Why you need a SCORM compliant LMS

If you have at some point undergone training via E-Learning chances are that you have used a SCORM module. It could have been a single video, a complete course, or a simple assessment. SCORM is the gold standard that helps improve interoperability between eLearning products. More Specifically, SCORM governs how learning content and Learning Management Systems (LMSs) communicate with each other.

What is SCORM?

SCORM stands for “ Sharable Content Object Reference Model “. “SCO” is about creating units of online training material that can be shared and reused across different systems. “Reference Model” reflects the fact that SCORM simply references the existing learning standards and tells developers how to properly use and align them together.

The “ Shareable Content Object “ defines the smallest possible unit of training. This could be a text article, video, or single module, and is considered the smallest piece of content that is both reusable and autonomous within the context of a course.

A SCORM package that closely resembles a ZIP file, assists in grouping content together and sequencing multiple assets like text, videos, and quizzes for the learner. This modern LMS feature also tracks the eLearning course table of content as separate entities and marks training as complete or incomplete, or in the case of a quiz, passed or failed. SCORM thus basically acts as an interface between the two essential elements of an LMS — the learning platform and course content to understand each other and to work together.

Sharable Content Object explained with a simple analogy

A simple example would be a comparison with DVD Players and DVD CDs. Most hardware makers have to manufacture following certain standardized specifications, so any DVD is compatible with any DVD player irrespective of the brand (Sony, Toshiba). It doesn’t matter who made the CD, and it doesn’t matter who made the DVD player. Similarly, SCORM facilitates easy integration of a SCORM-compliant e-learning course in a SCORM-compliant LMS.

What are the different versions of SCORM?

• SCORM 1.1 was the first real and implementable version of SCORM but never gained wide acceptance.
• SCORM 1.2 was a new and improved version on 1.1. It was widely adopted and remains the gold standard in E-Learning interoperability.
• SCORM 2004 provides additional functionalities compared to older versions. SCORM 2004 introduced sequencing and navigation. This gives eLearning authors more flexibility by allowing them to require learners to complete all course material before attempting a quiz or assessment.

KloudLearn is compliant with SCORM 1.2 and 2004 standards. This makes it easy for Learning and Development teams to upload, read and report on SCORM-based learning objects.

A few Benefits of Sharable Content Object in eLearning

The primary advantage of integrating SCORM in an LMS is interoperability. This means that the multimedia content will be usable even if a company chooses to alter or upgrade their LMS.

SCORM facilitates easy edits to learning content. A wide range of SCORM authoring tools can be used to efficiently update and replace content, without in any way affecting the stability or continuity of the overall training schemes. KloudLearn helps trainers and LMS administrators to create training coursework and content that’s instantly SCORM-compliant.

A diverse range of Interactive learning content that complies toSCORM best practices can be easily reused by Companies and delivered for different programs. This form of reuse of content reduces the cost and saves time involved in developing new courses with different training requirements.

By smoothly incorporating point-scoring, competition, and leaderboards, SCORM actively facilitates gamification of corporate training. Gamification has been recognized as essential for engaging employees in the modern workplace.

Finally, as a non-proprietary standard, the SCORM feature is a cost-free option for organizations working on a tight budget but are keen to keep their LMS components compatible and “swappable”.

The Future of SCORM

xAPI also referred to as the Experience API or Tin Can API, is often considered the “next generation of SCORM” and is the newest eLearning standard. This is heralded as the successor to SCORM and has a lot of new features that were unviable in all the older SCORM versions. xAPI is also touted as being more flexible and is an efficient way to track a wide variety of learning, including activities that occur outside of the LMS including Mobile learning, team-based learning and cross-domain tracking.

Final thoughts

With the arrival of SCORM technology, there has been a simplification in not only creating online content but more importantly, how eLearning content works with different platforms and tools. There is no rigid standard to devise a training program. It should be the discretion of every organization and the LMS admin to customize courses and content with the resources of their choice.

An organization will want to be SCORM conformant if:

• They are using an LMS to deliver and manage learning content.
• They are creating learning content that might be reused in other contexts.
• They are designing learning content that tracks learner performance.

SCORM conformant learning content that can be played anywhere and a SCORM integrated LMS platform that can deliver content is far more useful and appeals to a larger audience. No matter which set of standards you follow, KloudLearn makes it easy for your teams to create, deliver, and measure eLearning. To know more about KloudLearn, click here