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== Workshop on Digitalizing Research & Education (R&E) Content on LEARN FOSS Free Cloud Platform ==



'''Venue:''' Information Technology Center, University of Peradeniya [[br]]
'''Duration:''' 5 days [[br]]
'''Class size:''' 50 [[br]]
'''Target group:''' University  Faculty-level Coordinators from LEARN member institutions [[br]]
'''Program Level:''' Lower Intermediate [[br]]
'''Course fee:''' free of charge (four nights accommodation sharing basis, refreshment, lunch, dinner and break-first will be provided) [[br]]
'''Date:''' ##^th^ to ##^th^ Month 2025 [[br]]
'''Note:''' Participant are requested to bring a laptop (8GB RAM, 25GB free disk space) with  Virtualbox or any other suitable hypervisor installed [[br]]
'''Application closing:'''  ## [[br]]


== Introduction==

LEARN offers a centrally hosted, Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) cloud platform as a value-added service at no additional cost to its connected member institutions (excluding private institutions). This platform provides a suite of tools to support academic content creation, delivery, and collaboration. The available services include:

    '''01. eduID''' for authentication and authorization via the LEARN Identity Access Federation (LIAF).
    
    '''02. Webinar Platform''' – LEARN vCR (powered by BigBlueButton)

    '''03. Learning Management System''' – Moodle
    
    '''04. Content Management System''' – WordPress
    
    '''05. On-demand video''' content creation/editing
    
    '''06. Research Publication Repository''' – DSpace CRIS with ORCID integration
    
    '''07. Conference and Meeting Management''' – Indico
    
    '''08. LibreOffice''' desktop suite


== Why Digitalization Matters==

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven academic environment, digitalizing research and educational content is no longer optional—it’s essential. It enables broader access to learning materials, overcomes geographic and economic barriers, and supports interactive, multimedia-enhanced teaching methods. Digital content can be preserved, easily updated, and widely disseminated, helping institutions build more inclusive, efficient, and future-ready educational ecosystems.

Moreover, reducing dependence on printed materials aligns with sustainability goals while increasing the reach and impact of academic work.

=== Challenges in Academic Content Creation and Delivery===

Despite the benefits, many educators face challenges in adopting digital platforms:

    * '''Lack of Training''' – Many educators have limited exposure to modern digital tools and content creation techniques.

    * '''Limited Access to Tools''' – The absence of proper software or collaborative platforms can hinder the creation of high-quality digital content.

    * '''Unreliable Hosting''' – Without dependable and accessible platforms, even the best content can fail to reach its audience effectively.

== About the Workshop==

The initial series of workshops will be held at the LEARN premises, University of Peradeniya. These sessions are tailored for faculty-level coordinators  preferably academics who will collaborate with the LEARN FOSS Cloud team to roll out follow-up workshops within their institutions.

The primary goal is to support faculties and educators who have not yet begun digitalizing their academic content or are facing challenges in developing or hosting their own digital platforms. The workshops will cover both strategic planning and hands-on guidance to ensure institutions can confidently adopt and leverage the LEARN FOSS Free Cloud platform.



== Workshop==

 * [wiki:agenda2025  Workshop Agenda]
 * Instructors: 
       - [wiki:Senevih Senevi Herath], Senior Network / System Manager, LEARN
       - ###
       - ###
 * Organizing Team:
       - ###, LEARN
       - ###, LEARN
       - ###, LEARN
 * Participants:
       - Event Photos:  
              
       - [wiki:Digitilizing. Resources for Educational Content on LEARN Free Cloud ***  participants List of Participants]







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Note to Editors: ...

== Workshop Goals ==


==== Empowering University Staff with Open-Source Software: A Comprehensive Workshop

We are excited to announce an upcoming workshop focused on open-source software, specifically designed for non-technical university staff. Many universities today face challenges due to a lack of IT personnel, and while some faculty members have expertise in content creation, they often lack technical knowledge in managing digital platforms. This workshop aims to bridge that gap by providing hands-on training on essential open-source tools to support teaching, administration, library management, and virtual communication.  

One of the key areas we will cover is Moodle, a widely used Learning Management System (LMS). Participants will receive a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of Moodle, including administration, teacher functionalities, and student usage. This will help universities effectively manage online courses, assignments, and student engagement. In addition to Moodle, we will introduce CMS-based website development using WordPress. Many universities lack a proper website, and this session will guide participants through the process of creating and managing a university website using WordPress, ensuring a professional and functional online presence.  

Beyond Moodle and WordPress, we will also cover the Koha Library Management System, an open-source solution for efficiently managing library resources. This is essential for universities looking to digitize and streamline their library operations. Additionally, the workshop will include an introduction to free open-source video editing software, enabling faculty and staff to create engaging educational content and promotional materials.  

Another critical aspect of the workshop is training on Virtual Classroom Recording (VCR) using BigBlueButton. Many universities rely on online lectures and virtual meetings, but staff often struggle with managing these platforms effectively. This session will provide a step-by-step guide on setting up, managing, and troubleshooting BigBlueButton, ensuring seamless virtual learning experiences for both teachers and students.  

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a strong foundation in using these essential tools, empowering them to support their institutions more effectively. Whether your university is looking to enhance online learning, build a website, manage a digital library, conduct virtual classes, or improve multimedia content creation, this workshop will provide practical knowledge and skills to achieve those goals.
}}}