[Zope] RE: Zope in a web based learning environment?

[hpinson@indepthl.com]

> 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