Open Source Software Evaluation Model for Learning Management System

Transcription

1 Open Source Software Evaluation Model for Learning Management System Dinesh Kumar 1, Dr. C.S. Lamba 2 1 Research Scholar, NIMS University, Rajasthan 2 Research Supervisor,, NIMS University, Rajasthan Abstract: The OSS development is very different from traditional proprietary software. For better understanding, our research work will explore model for Open Source software evaluation, which can be used as a tool to find the right software package to meet the user s need. After the OSS Model using the criteria found in Open source literature, Community, Release Activity, Endurance, License, Support, Documentation, Security, Functionality and Integration. Keywords: Open Source software, Learning Management System, Moodle 1. INTRODUCTION The term Open Source was introduced in 1998 [14]. Since then more and more companies have taken interest in Open Source software. Recently Novell acquired use Linux, one of the distributions of the Linux operating system, taking their embrace of Open Source a step further [20], and with this expanding the enterprise market for Linux. Linux and Open Source are often linked in Open Source literature, and it may seem that Linux and its added softwares are all there is in the Open Source market. However, Open Source software is much more than Linux and Linux-compatible software [8]. Many more examples of Open Source software exist, such as the Apache web server, with a market share of almost 70% [7], the web language PHP, the database server My SQL, the office suite OpenOffice.org and a very large number of web applications [7]. The source code, the instructions that make up the recipe for a software package [6] is freely available to its users in the case of Open Source software. The term Open Source is defined by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) in the Open Source Definition [1]. In other words The software must be freely distributable The source code must be included in the distribution or there is a well-publicized method of obtaining the source code Derived works and modifications are allowed The license must not be specific to a product, not restrict other software and be technology-neutral. Software that is not Open Source is also referred to with different terms, such as commercial software or proprietary software. Some will argue that commercial software can still be Open Source software, since it can be used commercially. [16] Proprietary is a term used in many documents on Open Source, indicating the closed source software. Proprietary Software is software where the source code belongs strictly to the vendor and is not given to the public. In this proposal the characteristics that distinguish Open Source software from proprietary software are the main focal point. The model in the next section is meant for evaluation of different Open Source systems, not a mix of proprietary and Open Source software or comparing proprietary software to Open Source software. The Open Source movement is as much a culture as it is a development method. The culture is mostly one of sharing and collaboration, often with people from all over the world. However, as was briefly addressed before, there is some discussion within the Open Source movement. The two key groups in the Open Source culture can be described using the comparison by Raymond as The pragmatists and the purists [3]. He describes two degrees of variation: zealotry whether something, in this case Open Source, is seen as a means to an end or an end in itself and hostility to commercial software. The purist is a person of great zeal and high hostility to commercial software. A pragmatist is only moderately anticommercial and sees open source more as a means than an end. The purist group can be found mostly in the Free Software Foundation (FSF), founded by Richard M. Stallman [3]. The FSF has its origins in the GNU group, which has also introduced the GNU GPL5, a strong expression of the purists view. The GNU GPL will be discussed further in the next section. The FSF views Free or Open Source software as a right, and non-free software as doing harm [17], while the pragmatists view Open Source software development as a nice method of creating good software. The FSF promotes four kinds of freedom [16]. The freedom to run the program, for any purpose, The freedom to study how the program works and adapt it, The freedom to redistribute copies, The freedom to improve the program, and release the improvements. Open Source is a relatively new field of study in the academic world. The number of articles written on the subject is not high. To start the literature study, general Open Source articles and information is used to get a good global idea of Open Source software. In order to establish the criteria for the evaluation model, literature on comparing Open Source software and other models such as Open Source software maturity models are consulted. Because scientific literature from the academic libraries may not offer enough to complete the research, other sources need to be explored as well, by using search engines on the Internet, for example. Of course the validity of non-scientific resources is verified. Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 62

2 When evaluating software in the Open Source market, these unique characteristics have to be taken into account in order to find the software that is mature enough and has a good chance of survival. In some ways the chances of Open Source project s existence in the future are more predictable than of proprietary software vendors. Because of the openness, anyone can join in or leave. As long as there are still people interested in the project, it can continue. Because of the openness of the software as well as the project, these things are more measurable, giving a better impression of the software and its future. In the next phase the Open Source software evaluation model is discussed, a model is proposed for evaluating Open Source software using an approach adapted to the unique characteristics of Open Source software. This comparison can be used stand-alone or in conjunction with traditional software evaluation methods. The criteria for the Open Source software evaluation model were established using Open Source literature on the subject of evaluation of software. Because scientific literature