OpenOLAT is a web-based learning management system for teaching, education, assessment and communication. The name OpenOLAT stands for Open Online Learning And Training, highlighting its open source and online nature. OpenOLAT is open source software and is being developed by frentix GmbH starting in 2011. OpenOLAT is based on the LMS OLAT developed by the University of Zurich.
History
OpenOLAT originated from the open source project OLAT. In 2011, the University of Zurich initiated a massive refactoring project with the goal of redesigning the complete code base and switching to the Mercurial version control system. With the start of the refactoring, repository access for contributors from the OLAT community was revoked, making further contributions impossible. Since then, the OLAT developers practice open source only in the form of publishing finished source code, but lack any kind of community involvement. Because of these changes to OLAT, the OpenOLAT fork was initiated in 2011. OpenOLAT is an alternative to OLAT that follows an open development process and encourages community involvement. The initiator of this new project is frentix GmbH, a spin-off of the University of Zurich, which was founded by one of the founders of OLAT and which provided commercial services for OLAT up to 2011. Since frentix was founded in 2006, the company has contributed major features to the OLAT code base and was responsible for a large part of the bug fixing.
For commercial customers, frentix provided OLATpro until the end of 2011, which contained features that were not a part of the public release. With the inception of OpenOLAT, many of the frentix features from the pro OLATpro release were ported to the public OpenOLAT open source release.
In 2020, OpenOlat integrated open source editors from OnlyOffice to allow members to collaboratively edit text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online.
Releases
Updates are released regularly, which not only improve the interface, but also introduce new features.
In release 8.2, the group management system was significantly improved. Release 8.3 added the OpenMeetings integration, and release 8.4 brought major changes to the chat infrastructure while also improving the performance and stability of the whole system.
Release 9.0 replaced the JavaScript framework ExtJS with the more light-weight jQuery, for which the whole JavaScript layer was refactored. In addition, the question pool was introduced, which allows collaborative creation and sharing of test questions.
Version 10.0, includes a complete redesign of all visual aspects of OpenOLAT. The introduction of a responsive design paradigm based on Bootstrap makes OpenOLAT ready for mobile devices and small screen sizes. Also, the learning resources were divided into separate areas for learners and authors, making them more intuitive and easier to use.
Release 11.0 has completely revised the test infrastructure and changed to the IMS QTI 2.1 format. Furthermore, the eAssessment was expanded on various levels. In addition, a new portfolio was implemented.
OpenOlat Release 14.0 brought changes to the file system, which allowed the integration of different document editors, as well as enhancements to the administration. A new course element "Livestream" was implemented, and older course elements were also improved.
Release 15.0 introduced an easier way to learn through the new "Learning Path"; one of several improvements that enhanced the interface. In addition, new course elements were added, such as "BigBlueButton". For more privacy, the option to activate a privacy policy, as well as terms of use, is now available.
Release 16.0 brought the 3G Covid certificate, as well as several revisions, such as a display of test durations in the eAssessment section. A new copy wizard for learning path courses was implemented. There have also been added personalization options, as well as usability and interface enhancements.
Release 17.0 brings with it the new course element "Practice", as well as further revisions to task elements and folder components. With Catalog 2.0, "Search and Filter" is now improved as well. For certain organizations, the revised sharing and posting configuration might be exciting. Since this release, new OAuth login providers are supported and Zoom has also been added to the list of video conferencing tools.