The document discusses options for managed learning environments (MLEs) that are educationally relevant, open, modular, standards-based, and sustainable. It outlines some core components or modules of MLEs, including student management systems, content stores, learning management systems, parent portals, and identity and access management. It then provides examples of both open source and free software options that schools could use for these different components, such as Moodle, Mahara, OpenOffice, and SimpleSAMLphp. It raises questions about implementing open MLE solutions in education.

1. Why start with an acorn? http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisgiles/4987763767/in/photostream/

2. Managed learning environments - “software tools and digital content that support learning” Guiding attributes of the MLE work program educationally relevant

3. open

4. modular

5. standards-based