is still somewhat scarce on the subject, web searches were needed to find the required resources. In order to identify the criteria that give a good general idea of the Open Source software that needs to be evaluated, all criteria were listed and the terms covering the same areas were grouped together. The criteria that were mentioned in some way in at least four out of the six sources were included in this model. Each criterion is described in the following subsections, giving background information and explaining why the criterion is important for software evaluation One of the most important aspects of open source is the community [20]. The user community of an open source project consists of the people that use the software and participate in some way. One way of participating is by filing bug reports, which is a report on a problem in the software. This could be something very small, like a typing error in the text, or something large, like a feature that does not work properly. Another way is giving feedback on functionality the user would like to be added. The community of an Open Source project is very important because it is the community that does most of the testing and provides quality feedback. Instead of using financial resources to put the software through extensive testing and Quality Assurance (QA), like a proprietary vendor will do, the Open Source projects have the community as a resource. More people are interested in a project, the more likely it is that it will be active and keep going. A large and active community says something about the acceptance of the software. If the software was not good enough to use, there would not be so many people who cared about its development [2]. The activity level of a project consists of the community activity and the development activity. The development activity is reflected in two parts their participation in the community. The development itself writing or changing the source code. The later activity is reflected mostly in the release activity. All software projects release new versions after a period of time. The number of releases per period and their significance, meaning how large the changes are per release (i.e. are there feature additions or just bug fixes in the release), illustrates the progress made by the developers. This gives a good indication of how seriously the developers are working on the software. The Open Source repositories SourceForge1 and FreshMeat2, where projects can share files with the public, provide information on activity that could be useful to evaluate the release activity. An Open Source project often has different types of releases: Stable releases the most important type for the end user. This is the version of the software that is deemed suitable for production use with minimal risk of failure. Development versions These can have different forms, such as beta, daily builds or CVS (Concurrent Version System) versions, each more up to date with the latest changes. The longevity of a product is a measure of how long it has been around. It says something about a project s stability and chance of survival. A project that is just starting it usually still full of bugs [20]. The older a project, the less likely the developers will suddenly stop. [Brereton, 02] But age is not always a guarantee of the chance of survival. First of all, very old software may be stuck on old technologies and methods, from which the only escape is to completely start over. As mentioned before, no project is ever static. There s always something that still needs to be done in the phase of Documentation, Security, Functionality, Integration, Modularity and Standards. Goal and origin Every good work of software starts by scratching a developer s personal itch [12]. This quote is about the motivation of Open Source software developers. Open Source projects get started for a number of reasons but the initial motivation has a clear goal of use for those who started the project. How a software project started provides information on its general usability. If the project started as a very simple small solution to the developer s problem, and has quickly grown into something much larger, the software might not be the most stable because it was not designed from the start the way it has become. If, however, the project was planned from the started to be something more substantial, the whole process is probably more thought through. 2. RESULT AND ANALYSIS After the empirical study we strongly observed the need of a concept that derives a theoretical approach of integrating the best feature of most demanding LMS and thus creating the new framework which provide assistance for all OSS having greater efficiency. The details of the framework have been discussed here. The concepts of learning have been changed now a day. Now, learning has become a mix of framed experience. Value and contextual information and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experience and the increasing trends of learning eliminates the bar of age and boundary knowledge seekers Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 63

3 greatly influences from E-learning. Software evaluation aims at implementation and revalidation of possible vital changes to the system without being proceed from the assumed cause to a related affect to predict how user requirement will evolve. The current system never gets completed, it is evolving in nature. As it evolves, the complexity of system grows simultaneously unless there is a better solution to resolve these complexities. Therefore software evaluation focuses on ensuring reliability and flexibility of system. The concept of software evaluation leads to open source development as anyone can download the source and make modification in terms of requirement. Learning management system is software application for those areas which broadly covers administration, tracking, reporting of training programs on-line event e-learning and many more. Learning management system are very much influenced from open source system. learning management are providing facility to access learning content and administration. Evaluation here is very much necessary. In this paper we are representing views on how Open Source software will help learning management system more effectively. 