TxLOR

TxLOR is based on two interconnected applications:

• TxLOR/Search – a custom implementation of DSpace, an open source repository developed originally at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to host MIT's OpenCourseWare (OCW) initiative; and
• TxLOR/Share – a workflow publishing system built in Grails to upload, classify (add metadata), review, and publish learning objects and assets to TxLOR/Search.

To create TxLOR/Share, the programming team chose to use an Agile development methodology called "scrum" (see http://www.scrumalliance.org/pages/what_is_scrum) in which developers work in short development "sprints." At the end of each sprint, workable product components are demonstrated and approved or modified. The foundation of the Agile methodology is user stories: brief descriptions of what an actual user wants to achieve with a specific function. By basing software application development on real-life needs, systems can meet end-user expectations even when those users may not be able to articulate formal programming requirements.

According to the Texas Digital Library, TxLOR's host and programming partner, "By working in short development cycles, we can create a working system rapidly. We also stay flexible and attuned to (the) needs for TxLOR, since feedback to our developers (is provided) at regular intervals."

TxLOR is now feature complete, meaning that all of the original functionality defined in the project proposal have been delivered. But changes are still possible if the community needs them.