ATutor 2.0.1 Updates Media Player, Boosts File Size Limits

A new version of the free and open source learning management system ATutor has been released. Version 2.0.1 is primarily a maintenance update, although it does incorporate a number of functionality improvements as well.

ATutor is a full-featured online learning management system designed for accessibility (with Section 508, IMS/ISO AccessForAll, and W3C WCAG 1.0 specification support). It's been developed to allow teachers to assemble course materials quickly, house course materials and instructional resources, and conduct courses online. It also provides social networking capabilities (with OpenSocial 1.0 support), course management, notifications, various Web 2.0 tools, file storage, test management, support for mobile platforms, and compliance with a wide range of standards (IMS Common Cartridge 1.0, IMS Question Test Interoperability 1.2/2.1, SCORM 1.2 LMS RTE3, SCORM Content Packaging, IMS Content Packaging 1.1.2, OAuth Authentication Protocol, and W3C XHTML 1.0).

The new 2.0.1 update, released earlier this week, integrates the first full version of the mobile theme for ATutor and adopts Flowplayer 3.2.4, which expands media support to include QuickTime movies in .mov containers, as well as support for MP3 and MP4 files. Other new features include:

  • Support for importing larger media files (with limits set by administrators and determined by the upload_max_filesize variable in php.ini);
  • Enhanced performance when moving around large course elements;
  • Expanded browser support for default themes; and
  • Support for remotely hosted elements that are part of Common Cartridge or AccessForAll course materials.

The new release also includes a number of bug fixes.

ATutor is one of four interrelated open source projects. The other three include AContent, a content management system and digital media repository; ATutor Social, a social networking module; and AChecker, a Web accessibility evaluation tool.

ATutor 2.0.1 is available now at no cost. A list of service providers can be found here. Pricing for support packages can be found here. A hosted demo can be found here. Additional details are available here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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