An open-source LMS evolves as learning/teaching/testing environment

At the Dipartimento di Informatica e Comunicazione of the Universit`a Statale di Milano an opportunity for exam automation was seen in an earlier initiative that had led to the development of an open-source learning management system. This LMS, known as “Just Learn It!” (or JLI!) was then applied to English-as-a-foreign-language placement tests for large numbers of incoming first-year students, thus replacing automated, paper-based testing systems such as QuizIt [1]. Initial studies have now been undertaken in using this on-screen system to automate written exams and mixed oral-written exams in other subjects, as well. The change in purpose has led to a number of considerations that have influenced the development of JLI! These, in turn, promise to ease the adoption of distance-learning technology in transitional and blended situations.