Mar 28, 2015
History
• VLE’s are like a phenomenon that moves sometimes at a ferocious pace and then sometimes at a pace that can infuriate
• Within the College we have had a VLE for a number of years (about five years) and always had a strong cohort that are willing to have ago
• I don’t need to convince you to use Moodle, Moodle will do it for you
• JISC advocates open source technology
• JISC Core Middleware Bid 04/2004
• Securing a successful JISC Bid as lead institution 04/04
• Started with an IdP on Linux (Fedora Core 2)
• Although the Internet2 documentation was accurate in its description of how Shibboleth works
• The technical guidelines were generic and not specific, this was apparent in creating an “SP”
The Project “Birth of KC-ROLO”
Get the Documentation in place
• Our main ally was documentation
• Log progress at each step
• With pre-written scripts to download
• Continually updating scripts
What is “Shibboleth” It’s “Middleware”
KC-ROLO Identity Provider
• Handle Service connected to Active Directory via Apache auth_ldap
• Then PubCookie from the University of Newcastle (good cookbook)
• Finally IIS “Integrated Windows Authentication” for a true once only login experience
• Attribute Authority connected to Active Directory (commonName) (department) (mail)
• We haven’t implemented the “EduPerson” class
The Project “Where to Start?”
KC-ROLO Service Provider
• Used different platforms to gain experience in each one
• Repository SP on a Windows 2003 Box
• VLE’s SP on a Linux Box
How we’re using Shibboleth• To share internal VLEs
with different sections
• To share VLEs with partner institutions
• To share learning objects with partner institutions
Moodle
• Use Moodle for Virtual Learning Environment
• Latest versions Shibbolized out of the box
• Split into sections, students/staff may need access to other Moodles
Repository• Open Source repository (in PERL)
• Contains learning objects, NLN and custom materials
• Search front end protected by shibboleth, no code change
• Shibbolized repository submitter, only members of Kidderminster College with the “Staff” attribute can submit.
Without Shibboleth
With Shibboleth
Benefits to the Users
• No multiple logins to put them off
• Access to resources at other sites provides greater choiceof materials
• Students & staff can collaborate with members of other institutions
Federation
Future Developments
Summary
• We now see Shibboleth as an intrical part of the College
• JISC and other communities are very helpful
• Has helped to link ICT Services and the LRC through collaboration
• Shibboleth in Further Education Report
Questions?
• More info at:
http://www.kidderminster.ac.uk/kc-rolo
/