Open eLearning

What Open eLearning is

Open eLearning is free, open source desktop software for creating e-learning courses and educational games. Teachers and pedagogical designers can build multimedia lessons from video, images, text, and activities without coding, then use the authoring tools to add interactive behavior. Actions can combine states and layers, while object scripts can control interactions with other objects and events.

The software installs on Linux, macOS, and Windows computers and works offline. Courses are SCORM compliant and can be played on mobile devices. The download page notes compatibility with learning management systems including Moodle, Chamilo, and Claroline Connect. Listed plugins include H5P and Learningcoins, along with export plugins for Storyline, Ludiscape, and Captivate.

The Free software plan costs nothing and is licensed under GNU GPL v3.0 or later. A Premium Member plan costs $39.99 a year and includes templates, extra plugins, an asset library, webinars, and premium tutorials. The Gold Member plan costs $979 a year and is for organizations and businesses; it includes two live online sessions with experts, premium assets, email and ticket support, and the Open eLearning Online page. The provider also offers technical support in prepaid hour packs.

Who it suits

Open eLearning suits teachers and pedagogical designers who want to create multimedia courses or educational games on a desktop computer, including offline. It may also suit organizations seeking premium resources or expert sessions, and users who need SCORM exports for supported LMSs.

Limits

The free software plan is the authoring tool under GNU GPL v3.0 or later. Premium templates, extra plugins, assets, webinars, premium tutorials, and Gold Member services are included in paid plans.

Getting started

1. Visit the Open eLearning website
2. Download the desktop software for Linux, macOS, or Windows
3. Install it on a computer for offline use
4. Create a course with video, images, text, and activities
5. Choose a paid membership if you want premium resources or organizational services

Verdict

Choose Open eLearning if you want an offline desktop authoring tool for interactive multimedia courses, with SCORM compatibility and an open source license. Look elsewhere if your projects rely on exporting very large video-heavy courses, which the download page says can cause problems.