2.1 OSS COMPONENT A software component is a software technology for encapsulating software functionality according to some specification. As in Object oriented programming it is in the form of objects or collections of objects displayed in binary or textual form, adhering to some interface description language (IDL) thus ensuring its existence is independent of other components in a computer. According to Szyperski and Messerschmitt they highlight the following characteristics that a software component should have to be termed one: [1] [19]. A software component is an executable unit of independent production, acquisition, and deployment that can be composed into a functioning system. When it comes to OSS component then it means that software component that is easily accessible and is free. The software component source code can be accessed and reused over and over independently of the other components in the computer. Components can be built inhouse, acquired from third-parties, or just downloaded from the websites of the OSS communities. OSS components always have the source code open while COTS(Commercial OF The Shelf) components may have the source code open but mostly it is not the case; both of these components are acquired from third parties and thus users have no control of the provided functionality and evolution of them [11]. When OSS component is discussed it reflects the Component-Based Software Development (CBSD) which is used a lot in developing software systems nowadays it involves usage of reusable parts to develop software. Successful reuse of these components highly depends on being able to search through the OSS marketplace to identify and evaluate which component its the requirements of the organization. 2.2 OSS COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS When it comes to selection of an OSS component the requirements that would influence their selection are similar to those of OSS program. These requirements are organization specification and range from functional, technical, economical or even political and as such these should be elaborated to be able to support selection of any component. Functional: Refers to the features that the software product has to cover and it all depends on the purpose the program or OSS component is intended for. Technical: The environment to run the software product should be considered as it also affects the selection of the software components and libraries that would work with the software. Organizational: The community that develops OSS product and component should be in existence, have good reputation; able to sufficient technical support to the users of the product and the development process should be compatible with the organizations. Legal: Different legal implications govern the different F/OSS licenses therefore it is important that a company is certain about its own expectations and thus guide whether to use OSS/FSF. These legal requirements cover: No Copy left Effect for Add-ons or Combinations: The license does not oblige the company to license own add-ons under the same license as the F/OSS. No liability to third party code: Given that the company selling the product did not write parts of the code, it may not want to be liable for the foreign code parts. This requirement is country specific as some do impose these law yet others don t. No Patent infringements: Usage of the F/OSS in question does not collide with any patent restrictions Economical: The organization financial constraints should be put into consideration when selecting any product whether OSS or proprietary software. Economic requirement covers issues of Sustainability of the product, Protection of investment, Increase of productivity, Flexible maintenance according to individual needs, Quick availability, Increasing know-how, Cost reduction and Division of development costs. Political: It covers aspects such as Possibility for influence further development with respect to individual needs, Decrease of proprietary dependencies, Transparency over safety and security and Publicity and marketing effects. Providers offer OSS components through their own websites. Reusers use a search mechanism or Intermediary services to and select components, whilst Promoters foster the OSS movement. Selecting the correct open source module is not an easy task it's difficult to search through all the libraries, identify and extract the best modules, and correctly estimate the customization and integration cost but mostly people tend to use Google. Successful reuse of OSS components will depend on being able to go through OSS marketplace to identify and Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 64

4 evaluate which component to the requirements which are organization specific. 2.3 OSS PROGRAM/COMPONENT EVALUATION FRAMEWORK There exist several frameworks that have been used in the evaluation of OSS component. These include Qualification and Selection of Open Source software (QSOS), Open Source Maturity Model (OSMM) of Navica and CapGemini and the Business Readiness Rating (BRR). All of them however do allow quantitative evaluation of number of criteria based on their assigned weights and thus help to easily compare results of evaluation when similar pieces of software are evaluated for one particular use The rating weighs the important factors for successful implementation of F/OSS software, and includes: functionality, quality, performance, support, community size, and security (among other factors). The evaluator decides the most important ones for the software to be successful in the environment to be used and for the purpose it is to fulfil, weighting the criteria accordingly. Initial analysis suggests that this effort provides more detailed evaluation data and scoring than the previously mentioned models. Another model in use is Karin van den Berg's Open Source Evaluation Model [1]. In the model he proposes four criteria to be used in the selection of the candidate these are functionality, longevity, release activity and the community. In the evaluation process two processes are followed the selection method called Elimination by Aspects model and the second one is the Linear Weighted Attribute Model. Qual ipso Open Source Maturity Model aims to help in building trust in development processes of companies using or producing FLOSS products focusing on the quality aspects. Although all the models use slightly different methods and techniques, they all attempt to evaluate