OSS 2006 Conference

Como, Italy, June 10th, 2006 
http://www.elab.usilu.net/FOSLET06/

Web-based Learning Environments supported by Course Management Systems, (also known as Learning Management Systems) have become a valid solution for institutions, schools and universities wishing to deliver e-learning or support blended-learning activities. Learning Environments are used to distribute information and content material to students, prepareassignments and tests, engage in discussions, and manage distance classes without any time and space restrictions. During the last few years, several institutions have moved from commercial/proprietary solutions to Free and Open Source (FOS) environments. The increasing popularity that FOS solutions for e-learning are enjoying is partly due to the absence of license costs, and partly to the great adaptability and interoperability of FOSS solutions, also in relationship with the development and adoption of Learning Technology Standards, such as the Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and the IMS Global Content Packaging specifications. These latter aspects can make it easier to integrate FOS e-learning solutions in the institutional setting and foster the adoption of innovative teaching and learning solutions. Goals The workshop will focus on solutions, practices, and experience of FOS Learning Environments that give particular emphasis to two perspectives:1.    Interoperability, including course content migration, metadata,and standards implementation. 2.    Adaptability and integration, including LMS fine-tuning to specific organizational requirements, integration into the teaching activity, costs and management. TopicsThe workshop encourages submissions on all topics related to Free and Open Source Learning Environments including (but not limited to) the following: 

• Interoperability and implementation of standards among Learning Environments
• FOS Learning Environments architectures, configurations, andinfrastructures
• Learning & Content Management Systems, repositories Metadata models and mapping
  Interoperability use cases, experience reports of interoperable educational systems   
• Cost models of commercial/proprietary and FOS e-learningsolutions
• Good practices of integration of FOS solutions into real
• institutional settings
• Technical, financial, institutional, organizational, and design issues