The Open eClass platform (formerly known as GUnet eClass) is a Learning Management System (LMS). It has been designed and developed by the GUnet eLearning group as an open source software (under the GNU GPL Licence).The platform it follows the philosophy of open source software and supports a multitude of tele-education scenarios without restrictions and constraints. The service can be accessed using a simple web browser without the requirement of specialized technical knowledge.

The main orientation of the Open eClass platform is to enhance educational activity through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), through an easy-to-use cutting-edge technological environment. Operationally, the Open eClass platform aims to implement e-learning actions that reinforce existing educational structures. The main design features are adaptability to requirements, flexibility, ease of use, upgradeability and extensibility, free availability without the need for licences and maintenance, low functional requirements, independence from the underlying operating system, use of open standards, integration of the platform with other network services, clear functional structures (registration, access, course creation, course participation, management, etc.), interoperability and security, as well as the ability to integrate the platform with other network services, interoperability and security.

The GUnet Academic Internet eLearning team has been actively supporting the platform since March 2003 while at the same time designing and developing new and improved versions that incorporate new features and enhance existing ones. The presence of the Open eClass platform in the open source software space began on 13 February 2003, as a result of the design and development of GUnet's Asynchronous Teleducation (Teledu) team. The goal was to create a common educational platform for the entire Academic and School Community of the country that would be freely distributed and actively supported by GUnet.

Today, 20 years later, 3 + 1 generations of the Open eClass platform (1.x, 2.x, 3.x + 4.x in development), 43 new versions, 136 sub-versions have been developed and distributed, with an ever-increasing impact at all levels of education. The Open eClass platform is one of the most important Greek products in the field of Open Software, providing integrated Learning Management services competitive with similar platforms from abroad. The expressed strategic orientation of GUnet Academic Internet in supporting e-learning activities combined with the dynamics of the Open eClass platform (hundreds of installations in Greece and internationally) guarantee the active and continuous support and maintenance of the platform while ensuring its future course.

The development of the Open eClass platform is based exclusively on open standards and technologies and is supported by an open version control system (http://hg.gunet.gr/openeclass) where developers from all over Greece participate, always under the guidance of GUnet's central TeleLearning team, which has overall responsibility for the design, development and distribution of new versions.

The Academic Internet Teletraining Group (GUnet) would like to thank all the users of the platform who, with their participation, comments and remarks, contribute continuously to its further development and improvement. Their support gives us the strength to continue our efforts. At the same time we would like to thank all those who have contributed over the years to the development and improvement of the platform.

Sincerely,

C.TSIMPANIS
Head of the Open eClass Development Group