This summer has been a transformative journey for me as part of the Open Mainframe Project Mentorship. My project was called the LMS Integration Project, where the goal was to make one tool that could connect different Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle, Canvas, Sakai, and Chamilo. The idea was to help teachers manage their courses in a simple way from one platform instead of switching between many(Moodle, 2025).
This project was also linked to the bigger problem often called the COBOL “crisis.” COBOL systems still run many banks, governments, and industries, but fewer people are trained to maintain them. This mentorship gave me the chance to learn how open-source projects can help solve such challenges by preparing new people with the right technical and research skills(Open Mainframe Project, 2025).
I was mentored by Dr. Cameron Seay and Jeff Brown. Both were supportive, but it was Jeff who guided me the most. He did not only teach me technical things but also motivated me, showed me how professionals work, and reminded me that soft skills are just as important as technical skills.
Project Goal
The main goals of my project were:
- Build a tool that works with different LMS platforms.
- Allow teachers to create, update, and manage courses and course materials.
- Keep the design modular so new LMS can be added in the future.
- Make sure it is secure, user-friendly, and well-documented.
Progress Made
During the mentorship I was able to finish Moodle integration.
Key work included:
- Creating a connection to Moodle’s API for course creation, editing, and content management.
- Adding secure login and encrypted storage for safe use.
- Designing a frontend dashboard where users can manage their courses.
- Writing documentation to guide future contributors.
The system was prepared in a modular way so that other LMS (Canvas, Sakai, Chamilo) can be added later.
Watch my Final Presentation
Lessons Along the Way
This mentorship was not only about technical progress. It was also about learning how to grow as a professional.
I learned many useful lessons during this journey. With research skills, I studied different LMS platforms and their APIs, like checking how Moodle and Canvas work. My technical skills improved by using modular design, secure API connections, and fixing errors, for example when login requests failed. I also saw the value of soft skills—Jeff often reminded me to communicate clearly, stay confident, and be professional. For problem solving, I learned to break big tasks, like connecting multiple platforms, into smaller easy steps. Lastly, I experienced real collaboration, where open-source projects grow when people share ideas, give feedback, and help each other(Open Mainframe Project, 2020).
Connection to the COBOL “Crisis”
The COBOL “crisis” is not only about coding — it is also about preparing new professionals with the right technical and soft skills to take responsibility for important systems(IBM, 2020; Open Mainframe Project, 2020). Through this project I learned how to balance both. The Moodle integration may look small, but it is a real step toward creating tools that make learning and training easier, which in turn supports the future workforce.
Tackling Issues
Every project comes with challenges, and this one was no different. At one point, my backend API stopped responding, and after hours of trial and error, I realized I had been connecting with the wrong address — switching to localhost fixed the problem instantly. I also faced CORS restrictions, where the frontend was blocked from reaching the backend, which I solved by allowing the right origin. Another time, the backend refused to start because the port was already in use, and I learned how to check and stop the process.
These issues may look small, but each one became a valuable lesson in debugging, testing, and server management. They taught me patience and persistence and showed me how real systems behave when things don’t go as planned.
Why It Matters
This mentorship has been a turning point for me. I was able to complete Moodle integration, design a system that can grow in the future, and document it for others.
But beyond the technical side, the mentorship taught me something even more valuable: skills and professionalism go together. Thanks to Jeff’s constant motivation and guidance, I now understand that success in technology is not just about writing code, it is also about attitude, teamwork, and communication.
I am truly grateful to my mentors and to the Open Mainframe Project for giving me this opportunity. This experience has improved my confidence, sharpened my skills, and inspired me to keep contributing to open source and to the wider technology community(Open Mainframe Project, 2025).
Github Link: https://github.com/meena108/OMP–LMS-Moodle-
References
IBM (2020) IBM and Open Mainframe Project mobilize to connect states with COBOL skills. Available at: https://newsroom.ibm.com/2020-04-09-IBM-and-Open-Mainframe-Project-Mobilize-to-Connect-States-with-COBOL-Skills (Accessed: 29 August 2025).
Moodle (2025) About Moodle – Open-source learning platform. Available at: https://moodle.org/ (Accessed: 29 August 2025).
Open Mainframe Project (2020) COBOL Working Group. Available at: https://openmainframeproject.org/our-projects/working-groups/cobol-working-group/ (Accessed: 29 August 2025).
Open Mainframe Project (2020) Open Mainframe Project helps fill the need for COBOL resources. Available at: https://openmainframeproject.org/blog/open-mainframe-project-helps-fill-the-need-for-cobol-resources/ (Accessed: 29 August 2025).
Open Mainframe Project (2025) Mentorship Program. Available at: https://openmainframeproject.org/projects/mentorship (Accessed: 29 August 2025).
