ILIAS

Self-Hosted

Open-source Learning Management System (LMS) for educational institutions

Overview

ILIAS is a robust open-source LMS designed for universities, schools, and corporate training. It enables instructors to create courses, deliver SCORM/xAPI-compliant content (modules, videos, docs), administer assessments (quizzes, exams), and foster collaboration via forums, wikis, and group spaces. Deployment options include self-hosting on PHP/MySQL servers or Docker containers for simplified setup, ideal for institutions prioritizing data control.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  ilias:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: ilias
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

SCORM/xAPI-compliant content delivery
Customizable course management
Integrated assessment & grading tools

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is ILIAS hard to install?

ILIAS requires a server with PHP and MySQL/MariaDB. Manual setup needs technical knowledge, but Docker containers simplify deployment for beginners. Official docs provide step-by-step guides for both methods.

? Is it a good alternative to Blackboard Learn?

Yes—ILIAS offers core features like course management and assessments but is open-source (no licensing fees). It’s highly customizable and self-hosted, making it ideal for institutions prioritizing data control.

? Is ILIAS completely free?

Yes—ILIAS is open-source under GPLv3. You can download, install, and modify it for free. However, hosting and maintenance (server costs, support) may incur expenses depending on your setup.

Top Alternatives

Canvas LMS Compare

Blackboard Learn Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Learning and Courses

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Self-hosted data privacy
⊕ No licensing fees
⊕ Supports global e-learning standards

Cons

⊖ Requires technical server setup
⊖ Steep learning curve for admins
⊖ Regular maintenance needs