the quality or maturity of F/OSS artefacts using information that is already available Phases of OSS Selection Process Several methods of OSS evaluation have been discussed by David Wheeler [20] but he suggests use of four steps in evaluation which he describes them as general process. This process is based on four steps: identify candidates, read existing reviews, compare the leading programs' basic attributes to your needs, and analyze the top candidates in more depth. These steps can be followed when evaluating both OSS programs and proprietary programs. When using the wheeler method it implies that the organization already know what product they would like to use to fulfill their basic needs. Mostly open source software were typically being used for quick solution but now a days this is not so. LMS is becoming the backbone of present learning system. In this presenting analytical study of various LMS covering nearly all types of learning, geographical areas and different age group. Consequentially we try to present models which bring concepts of open source e-learning framework. The objective of proposing a model is to make available single LMS that need the requirements of everyone. 2.5 LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OVERVIEW In the last decade, the effect of Internet usage in education has increased gradually and new technologies have improved students learning. The tremendous improvements in information and communication technologies and increase in the use of internet brought lots of opportunities to different fields and especially to Instructional Technologies. Based on these new technologies, learning environments are able to provide a wide range of educational alternatives for learners. E- learning is one of these alternatives which became attractive where students and instructors are physically in different locations and time [15]. By using distance learning tools, their education can be more flexible with respect to place and time constraints. Thus, students can access information anytime and anyplace, such as either in libraries or during lectures. As is widely known, E- learning is costly, and cost-effectiveness becomes more important as the institutions become large-scale providers of E-Learning. However, open source LMS may have an impact on the future of the LMS market with its cost effectiveness and advanced features. Due to the advantages of distance learning, schools and companies are adopting these new learning technologies and increasing their investments in it. However, along with the advantages, installation and support costs appear to be big disadvantages compared to a traditional learning environment. These disadvantages can be reduced to a great extent by the use of open source software which provides further gains. Open Office, Star Office, KDE. Learning Management Systems, especially those which are based on open source software, have been very helpful in reaching towards this goal. Nevertheless, technology alone is not sufficient because teachers have to understand beforehand the potentials it offers in order to be able to use it effectively in redesigning their educational scenarios [6]. The usage of E-learning methods and tools is getting more and more important. Students demand a higher quality and efficiency in teaching. Figure 1 shows that open source application and web server software are used in an open source e-learning system. Fig: 1 Requirement for Learning Management System in an E-Learning Process Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 65

5 A learning management system is defined as software that has been used in a learning content presentation which has a significant role and complexity in e-learning environment. An advanced e-learning system has to comply with the following requirements [9] [10]. Compatibility and the ability to work with other LMS. Content management ability such as Electronic filing and file management How the learning content is created and managed as a learning object, Reusability of the content (Content compatibility like Scorm, AIIC, IMS)[ 04] Rapid content creation, distribution, integration and authorizing tools. Support for the tools using in content creation such as (Dreamweaver, Flash, Word, PowerPoint )Performance and extendibility of the environment,multi-language Support In particular, the purpose of these comparisons is twofaceted. One is to analyze general features of open source LMSs considering the requirements of an LMS in an e- learning process. The other purpose is to conduct comparisons of these features among the mostly preferred three LMSs. Instruments Qualitative research technique for data collection was employed. Comparative and contrastive observational approach was the method for this regard. The mostly preferred three LMSs are selected among from fifty free and open source LMSs on the web site of UNESCO (Website of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, 2008). The selected LMSs are analyzed according to the requirements of an LMS in an e-learning process mentioned above. The features of three LMS s (have been analyzed by using the full access versions reached from their websites and a detailed analysis carried out by creating courses on each LMS. Each feature is divided into sub-categories including: General aspects Didactic functionality Productivity tools Communication tools Technical flexibility Usability is analyzed in detail. For each criterion a check-list of the aspects observed and each overall criterion is presented with a brief discussion by using summary tables. Taking the advantages of the trials on usage in different projects has been used to prepare the following table for one LMS only. task, at the same time its importance was incontestable. For the same reason a selection algorithm developed by Octavian Iercan [13] [14], in his doctoral thesis was used to sort out the best suitable open source e-learning platform. Criteria for the selection included factors like: E-learning standards License type Documentation Development programming language Database type Table 1: The Selection Criteria matrix (values ai) The multilingualism functionality Special functionalities, like forum, chat Distribution As indicated above, the Importance Level inside the matrix was assigned according to the level of importance of each criterion involved in the selection process. Furthermore, each of the selection categories expressed was further divided into subcategories with the purpose of creating an even better and smoother selection. Table 2: Importance Level Selection Matrix (values bj) OPEN SOURCE E-LEARNING LMS SELECTION PROCESS There are dozens of LMS in the market ranging from open source to proprietary ones. It is a well known fact that open source e-learning technologies are of big interest not only for the higher education but for freemarket education as well and it is difficult to select the best e-learning platforms from a wide list of open source software. Although it was difficult to accomplish such a Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 66

