Sitting through a presentation on OSP2 and reflecting on what open source software (OSS) development means when projects are located in a particular institution. The tidal wave of e-portfolios activity is a welcome thing as it puts lifelong learning firmly in the vanguard. However, there is the risk here of new wave of e-colonialisation following on from the proprietary learning management systems that have imprinted a USA pedagogy around the world.

It seems inevitable that the learning philosophy, values and beliefs of the host institution will inform the development choices of project teams and any outside institutions and governments who put resource into such OSS developments. So beware, you might not get what you want!