ATutor 1.5.3 review

Download
by rbytes.net on

ATutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Content Management System (LCMS) designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind.

License: Freeware
OS: Mac OS X
File size: 0K
Developer: Adaptive Technology Resource Centre
Price: $0.00
Updated: 12 Jul 2006
0 stars award from rbytes.net


ATutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Content Management System (LCMS) designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind. Administrators can install or update ATutor in minutes, and develop custom templates to give ATutor a new look. Educators can quickly assemble, package, and redistribute Web-based instructional content, easily retrieve and import prepackaged content, and conduct their courses online. Students learn in an adaptive learning environment.

ATutor is the first fully inclusive LCMS, complying with the W3C WCAG 1.0 accessibility specifications at the AA+ level, allowing access to all potential learners, instructors, and administrators, including those with disabilities who may be accessing the system using assistive technologies. Conformance with W3C XHTML 1.0 specifications ensures that ATutor is presented consistently in any standards compliant technology.

What's New:
Groups : Assign students to groups, with group specific forums, file storage, blogs, links, and tests (with more group tools to come).
File Storage : Share files and collaborate on document authoring activities. Upload and download files within custom workspaces, and keep a record of development with file revision tracking.
Assignment Drop-Box : Used in combination with the File Storage utility, students can submit assignment files either individually or as a group.
Encrypted Login : If supported by the browser, passwords will be encrypted upon login for added security.
Password Retrieval : Retrieving a lost password no longer sends the password by email, but instead sends a secure link which is then used for resetting the password.
Course Splash Page : Instructors can create a custom splash screen for each of their courses.
Updated Themes : The default themes have been updated and now include a third theme (blumin) ideal for embedding ATutor in other content management systems.
Test Question Reordering : Test questions can now be arranged in any order.
Group Blogs : Groups can now maintain their own blog, as well as view other groups' blogs. Both private and public blog postings are possible.
Administrator Return Link : Administrators can now easily jump between the administrator tools and courses without having to re-login each time.
Extended Content Importing : ATutor now preserves scripting and stylesheet information contained in the head of imported content pages and content packages, preserving display and functionality contained there. Import eXe content with all its styles and scripted utilities intact.
Course Email Upgrade : Send bulk email to users with different course roles, or send email to group members.
Reading List : Gather a detailed list of course resources, and assemble them into a Reading List.
Course Release Date : Set the date at which a course becomes available to students.
Translatable Handbook : The ATutor Handbook can now be translated and browsed in multiple languages.
Language Manager Search : It is now easier to find and edit existing language by searching for words or phrases.
Administrator User Search : Administrators can now easily search through student accounts to find a particular student, or a range of students.
Scheduling (Cron) Utility : Setup scripts to run automatically at specified intervals. Useful for sending auto reminders, sending emails stored in the mail queue, or running system backup scripts for example.
Public Level Modules : Modules can now add sections to the public and My Start Page areas.

Requirements:
HTTP Web Server (Apache 1.3.x is recommended. Do not use Apache 2.x ).
PHP 4.2.0 or higher with Zlib and MySQL support enabled (Version 4.3.0 or higher is recommended).
MySQL 3.23.x or higher, or 4.0.12 or higher (MySQL 4.1.x and 5.x are not officially supported).

ATutor 1.5.3 search tags