SCORM
SCORM is the technical standard that lets e-Learning content and an LMS work together. Learn how SCORM works, which versions exist, how it compares to xAPI, and where it falls short.
What is SCORM?
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a technical standard that lets eLearning content and a learning management system talk to each other. It defines how a course is packaged, how it is launched, and what it reports back: whether the learner completed it, how long they took and what they scored.
Without a shared standard, every course would need custom work to run in every system. SCORM means you can build a module once and load it into any SCORM compliant LMS, and the tracking will work.
How SCORM works in practice
You export your finished course from an authoring tool as a SCORM package: a zip file containing the content plus a manifest that tells the LMS what is inside. You upload that package to the LMS. When a learner opens it, the course and the LMS exchange data in the background.
- Packaging: the zip and manifest that make the course portable.
- Launch: how the LMS opens the content and hands over control.
- Tracking: completion, score, time spent and pass or fail, sent back to the LMS.
Which versions exist
Two versions are still in common use. SCORM 1.2 is the older and most widely supported. SCORM 2004 added sequencing, so you can control the order in which learners move through content, plus richer status reporting. Many organizations still run 1.2 simply because everything supports it.
xAPI, sometimes called Tin Can, is the newer standard. SCORM can only track what happens inside a course that is opened from the LMS. xAPI can also record learning that happens elsewhere, such as in a simulation, a mobile app or a hands-on exercise on the job.
Where SCORM falls short
SCORM was designed for a world where a course was a finished, self contained package. That creates a maintenance problem: change one sentence and you re-export the package, then re-upload it to every system that uses it. In a large organization with several systems and several languages, that adds up fast.
FLOWSPARKS works around this by letting you update content centrally, so a correction reaches every learner without another export and upload cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SCORM and xAPI?
SCORM tracks what happens inside a course launched from an LMS. xAPI tracks learning that happens anywhere, including outside the LMS, such as on the job or in another system. xAPI is broader, SCORM is more widely supported.
Which SCORM version should I use?
SCORM 1.2 if maximum compatibility matters, because almost every LMS supports it. SCORM 2004 if you need sequencing control over the order learners move through content, or the richer status reporting it provides.
Is SCORM still relevant?
Yes, because most LMS platforms still rely on it. Newer standards exist, but SCORM remains the common language between authoring tools and learning management systems, so it is rarely something you can simply skip.
.avif)
Are you looking to step up your digital training efforts inside your organization?
Schedule a demo and discover how FLOWSPARKS helps create and deliver engaging e-Learning experiences backed by strong instructional design principles in multiple languages without a hassle.
More interesting reads
.avif)
FLOWSPARKS Integrates with Google Cloud Translate API
After our announcement of the new feature with DeepL API, we are proud to present the integration with Google Cloud Translate API. This allows our clients to translate their e-Learning to 135 languages with the click of a button. The ‘translation by online service option’ enables our clients to manage and translations processes to save time and cut costs.
3 Examples on How to Improve Compliance Training and Processes
Compliance is an integral part of most organizations. Think of the Code of Conduct, cyber security, or ethics. Often, most employees are not enthusiastic about reading long documents with legal language, but it just simply must be done. How do you ensure that compliance training is not just a box-ticking exercise, but that the participants actually learn something from it? And are there even ways you can make compliance more fun?
Automatic Translations of Your e-Learnings in FLOWSPARKS
Are you just starting to create digital learning content or are you a seasoned professional? In any case you need to think about rolling out your course to your target audience. If you are using an authoring tool that is not integrated into your Learning Management System (LMS) or HR system, it means you must integrate your content on the platform your users have access to. Read this blog and find out how.
What are the advantages of E-Learning?
More and more companies are offering online learning (e-Learning) to their employees. If your organization wants to remain flexible and efficient, it's a good idea to take a closer look at the advantages of e-Learning. Read more about it in this blog.
4 Examples on How to Improve Safety Training and Processes
Many organizations have to deal with security measures at different terrains and locations. Not only for their own employees, but also for external parties, visitors or contractors. A good way to make everyone aware of the applicable measures is a (short) safety training course. But how do you do this? Continue reading for examples and get new ideas.
Are You Looking for a Knowledge Management Solution?
With knowledge management, you organize information or knowledge. A simple description, but that does not mean it is easy to put into practice. There is a great deal of knowledge floating around in an organization. With knowledge management, you ensure that supply and demand for information come together. Read this blog for tips and tricks.
Integrate Your Learning Management Systems and HR Systems
Are you just starting to create digital learning content or are you a seasoned professional? In any case you need to think about rolling out your course to your target audience. If you are using an authoring tool that is not integrated into your Learning Management System (LMS) or HR system, it means you must integrate your content on the platform your users have access to. Read this blog and find out how.
All about LTI
Regarding e-Learning standards for communication there are several acronyms that are well known and some that are less known. Chief Customer Success Officer Christophe takes the time to discuss an e-Learning standard that he feels is less known but should be THE standard: LTI.
3 Tasks on How to Improve Your Learning and Development
Let’s start with the bigger picture. Organizations invest in infrastructure, technology, and new business opportunities. However, it’s shown that investing in staff might just be the thing that gives your organization the edge. That’s the area where the challenges of the Learning & Development department lie. Continue reading for more learning and development insights.
Why Employee Training Is Important
There are organizations that simply offer training because they have to. Think of training for compliance, hygiene, or privacy guidelines. If organizations want to take it one step further, they also offer training giving employees the chance to develop themselves, give confidence and keep them satisfied. Read about more benefits and tips in this blog.