6 In this way, the selection process obtained a result of the analysis and evaluation of not only categories but also of the subcategories. Because of the different number of subcategories, categories having less than four sub categories were replaced by zero values. A selection Matrix [A] was created in order to eliminate platforms that were not suitable for further work that had to be done within the project framework. Table 3: The E-Learning Platform Selection Matrix and counselling of that student in any other course. The learner counselling is also proposed which may be conducted by taking intelligent small test on their earlier knowledge or by navigating them through the list of prerequisites for different courses. The two mode evaluation process (online and offline) is also introduced in our design online objective test and offline assignments. PROTOTYPE DESIGN The values in Matrix [A] were the result of a multiplication between of the value of importance Level of a category and the individual value of each subcategory weights. By doing so, the selection process guaranteed a better precision in selecting the best e-learning platform for evaluation. The best score received were from Ilias, followed by ATutor and Moodle. 2.6 DESIGNING FRAMEWORK A working plan design based on the selected Learning Management Systems was developed, flowchart of which has been depicted in the figure two described below. Fig. 2: Flowchart Depicting Step Wise Development Process for the Proposed Design The proposed framework enables the individualized adaptation in an E-learning system is shown in Figure 4.3. In our proposed design the students evaluation records are used for the evaluation of the excellence of the course, excellence of the Instructor (for contact classes) Fig. 3: Prototype Design An architectural design of the proposed framework has been presented in this section. So we are discussing and like to elaborate with this architecture framework for open source software evaluation. The architecture of this design revolves around teacher, student and administrator. The design supports online learning and aims to enhance skills both at educational as well as vocational level. The student s performance record is stored and used for counselling of the students for different courses or can be used for counselling different students on that course. Discussion forum is the place where a learner/teacher can exchange their views about a course. The link between teacher and student shows that the student can negotiate the learning style and choose learning style of his choice i.e. textual, audio/video or both even in the mid of the course with the teacher. After the completion of the course the performance of the learner is evaluated by online test. Next if the performance is not achieved up to a desired level then another redesigned course matching his performance score is arranged for that student. This chapter provides the prototype designs based on the Selected LMS. This proposed design adapts the advantages of the selected three open source e-learning models. The designed prototype system can facilitate personalized delivery of contents based on the individual learner s knowledge and learning preferences. Although courses designed in this proposed design do not guarantee a job but offers a platform to enhance personal skills and hence is an attempt to bridge knowledge through Open Source Software model through learning management. In Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 67

7 the chapter five will be discussed in our research and outcome. OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE-CONCEPTUAL STUDY In general term, Open Source Software can be referred as Free Software. The term free here relates to the freedom that is granted with the free software but also with the distribution terms of the software. OSS is defined as the free software as it gives the freedom required and can be differentiated with the proprietary software which is restrictive in its use and one cannot modify it. Every open Source software includes some specific feature they can listed below: Free distribution Maintain integrity No discrimination against field of endeavour License must be technology natural Component of OSS A software component is an executable unit of independent production, acquisition and deployment that can be composed into a function system. But when we talk with the reference to OSS component we mean that a kind of software component that is easily accessible and free.oss Component is component based software development which is used lots in developing software system nowadays it involves usage of reusable parts to develop software. The successful reuse of the component is highly dependent on ability to search through the OSS market-place to identify and evaluate which component meets the requirement of organization.a list of these requirements is given below: Functional: The crucial functionality required for the product or component to work should be covered and there should be a clear roadmap of any change that would occur in future Technical: The environment to run the software must be taken into account. Legal: Different legal implication like copyright effect, liability to third party, Patent Infringement, Liability to the foreign code part is given performance. Economical: Economy aspect is the most important one to take care of as such OSS is mostly used by institution with low budget. After from this flexible maintained according to individual need, Quick availability, increasing know-how Cost reduction are other factor should be taken into account. The above all requirements are evaluated on the basis of some criteria. The evaluation