SCORM might not be a term you hear every day, but chances are if you work in the online learning industry, it’s top of mind for you and your organization. If you’re interested in understanding more about SCORM including the basics of what it is and why it matters when choosing your learning management system (LMS), you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ll break down what SCORM is and the benefits of using a SCORM compliant learning management system like Absorb. We’ll also explain how a SCORM compliant LMS can impact your organization's learning initiatives and the fundamental features it brings to online learning – including concepts like easy content portability, course scalability, and improved content management capabilities.
By understanding the value of SCORM in online learning, you’ll be able to make informed decisions on LMS solutions that align with your business goals. Above all, you’ll ensure an exceptional learning experience for your users. Ready? Let’s dive in.
What is SCORM?
SCORM is a set of standards and specifications designed to ensure seamless integration and management of eLearning content across different platforms. Developed by the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative (ADL) in 2000, SCORM governs how content is created, packaged, and delivered within an LMS. By adhering to SCORM guidelines, learning management systems can guarantee that the content they host is:
- Interoperable: SCORM compliant content can be used across different LMS platforms without the need for modification. To simplify, if your content is SCORM compliant, you can upload it to any learning platform that’s also SCORM compliant.
- Accessible: Users can easily access SCORM compliant content from their LMS on any preferred browser or device including computers, tablets, and phones.
- Future-proof: SCORM ensures that learning content remains functional and intact even as the underlying technology and platforms evolve. This helps organizations avoid costly content re-designs and re-coding that often come with tech changes.
- Reusable: A SCORM compliant LMS allows organizations to repurpose their learning content in different training contexts, maximizing the return on their investment. To summarize, your learning content can be used in multiple applications and environments regardless of the tools used to create it.
Read the blog: What is SCORM learning design?
What are the benefits of using a SCORM compliant learning management system?
Adopting a SCORM compliant LMS offers organizations several benefits. Some key advantages of using a SCORM compliant LMS are:
- Easy content portability: SCORM ensures that organizations can easily import and export learning content across platforms. The shareability of content fosters collaboration and promotes the reusability of your learning materials.
- Greater scalability: A SCORM compliant LMS can accommodate the addition of new courses and materials. Ultimately, this improves the efficiency of content development, helping you scale your learning programs to meet the evolving needs of users.
- Enhanced learner experience: By adhering to SCORM standards, LMS platforms ensure that the learning content delivered is consistent, accessible, and engaging. Factors like this support a better user experience and improved learning outcomes.
Choosing the right SCORM compliant LMS for your organization
When selecting a SCORM compliant learning platform, your business needs to consider several factors to ensure the solution aligns with your specific needs and goals. Some considerations to bear in mind include:
- Support for multiple SCORM standards: Ensure that the LMS you choose supports the SCORM version(s) compatible with your learning content. Building an interoperable system that functions well with other platforms is the main objective of implementing SCORM. Therefore, support for all versions is essential.
- Ease of use and deployment: Look for an LMS with an intuitive interface that allows for easy import, export, and management of SCORM compliant content, reducing the learning curve for users.
- Comprehensive customer support: Opt for an LMS provider with top-tier customer support and resources to track records. ensuring that you can quickly address any potential issues or concerns.
Is Absorb LMS a SCORM compliant LMS?
Yes, Absorb LMS is SCORM compliant. As a cloud-based learning management system, our learning system ensures seamless integration and delivery of course content across different devices and platforms. Here are some ways that we leverage SCORM to enhance your learning capabilities:
- Full support for SCORM: Absorb LMS fully supports SCORM 1.2 and 2004, providing you with the flexibility to choose the SCORM version that matches your online training requirements.
- Intuitive content import: Absorb's user-friendly interface allows you to easily import SCORM compliant content. Whenever you're adding new LMS content, you can simply select your desired file format before uploading your files.
- Consistent user experience: By adhering to SCORM standards, Absorb LMS ensures that you can access learning materials from your preferred devices and browsers. This minimizes compatibility issues and delivers a consistent LMS experience.
Embrace SCORM with Absorb LMS
Implementing a SCORM compliant learning management system can significantly improve your organization's learning initiatives. SCORM ensures seamless content integration and enhanced flexibility that protect the investment you’ve made in your learning content. By choosing a platform like Absorb LMS, you can leverage SCORM standards to deliver a consistent, accessible, and engaging learning experience to your users.
Are you ready to transform your online learning programs? Contact us today to discover how we can support your SCORM compliant eLearning content and help you reach your learning and development goals.
