SCORM tool

SCORM: The Ultimate Guide for Non-Technical People

If you’re working in the e-learning space, understanding SCORM is essential. SCORM, or “Sharable Content Object Reference Model,” is a standard that ensures e-learning content is compatible with various Learning Management Systems (LMS). This compatibility allows you to create content once and use it seamlessly across different platforms, saving time and resources.

For those new to SCORM, our article on “SCORM for Beginners and Busy Professionals” is a great starting point to grasp the basics.

How Are SCORM Packages Created?

The simplest way to create SCORM packages is by using an authoring tool, such as Cognispark AI, Articulate Storyline or Articulate Rise. These tools allow you to publish your e-learning course in SCORM format with ease—much like saving a PowerPoint presentation as a PDF. Once your course is saved as a SCORM package, it needs to be uploaded to an LMS to be accessible to learners.

Is It Possible to Create SCORM Packages Without an Authoring Tool?

Technically, yes—but it’s not ideal unless you have advanced technical expertise. Creating SCORM packages manually can be a tedious and time-consuming process, so using an authoring tool is highly recommended for most users.

How to Convert PowerPoint or Videos into SCORM Packages ?

Many e-learning developers seek to convert existing PowerPoint presentations or videos into SCORM-compatible content. Authoring tools like Cognispark AI, Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate make this process straightforward.
  • PowerPoint Conversion: Most authoring tools allow you to directly convert PowerPoint files into SCORM format. This is a quick and simple process.
  • Video Conversion: Converting videos into SCORM format requires a bit more effort and might involve using video editing tools alongside an authoring platform.

What Information Does SCORM Store?

SCORM facilitates the exchange of data between e-learning content and an LMS. It can track user interactions such as:

  • Quiz answers.
  • Time spent on a course.
  • Completion status, including whether a user passed a final assessment.

To dive deeper into the data exchanged, refer to a SCORM runtime reference, which provides a complete breakdown.

Understanding SCORM Versions

SCORM has two main versions: SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 (also called SCORM 1.3). SCORM 2004 includes several editions, but for most users, the specific edition won’t make a significant difference.

  • If your LMS supports SCORM 2004, opt for it as it offers enhanced features.
  • If your LMS only supports SCORM 1.2, that version will still meet most e-learning needs.

SCORM File Format

A SCORM package is essentially a ZIP file containing all the resources needed for an e-learning course. To confirm whether a ZIP file is a SCORM package, look for a file named imsmanifest.xml in the root folder. This file is mandatory and outlines the structure and content of the course.

Debugging SCORM Messages

To analyze SCORM messages sent between your content and the LMS, use a debugging tool like SCORM Debug Logs. This tool logs all SCORM-related communication, helping you identify and resolve potential issues.
For testing SCORM packages, SCORM Cloud is a highly recommended platform. It not only lets you test and debug your content but also provides tools like SCORM Dispatch for sending and receiving test messages. Creating a free SCORM Cloud account is a good starting point for debugging your e-learning projects.

Other E-Learning Standards Compared to SCORM

While SCORM is the most widely adopted standard in the e-learning industry, other standards exist:

  • AICC: An older standard that is largely obsolete in modern e-learning.
  • Tin Can API (xAPI): A more flexible and advanced alternative to SCORM, capable of tracking a wider range of activities both inside and outside the LMS.

Although xAPI offers features like tracking real-world learning experiences, its adoption is still limited compared to SCORM. Most LMSs today primarily support SCORM, making it the go-to standard for e-learning content.

Future of SCORM

Despite being an older standard, SCORM continues to be relevant. Modern authoring tools like Cognispark AI, Articulate Storyline allow you to save courses in multiple formats, including SCORM, ensuring future compatibility.

What Is Tin Can API (xAPI), and How Does It Compare to SCORM?

Tin Can API, also known as Experience API (xAPI), goes beyond SCORM’s capabilities by tracking learning experiences across diverse environments, such as virtual reality simulations, mobile apps, or gamification platforms.

Unlike SCORM, which primarily focuses on LMS-based content, xAPI allows data to be stored in a Learning Record Store (LRS), enabling detailed analysis of learner activities across various platforms.
While xAPI offers exciting possibilities, SCORM remains the dominant standard for now, especially for LMS-based learning.

Choosing the Right E-Learning Standard

When selecting an e-learning standard, consider these factors:
  • Compatibility: Ensure the standard is supported by your LMS. SCORM is the safest choice for widespread compatibility.
  • Features: If you need advanced tracking or gamification, xAPI might be worth exploring.
  • Future-Proofing: Choose tools that support multiple standards to stay prepared for technological advancements.
  • Ease of Use: Opt for standards supported by user-friendly authoring tools like Cognispark AI, Articulate Storyline.
SCORM is currently the most practical choice for most e-learning projects, offering reliability and widespread support.

Need Help with SCORM?

Whether you’re looking to develop SCORM content, learn how to create e-learning courses, or find an affordable LMS, we’ve got you covered.

Using tools like Cognispark AI, Articulate Storyline and Rise, we create engaging SCORM-compliant courses tailored to your needs. For more complex requirements, we also provide custom SCORM solutions to help you achieve your learning goals.

Have questions? Contact us today to explore how we can support your e-learning journey

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