should not only focus on the requirement explained but also the risk associated with the software component and to be able to evaluate the risk quality attributes. In Our work several software component have been identified. Evaluation of OSS Component Framework From the different evaluation framework it is most important to pick the component which describes a clear roadmap. There exists several framework that have been used in the evaluation of OSS Component these include qualification and selection process and many more. However, the OSS proceeds include for major independent steps are: Definition: creation of frame of reference used in the following steps Evaluation: based on Functional coverage Risk for the users Risk for the service providers Independent of particular users Qualification where giving the criteria split up on the basis of content/user requirement/strategy set by the service provider Selection process Phase of Selection process: The selection process is categorized into four phases Identify candidates Real existing reviews Compare the leading program attribute to your need. Analyze the top candidate in more depth. Mostly open source components are typically being used where developers were seeking quick solution but this is not the cause now days. Therefore care should be taken in selecting the appropriate component to eliminate having problems in the future which may result through not following the component roadmap and the product that requires the component. The technology is changing festally so the environment for use of component needs to be explored fully in the existing component library. OPEN SOURCE LEARNING MANAGEMENT PROCESS While in the process of scrutinization of our work, we framed a number of LMS, those running in the market from open source to proprietary one. We faced a lot of difficulty to choose the best suited among then. For this, more than seventy learning management system have been subjected to a general Evaluation We fixed certain criteria for selection process like: E-learning Standard License type Documentation Develop Programming language Database type Multilingual facility Special feature like forum and chat Distribution After that among them three most demanded software were chosen Moodle, ILIAS and ATUTOR. These software chosen were investigated in detail according to features of the communication tools, productivity tools, and Personal Involvement tools respectively. The software has been evaluated by seeing number of websites, using demo programs and in accordance to the feature given at internet. From the deep study of result so obtained it was observed that OSS Development has gained significant importance in the production of Software products. Open Source software developers have produced system with a Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 68

8 functionality that is competitive with the similar proprietary software developed by commercial software organization. Yet OSS is usually designed for and they power users over all we found that OSS developers are interested in Usability. But, in practical Projects really employs systematic usability evaluation. Most of the efforts are based on common sense. Most developers have limited understanding of usability and there is a lack of resource and evaluation methods fitting into OSS requirement. So, here we proposed to design a model that assists OSS in learning management system by integrating the features of three selected LMS. The system will be an open source application with client scripting facility. It will also supports the cross browsers and is fully integrated with different database such as MS-SQL Server, MS-access and Oracle. DESIGNING FRAMEWORK Working plan design based on the selected learning management system is already explained in the outcome chapter a brief detail is given here. In the given design the student evaluation records are used for evaluation of the course, excellence of instructor and counselling of the student in other course. The learner counselling is also proposed which may be conducted but taking intelligent small test on their current awareness or by navigating them through the list of prerequisite from different course. The two model evaluation process i.e. online and offline is also introduced in our design. PROTOTYPE DESIGN In architecture design of the proposed framework has been also presented in our outcome chapter and a Short Summery is given here: The architecture of this design revolves around teacher, student and administrator. The design supports online learning and aims to enhance skills both at educational as well as vocational level. The student performance record is stored and used for counselling of the students for different courses or can be used for counselling different students on that course. Discussion forum is the place where a learner/teacher can exchange their views about a course. The link between teacher and student shows that the student can negotiate the learning style and choose learning style of his choice i.e. textual, audio/video or both even in the mid of the course with the teacher. After the completion of the course the performance of the learner is evaluated by online test. Next if the performance is not achieved up to a desired level then another redesigned course matching his performance score is arranged for that student. This chapter provides the prototype designs based on the Selected LMS. This proposed design adapts the advantages of the selected three open source e-learning models. The designed prototype system can facilitate personalized delivery of contents based on the individual learner s knowledge and learning preferences. Although courses designed in this proposed design do not guarantee a job but offers a platform to enhance personal skills and hence is an attempt to bridge knowledge through Open Source Software model through learning management. ROLE AND UTILITY OF PROPOSED DESIGN This proposed design adopts the advantage of selected three open source E-learning models. The designed prototype system can facilitate personalized delivery system of content based on the individual learner s knowledge and learning preference. Open source is relatively new field of study in academic world. The number of articles written on the subject is not so high. The objective of proposed such model is to assists the OSS developers to adopt the unique characteristics of OSS. The proposed model talks about adaptability of advantage of each LMS providing such adaptively based on learning style can support learners and make learning easier for them. However, for providing proper adaptivity, the learning style should be known first, while most system, which consider learning style use various tricks to identify it. Here we proposed an automatic student modeling approach, which analyze the actual behavior and action of student during their learning such an automatic approach peers advantage that student not have to put additional information about their learning style and also, an automatic approach can be more accurate by excluding extra ordinary behavior of student and adapting in the case that the learning style change over the time. The design model is based on pattern derived from literature and selection criteria 3. