IIEP Internet Discussion Forum on Free and Open Source Software for e-Learning

Discussion on free and open source software (FOSS) for e-learning continues on the on-line forum that UNESCO’s International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) launched in June 2004. Topics presently on the agenda include the development of an e-learning course on FOSS and the creation of a training programme for students in developing countries.

The forum was launched in 2004 by IIEP in response to the interest expressed during their first discussion forum Virtual universities and e-learning Policy issues – What are they? and Whose are they? associated with the IIEP study on the virtual university and e-learning.

The objective of this second forum was to support information exchange and reflection upon the potential of free and open source software for e-learning, and to consider the pros and cons and its applicability for developing countries.

The forum took place from 1-25 June 2004 and was followed by 260 participants from 65 countries. The forum was included two sessions (Session 1: FOSS – what is it and what should you know about it? and FOSS for e-learning – what are the pros and cons?/ Session 2: FOSS solutions for e-learning).

Once again, there was an active and rich discussion among the participants. In this case most of those sending messages were implicated actively in the use of FOSS. The discussion not only generated a good deal of debate and sharing of information, but also references to a large number of documents. In order to make this wealth of information accessible, the documents with their links have been organized into categories and made available on the Forums section of the website. A background paper giving a brief overview of Free and Open Source Software can also be found there.

When it became time to close the forum the group quickly constituted itself into a formal Community of Interest. The group continues to share information and intelligence with each other without formal organization or moderation. Topics discussed during this new phase have included the development of an e-learning course on FOSS and the creation of a training programme for students in developing countries.

UNESCO has an important role as a catalyst for international cooperation and a clearinghouse, and this forum has proved to be a powerful and efficient way of creating an international community for information sharing and capacity building.

To join this group, you can send an e-mail message to virtual.university@iiep.unesco.org