Using Zope in a learning environment.
If I were writing an open or closed source LMS or LCMS, I'd consder Zope as a highly viable platform. It's got many if not most of the basic services, like authentication, threaded discussions, etc., in the form of freely available Products, that otherwise would cost big bucks from the LMS vendors. Not one vendor i've talked to offers the scalability of Zope ZEOS. The limitations would mainly be the multimedia content module interfaces themselves (AKA Flash, Authorware, Director, Toolbook content). Ferinstance, Flash 5 has big problems with how it does CGI, and I've seen similar problems with the CGI communications Xtras in Authorware and Director. Zope handles this stuff as it should, i.e well. External (flash/authorware/toolbook/director) content can be embedded in the Zope or linked to via a front-end Apache. I can't think of a better way to manage ever-changing html content than a content management system like Zope. You would also need to set up your AICC / SCORM compliant fields in a Zope compatible relational database of your choice, or develop your own tracking standards, but that's not a zope issue. It beats paying $600,000 + maintenance to Click2Learn if all you need is a very simple LMS :o) Harlow Pinson Indepth Learning Email: hpinson@indepthl.com Web: http://www.indepthl.com Voice: 505-994-2135 FAX: 208-475-7678