Next-gen LMS Exploration

Goal

Build a next-generation Learning Management System focused on simplicity — a credible Moodle and Canvas alternative packaged as a single executable, with a modern tech stack, no plugin sprawl, and AI-native features built in rather than bolted on.

Problem

From years operating Moodle at Trinity Western University I knew the pattern: most third-party plugins are unmaintained, routine tasks are difficult, and extending the platform introduces real security and technical-debt risk. Institutions need an LMS that is feature-complete out of the box, easy to deploy, and honest about its dependencies — not a monolith glued together by plugin authors who long ago moved on.

Solution

Paideia LMS is built with Bun, React Router v7, Elysia, and TypeScript, on PostgreSQL and S3. It ships as a single binary — download and run, or pull the official Docker image — with courses, enrolments, assignments, quizzes, discussions, gradebooks, LTI, payments, RESTful API, and migration importers from Moodle and Canvas all built in. No dynamic plugin architecture. Free and non-profit forever; the project welcomes sponsors and donations.

See Why Paideia?, browse the product gallery for screenshots and walkthroughs, and try the live demo.

Achievement

• Working single-binary LMS covering course management, role-based access, gradebook, payments, LTI, REST API, and import from Moodle / Canvas — in five months of focused build.
• Public infrastructure shipped — live demo, full documentation site, and an open GitHub repository.
• Founder & project lead — defined the architecture (single binary, no plugins, PostgreSQL + S3) and the design principles that distinguish Paideia from Moodle and Canvas.