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK Through this thesis we have explored and reported research related to the open source software in learning management system. The research which we have carried out throughout this thesis has provided valuable insight into three main research themes and resulted in eight major contributions. We now sum up our main finding and outline for possible future work based on our result. Our first research theme investigated the previous research in the field of e-learning process and significant role of LMS in it. We have major contribution in this theme. An Extensive literature study on the learning management system in E-learning process. Through a systematic review we created an overview of the research literature to identify what had been investigated and where the role in the field. Where we overviewed number of work in relation with learning management system their approach, Learning management selection procedure, factors that are to be taken into consideration before implementing the learning management system in e-learning process. Comparing to the rest of our studies to the framework we used for evaluation of open source software for learning management system. We also discovered that open source Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 69

9 software evaluation could achieve the effective ways of working LMS. OPEN SOURCE SFTWARE EVALUATION AND LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Our second research theme overviewed the use of Open source software in LMS process. We focused on the functional component and special features of OSS within this theme, this lead to the following: Through an action research study, we gained a deep insight into the process of learning management system. Through this contribution we realized that learning management system is very much influence from Open Source software. C3 Defining a software evaluation model specifically aimed at open source software for effective evaluation model for learning management system. Through an action research study, we gained a deep insight into several analyses of scientific approaches to evaluate, implement or choose learning context and software suitable for personalized users/learners need. Our result were contrasted and strengthen by systematic literature studies. Through this contribution we realized that there is a lack of resource and evaluation methods fitting into OSS Paradigm. OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE EVALUATION MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING MANAGEMENT Our third research theme investigated the software evaluation model for effective LMS leading to following contribution Integration of LMS into Open Source Software evaluation Methods Through the action research studies, we gained a deeper understanding of how the existing open source software model required criteria change that assist LMS to enhance working capability.we proposed to integrate the feature of various chosen Software to present a framework that can assist the existing OSS Learning Management System in order to perform more efficiently according to the need of all the users of different range. The most important improvement was to increase the LMS for providing better platform to Developers and Users. We proposed a model in learning management to be implementing for effective utilization of open source software evaluation Though the action of research studies where there, open source learning management systems have been taken for general evaluation. We gained a deeper understanding on how the need raises for the evaluation of current existing open source learning management.our main finding in relation to the model was its active contribution in effective functionality of LMS by eliminating the drawback of existing one. Designing the model and framework for LMS We proposed to design a model for existing open source learning system. The model has been designed by incorporating the features of selected three widely used open source LMS namely Moodle, Ilias and ATUTOR. We proposed an empirical study of developer s opinion on the Extent of Comfort while using OSS. An Overview of proposed Model along with its Use Through the action of research studies we brought the concept to design a model which can assist the existing Open source Learning System More actively by covering people of every range and friendly with all operating system and we concluded that the proposed model can facilitates personalized delivery of content based on the individual learners Knowledge and learning preference, which were considered as the base line of good e-learning Program. An overview of evaluation of OSS on the basis of Selected Criteria Through action research we gained a deeper understanding that existing OSS Model still had some limitation such as Limited understanding, based on traditional commerce rarely employs systematic usability evaluation. Out result were contrasted and strengthen by analytical study or number of OSS LMS Chosen. Those software chosen were investigated in detailed according to the all common and unique features. Research Goal Finally returning to our research goal for this thesis, on how OSS software evaluation can enhance the present LMS in every aspect in E-learning Process. We found that raising popularity of e-learning and increasing learning effects, a key factor in getting developers to improve their practice. Our studies also showed that OSS development is very different