In e-learning, it’s crucial that learning content is accessible across various platforms and systems. This is where a standard like SCORM plays a key role. But what does this acronym actually mean? Learn all about the definition, benefits, and applicability of the golden standard in e-learning.
SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model and is a set of technical standards that ensure online learning content (such as e-learning courses) works seamlessly within a Learning Management System (LMS). SCORM's primary purpose is to promote interoperability, making it possible for content developed on one system to be used on another system without requiring modifications.
Imagine SCORM as a universal adapter for e-learning. Just as a universal adapter allows devices to charge in any country, SCORM makes it possible to use e-learning content in any LMS.
Before SCORM, each course had its own "plug," requiring specific adjustments to the LMS to make the content work correctly. This was complicated, costly, and hard to scale. SCORM now acts as a standard adapter: if a course is in SCORM format, it can be "plugged into" any LMS and work immediately. This allows organizations to easily share, manage, and track their learning content without LMS adjustments.
Essentially, SCORM defines how content should be packaged in a so-called SCORM package, how it should be launched, and how a learner’s progress and performance can be tracked and reported.
A SCORM package is a complete bundle of learning content, neatly packaged in a standard format, often as a ZIP file. This package contains everything needed to start and track a course within an LMS (Learning Management System). For example, a SCORM package includes text, images, videos, and other elements that build the learning experience. Additionally, the package contains a kind of “table of contents” indicating the components, their order, and how progress should be tracked.
When a SCORM package is imported into an LMS, the LMS can extract its contents, display it, and track learners’ progress and performance. The package ensures that content functions independently of the LMS, allowing learners to resume a course or continue at a later time. This enables organizations to standardize learning and manage learning experiences across various LMSs without technical modifications.
Although SCORM has long been a standard in the e-learning sector, it’s not the only technology used to present learning content. Another commonly used standard is Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI). The difference between SCORM and LTI lies in their approach and use cases.
SCORM focuses on the learning content itself. It enables e-learning authors to develop courses that integrate seamlessly into various LMSs, allowing learners to track their progress and record results.
LTI, on the other hand, is designed for integrating external tools and services into an LMS. While SCORM manages learning content, LTI acts as a bridge between an LMS and third-party tools, such as Linqur’s online environment. LTI is ideal for institutions that want to integrate with specialized educational tools hosted outside the LMS.
There are several reasons why SCORM remains a popular choice within the e-learning industry. Here’s an overview of the main benefits:
SCORM’s biggest advantage is that it ensures interoperability across different LMSs. A SCORM course that works in one system will also work in another SCORM-compatible system without modifications.
SCORM enables detailed tracking of learners’ progress and performance. The LMS can report how far a learner has progressed, what scores were achieved, how much time was spent on certain parts, and whether the course was completed.
Content developed in SCORM format can easily be reused in different contexts and LMSs. This provides significant time and resource savings, as a course only needs to be developed once and can then be used multiple times.
Thanks to SCORM, learners can access their content from various devices and platforms, whether using a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. This lowers barriers to development and increases the chance of success.
Over the years, several versions of SCORM have been developed, each with unique features and improvements.
The first version of SCORM, version 1.1, was launched in 2001 but was soon followed by SCORM 1.2. Version 1.2 introduced a more robust way of storing learning objects and exchanging information between the content and the LMS. Although SCORM 1.2 is still widely used, it has limitations regarding sequencing and tracking.
SCORM 2004 introduced significant improvements, such as the concept of “sequencing,” allowing learning objects to be organized in a more dynamic way. This made it possible to create more complex learning paths where learners navigate content based on their progress and performance.
The most recent development in e-learning standards is the Experience API (also known as xAPI or formerly Tin Can API). Although xAPI is technically not an official SCORM version, it is often seen as SCORM’s successor. xAPI allows learning experiences to be tracked outside the traditional LMS, such as informal learning activities, mobile learning, or even physical activities.
SCORM remains an essential standard in the e-learning sector due to its ability to manage, track, and reuse content across different LMSs. Although alternatives like LTI and newer technologies like xAPI are emerging, SCORM is still a reliable choice for organizations looking for a scalable and flexible way to offer online training.
Depending on an organization’s needs, SCORM is often a good choice when tracking and reporting progress is important, while LTI may be more suitable when integration with external tools is preferred. Understanding the different SCORM versions can help in making the right choice for e-learning implementations.
Cas van Lier is our textual ace, in other words: our copywriter. He ensures that the essence of Linqur is conveyed as effectively as possible through fresh and convincing content. When Cas isn’t at the keyboard, he’s often found at the beach or in the woods with his girlfriend and dog.
