online Learning And Training") is a Java-based open source LMS that originated in 1999 at Switzerland's University of Zurich, which currently leads its development. At present, it's used in a wide range of academic institutions, medical organizations, and computing centers throughout Europe. (A complete list of these institutions, and further information, can be found on the main OLAT server here.)
Some of the more important additions to version 6.3 are in the new types of learning resources supported. These now include podcasts, blogs, topic assignments, and calendars. In terms of podcasts, OLAT 6.3 has now added the ability to create, import, edit, and export podcasts, with support for metadata, RSS feed generation, and linking to external services (iTunes, Google, or Yahoo).
Other notable new features include:
- Full-text searches within components, including courses, wikis, and forums, among other areas;
- Revised notifications for "changes in learning resources and course modules"; and
- A new statistics tool for log files.
OLAT 6.3 is available now. Complete release notes can be found here. Downloads and links to additional documentation can be found here. A list of worldwide third-party OLAT services and support providers can be found here.
About the Author
Executive Producer David Nagel heads up the editorial department for 1105 Media's education publications — which include two daily sites, a variety of newsletters and two monthly digital magazines covering technology in both K-12 and higher education.
A 21-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/profile/view?id=10390192 or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education). A selection of David Nagel's articles can be found on this site.