Education · Learning management system

Free alternatives to Blackboard Learn

Blackboard Learn by Anthology: Online courses, assignments and grading for schools and universities. Pricing: institutional licence. Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.

Alternative	Type	Platforms	Best for
Moodle	Open source	Self-hosted, Web	The most widely used open-source LMS	Get it
Canvas LMS (open-source edition)	Open source	Self-hosted	Institutions with their own IT team	Get it
Chamilo	Open source	Self-hosted, Web	Simple e-learning and corporate training	Get it
Blackboard LearnThe paid original	Institutional licence	–	Learning management system	Visit

The alternatives in detail

01/ Moodle

Open source

Best for: The most widely used open-source LMS.

Runs on: Self-hosted, Web

Visit Moodle

02/ Canvas LMS (open-source edition)

Open source

Best for: Institutions with their own IT team.

Runs on: Self-hosted

Visit Canvas LMS (open-source edition)

03/ Chamilo

Open source

Best for: Simple e-learning and corporate training.

Runs on: Self-hosted, Web

Visit Chamilo

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Blackboard Learn?

Yes. Moodle is a strong free option for the most widely used open-source lms. Other choices include Canvas LMS (open-source edition), Chamilo.

Which Blackboard Learn alternative is open source?

Moodle, Canvas LMS (open-source edition), Chamilo are open source.