In an age where technology continually reshapes industries, the potential for open source tools to revolutionise education has never been greater. A recent collaboration at the University of Jaffna showcased what technology-driven learning can look like in Sri Lanka. Together with LEARN and EduNET.lk, the university hosted UoJ Coders V3, a large-scale coding competition that pushed students to develop their problem-solving skills in a fair, controlled environment—without the usual crutch of open internet access.
Through strategic collaboration and a shared vision, LEARN, EduNET, and the University of Jaffna demonstrated how Sri Lankan universities can leverage open source platforms to complement traditional learning methods, empowering students as creators and thinkers. As emerging technologies expand the boundaries of what’s possible, this partnership offers a case study of how educational institutions can embrace open source solutions to deliver impactful, student-centred learning experiences.
The UoJ Coders V3 Competition
The UoJ Coders V3 competition, held at the University of Jaffna, was designed to challenge the coding abilities of undergraduates while encouraging them to think critically under pressure. Inspired by global events like IEEEXtreme, this 12-hour marathon tasked students with solving complex programming problems, pushing them to apply logic, algorithms, and teamwork— without internet access. This structure ensured students developed problem-solving skills and fostered a deeper understanding of coding fundamentals. The competition’s unique format required a platform to support coding activities while maintaining a fair, isolated environment for all participants. Thus, the decision was made to use the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).
The University of Jaffna and its Journey with Moodle
For the University of Jaffna, the competition was a continuous step forward in its ongoing journey to empower its educators with digital solutions to complement their efforts. Before the competition, the university was in the process of migrating to the latest version of Moodle. Alongside this, senior lecturers from the University of Jaffna had also attended a series of trainings conducted by LEARN alongside EduNET.lk. These training programmes explored the topics of Moodle Administration Essentials, Conducting Online Tests with the Moodle LMS, and the Virtual Programming Lab. From the collective knowledge gained from these sessions, the University of Jaffna began exploring different use cases of Moodle, including running a coding competition.
The Contributions of LEARN and EduNet.lk
Following the decision to adapt to using Moodle, LEARN, Sri Lanka’s National Research and Education Network, stepped in with essential infrastructure support. LEARN provided a Jail server and the Virtual Programming Lab (VPL) environment on Moodle, both critical for creating the controlled environment necessary for such a rigorous competition. The Jail server enabled isolated, secure coding sessions for each participant, a setup that ensured a level playing field while protecting data integrity. Working alongside LEARN, EduNET played a pivotal role in configuring this infrastructure to align with the competition’s needs. In line with its mission dedicated to empowering educators with technology, EduNET brought expertise in Moodle’s capabilities, particularly with the VPL plugin. Thus, setting the stage for the competition.
Why Moodle LMS and the LEARN Jail Server Were the Perfect Fit
The choice of Moodle LMS and the Jail server for UoJ Coders V3 was driven by their ability to meet the competition’s unique requirements effectively. Moodle, as an open-source Learning Management System, offers flexibility, cost-efficiency, and robust features. Its integration with the Virtual Programming Lab (VPL) plugin enabled participants to code, test, and submit assignments within a unified platform, ensuring consistency and ease of use. Additional features like plagiarism detection and assignment management streamlined operations while maintaining academic integrity. The Jail server, provided by LEARN, complemented Moodle by creating isolated, secure coding environments for each participant. This setup ensured data protection, prevented unauthorized access, and upheld fairness—key priorities in a competitive setting. Together, these tools offered a scalable, transparent, and secure solution. Their use demonstrated the power of open-source technologies to create impactful educational experiences, making them ideal for this and similar academic initiatives.
Impact and a Case Study for Other Universities
For the University of Jaffna, the UoJ Coders V3 competition wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was an opportunity to validate the capabilities of open source platforms like Moodle for hosting large-scale, skill-building events. The success of this event showcases how a thoughtfully implemented, open source infrastructure can serve as a model for other Sri Lankan universities seeking to elevate their educational offerings. Through the combined contributions of LEARN and EduNET, UoJ demonstrated that these competitions can be conducted affordably and securely, with tools that allow complete control over data and provide a fair, transparent environment.
This collaborative effort serves as a case study that highlights how open source technology when combined with the right support and training, can become a transformative tool in Sri Lankan higher education. Other universities can take inspiration from this collaboration, leveraging open source platforms to offer unique, student-centred learning experiences that emphasise technological independence. With LEARN and EduNET’s collaborative support, universities across Sri Lanka can adapt this model to suit their own academic needs, providing impactful learning opportunities that help students thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The Role of Technology in Education: Complementing Educators
The success of the UoJ Coders V3 competition illustrates the powerful role that technology can play in enhancing education. Yet, as Visvanath Ratnaweera from EduNET.lk and an active Moodler point out, the real value of educational technology lies in proactive adoption. The tools and platforms needed to support online learning and collaborative environments, like Moodle and the VPL plugin, have been available for years. However, it’s only when educational institutions choose to embrace these resources consistently—not just in response to crises—that technology can truly complement traditional teaching.
Technology, when used thoughtfully, doesn’t replace educators; it empowers them. At the University of Jaffna, Moodle served as an invaluable asset that allowed faculty to maintain oversight while giving students the space to explore and solve problems independently. Features like data control, plagiarism detection, and the secure coding environment created through LEARN’s Jail server and VPL integration ensured a fair and focused setting for the competition. This setup shows how technology can amplify an educator’s role, providing tools that encourage self-directed learning while preserving academic integrity.
Furthermore, this collaboration highlighted the benefits of Open Source technologies. Visvanath Ratnaweera from EduNET.lk echoes the perspective of the Free Software Foundation Europe, advocating that technology in education should focus on empowering students with autonomy and competence, allowing them to learn with tools that encourage transparency and independence. Rather than relying on proprietary platforms that can create dependency, open source solutions provide students with direct insight into how technology operates, helping them become not just users but creators and problem-solvers.
A Replicable Model for Sri Lankan Universities
The UoJ Coders V3 competition demonstrated a replicable approach for Sri Lankan universities seeking to empower students through technology-driven, skill-building experiences. By harnessing open source solutions, this initiative balanced advanced technical requirements with convenient, transparent, and controlled environments—showing how impactful academic events can be achieved without reliance on proprietary systems.
With support from LEARN’s infrastructure and EduNET.lk’s expertise, the University of Jaffna created a competition that not only challenged students’ problem-solving abilities but also underscored how technology can enhance the educator’s role. Through tools like Moodle and VPL, faculty were able to guide students within a secure framework, providing oversight without replacing the educator’s central role in learning. This balance illustrates how technology can serve as a powerful complement to traditional teaching, extending educators’ reach and enriching the student experience.
The UoJ Coders V3 competition thus offers a valuable case study for other universities across Sri Lanka. By adopting similar open source platforms and collaborative support, institutions can create adaptable, student-centred learning opportunities that foster independence and practical skills. Through initiatives like these, Sri Lankan universities can take meaningful steps toward preparing students for an increasingly digital future, ensuring technology is an asset that works alongside educators to empower the next generation.