diff --git a/python/elearning.py b/python/elearning.py
index 8c90510..1fbb355 100755
--- a/python/elearning.py
+++ b/python/elearning.py
@@ -98,9 +98,8 @@ def getenv(var, fallback):
     Read an environment variable or use
     a call a function for a default value.
     '''
-    val = os.getenv(var)
-    if val is None:
-        return fallback()
+    val = os.environ.get(var)
+    return fallback() if val is None else val
 
 
 def open_course(url, args):