[Using Sakai] Module tool not a core tool?

[Anthony Whyte]

Melete (a.k.a modules) is an example of what we term a contributed or "contrib" tool, a class of additional CLE capabilities that can be added to a Sakai release.  Contrib projects range from prototype code to mature projects such as Melete.  A number of what we term "core" capabilities that comprise a general Sakai CLE release such as sakai-2.8.0 start life as a contrib project, the shortenedurl service being but the latest example. 

However, considered as a group contrib projects exhibit variable production track records (some strong others limited) and it is for this reason that we recommend careful consideration before adding a contrib tool to your build.  Caveat emptor (e.g., "let the buyer or, in our case, the user beware") is the law in contrib space.  In the specific case of Melete, the code is supported and considered mature and stable.  It also has a strong production track record, having been run in production by a number of institutions over the past several years.

Melete is not included in general Sakai releases because Etudes prefers to organize their development and quality assurance activities independently of Sakai Community release activities.  Melete releases are thus not sync'd with general Sakai releases and occur according to Etudes own release schedule.

Contrib projects tend to thrive when schools exercise the code in production.  If there is a contrib tool that interests you check our Confluence instance for project information and then start asking questions.  There is more to Sakai than what we roll out in a release.

Cheers,

Anthony 



On Apr 11, 2011, at 10:22 AM, Anand Mehta wrote:

> Hello Fatima,
> 
> The Module tool (Melete) is developed by Etudes (http://etudesproject.org/index.html). I am not sure why it is not a core tool in Sakai, but some vendors include it in their version (e.g. rSmart's Sakai CLE).
> 
> In most cases when a tool is not part of the core set, you have to take care of the merging and deploying of the code. Also, for support you may have to subscribe to that group's email list.
> 
> I am sure other community members can provide more insights.
>  
> Thanks,
> Anand
> 
> 
> From: Fatima Rahiman <Fatima.Rahiman at wits.ac.za>
> To: sakai-user at collab.sakaiproject.org
> Sent: Mon, April 11, 2011 7:28:21 AM
> Subject: [Using Sakai] Module tool not a core tool?
> 
> Hello again
>  
> Hope I’m posting this issue  to the right forum.
>  We’re in the process of mapping and evaluating the tools on SAKAI with that of WEBCT( before we migrate to, I think, the 2.8 version)…..  and thus went to  the first port of call viz. the Tools 2.7 page on the confluence site i.e. https://confluence.sakaiproject.org/display/DOC/Tools+%282.7%29
>  
> I notice however that the Module tool (or ‘Lesson’ tool called in some instances viz. University of Virginia)is not included in the core set of tools….Can someone please explain why this is so…? Would have thought this tool would be integral to a LMS… Am very confused.
>  
> What are the implications if a tool is not part of the core set?
>  
> Apologies if this is a really dumb question but trying to get my head around the different instances etc.
>  
> Regards
> Fatima Rahiman
>  
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