from traditional proprietary software. It has gained significant vitality that is competitive with similar proprietary software developed by software Organization. Open Source is a relatively new field of study in the academic world. The number of article written in this issue is not too high. Our studies showed that explored model for open source software evaluation which can be used as a tool to find the right software package to meet user needs. A key challenge is to involve and keep the development in this field and make sure they do not drift out of them once their involvement has ended. As we have seen there are many LMS running in the market and we have tested few of them during the work of this thesis. But, there are many possible routes to the goal and no single approach is necessary the best possible for all context. Our Studies have contributed towards the state of the art by considering some methods but there is still a lot of opportunity in the field. Future Work Our three research themes lent themselves nicely to possible future direction for research we have stated in this thesis. Our overview of the field does currently only Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 70

10 include studies in Industrial context and can be greatly expanded by adding perspective studies for an academia. There are also possibilities in extracting more information from the studies already identified concerning context and methods Impact. As we found in our literature study on open source software evaluation for LMS in E-learning process, there are number of OSS LMS but still all these demands for some more practical modification. In future we will design and develop this work. There may be some issue and challenge while implementing of this model. In our point of view, in this fast life every one wants to gain quality learning with lesser efforts and hurdles. Therefore E-learning is spreading rapidly. So, there should be such OSS that acts as a single solution door for user and also friendly in every operating system and database. We are concluding this research but still lots of scope are there for this presented model. We are including some recent work in the term of published paper so that concepts can be elaborated and expanded in a clear way in case the user /developer tends to create or upgrade the legacy system of OSS. References [1] Finding Open options, An Open Source Software Evaluation Model with a Case Study on Course Management Systems, Berg K., Master thesis, Tilburg University, August [2] Software Components Enabling a Mass Market. Brereton, P, Linkman, S., Thomas, N., Boegh, J., De Panflis, S.: In: STEP 2002: Proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Software Technology and Engineering Practice, pp IEEE Computer Society, Los Alamitos (2002) [3] Evaluation Criteria for Free/Open Source Software Products Based on Project Analysis, Cruz D, T. Wieland, and A. Ziegler, Software Process: Improvement and Practice, 11(2): , 2006 [4] Software evaluation model for learning management system: an analytical study, Dinesh K. Dharamdasani(2012a), Dr. C.S Lamba, waims world academy of informatics and management sciences, vol.1 issue 2, April-May 2012, pp52-58 [5] Dinesh K. Dharamdasani (2012b), Dr. C.S Lamba and Published at World academy of Informatics and Management System, vol. 1 Issue 2,pp [6] Eric S (2010), Raymond Goodbye, free software; hello, "open source" accessed 8th October [7] gnu.org (2010) Why Free Software is better than Open Source: accessed 8th October [8] Hissam S(2001), C.B.Weinstock, Daniel Plakosh and Jayatirtha Asundi, Perspectives on Open Source Software, Software Engineering Institute, technical report, CMU /SEI-2001-TR-019, Carnegie Mellon University, Nov [9] Upon Learning Management Systems. Retrieved July 10th, 2007, from ml., KISM. [10] User Profile modeling in the context of web based learning management systems, Kritikou Y.(2008), Demestichas, P., Adamopoulou, E., Demestichas, K.,Theologou, M., Paradia, M., Journal of Network and Computer Applications 31(4), [11] Process Improvement and Risk Management in Of- The-Shelf Component Based Development, Li J., PhD theses at NTNU, 2006:84, pp 29 accessed 12th October [12] Navicasoft.com, (2010) Navica, Open Source Maturity Model, accessed 16th October [13] Development of source-distributed e-learning modules for GIS and remote sensing focusing on 3-d models Octavian Iercan (2008),Available: de/volltexte /5385 /pdf/ Octavian Iercan Dissertation.pdf [14] opensource.org (2010), Open Source: Accessed 8th October 2010 [15] E-Ogrenme ve Muhendislik Egitimi (E-Learning and Engineering Education), Ozkul A, Paper presented at the meeting of the Elektrik, Elektronik, Bilgisayar Mühendislikleri Eğitimi 1. Ulusal [16] Foundations, Principles and Techniques, Pohl K. G. Bockle, and F. J. Vander Linden, Software Product Line Engineeri,ng, Secaucus, NJ, USA: Springer Verlag New York, Inc., 2005 [17] Evaluating Quality of Open Source Components for Reuse-Intensive, Rudzki J(2009), Kiviluoma.K, Poikonen.T and I.Hammouda, Commercial Solutions Software Engineering and Advanced Applications, SEAA ' th Euro micro Conference on Software Engineering and Advanced Applications. [18] Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM ) nd Edition Overview, [19] Component Software Beyond Object-Oriented Programming. Szyperski C, Dominik. Gand Stephan Murer, Addison-Wesley, [20] How to evaluate open source software / free software (oss/fs) programs, Wheeler D. A., fs eval.html, Accessed 16th October Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 71

11 AUTHOR Dr. C. S Lamba has PhD degree in Computer science and currently working as a Head of department, RIET Jaipur, Rajasthan India. He has more than 14 years of experience and holding diversified knowledge in the field of Information technology. He has published and Participated research paper / article in various conference/ seminar globally. Dinesh Kumar Dharmdesani holding a Honours degree like MCA, M.Phil(CS). He has more than 8 years of experience and Currently he is associated with Jaipur National University at department of computer and systems sciences and pursuing Doctorate in Computer Sciences from NIMS University Jaipur Entitled: Open Source Software Evaluation model for Learning management System. He also attended many conference and seminar at repute. Volume 2, Issue 4 July August 2013 Page 72