SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) may not be a term you hear every day, but if you work in the online learning industry, it’s certainly an important consideration. If you’re interested in learning more about SCORM, including its basic definition 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 LMS like Absorb. We’ll also explain how a SCORM-compliant LMS can impact your organization's learning initiatives and the fundamental features it offers for online learning – including aspects 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 about LMS solutions that align with your business goals. Most importantly, it ensures an exceptional learning experience for your users. Ready? Let’s dive in.
What is SCORM?
SCORM is a set of standards and specifications that ensures eLearning content works across various platforms. It makes your digital learning materials compatible with LMSs, allowing your content to be developed once and used across multiple platforms.
Developed by the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative (ADL) in 2000, SCORM regulates the creation, packaging, and delivery of content within an LMS. By following SCORM guidelines, learning management systems can guarantee that the content they host is:
- Transferrable: SCORM-compliant content can be used across different LMS platforms without modifications. In other words, 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, enhancing their learning experience.
- Future-proof: SCORM keeps learning content operational and intact even as the underlying technology and platforms change. This helps you avoid costly content redesigns and recoding typically associated with tech changes.
- Reusable: A SCORM-compliant LMS lets you repurpose online learning content across different training contexts, giving you more value from your investment. No matter how your learning content is created, it works seamlessly in multiple environments.
Read the blog: What is SCORM learning design?
What’s the difference between SCORM and LMS?
SCORM is a technical standard that ensures eLearning content works seamlessly with an LMS. An LMS is a software platform where training courses are delivered, managed, and tracked. In short, SCORM makes sure your content is compatible with the LMS so everything runs smoothly.
What is SCORM compliance?
SCORM compliance means eLearning software or content meets SCORM standards. This ensures an LMS can host, import, or export SCORM-compliant content. SCORM content works with any SCORM-compliant system, making it easy to use across platforms.
What are the benefits of using a SCORM-compliant LMS?
Adopting a SCORM-compliant LMS offers organizations several benefits. Some key advantages are:
- Easy content portability: SCORM compliance allows organizations to effortlessly import and export learning content across platforms. The ability to share content encourages collaboration and supports the reuse of learning materials.
- Greater scalability: A SCORM-compliant LMS can support the integration of new courses and materials. This ultimately enhances content development efficiency, allowing you to scale your learning programs to meet the evolving needs of users.
- Enhanced learner experience: By sticking 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 choosing a SCORM-compliant learning platform, your business should consider several factors to ensure the solution meets your specific needs and goals. Key points to keep in mind about SCORM compliance include:
- Support for multiple SCORM standards: Verify that the LMS you select is compatible with the SCORM version(s) required for your learning content. Building a system that functions well with other platforms is the main objective of implementing SCORM. Therefore, support for all versions is crucial.
- Ease of use and deployment: Look for an LMS with an intuitive interface that allows users to import, export, and manage SCORM-compliant content easily, reducing their learning curve.
- Comprehensive customer support: Opt for an LMS provider with top-tier customer support and resources to track records. This will ensure that you can quickly address any potential issues or concerns.
- Ability to sell: If you create a SCORM course and decide to sell it to a third party, having SCORM compliance could serve as a significant selling point.
Is SCORM outdated?
SCORM is commonly used in eLearning, but it has limitations that hinder its full adaptability to modern learning environments. Some of the issues with SCORM include:
- Lack of interactivity: Because SCORM was developed around 20 years ago, it lacks the interactivity that many learners now expect from their course content. As a result, the learning experience tends to be more passive.
- Limited tracking capabilities: SCORM can track basic metrics, including course completion, quiz scores, and time spent in modules. It can’t measure the impact the training has on the learner’s performance.
- Lack of personalization: SCORM content is difficult to personalize to each learner’s experience.
If you’re creating a course for one LMS and have no intention of moving it out of that LMS, you don’t need to worry about SCORM compliance. It’s only important if you plan to transfer the course to other LMS platforms.
That said, SCORM is a powerful tool that allows course creators to create content once and use it in many different systems without rewriting it. Many organizations have also widely adopted it.
xAPI (Experience API, also known as Tin Can API) is a modern alternative to SCORM, providing a more flexible solution. xAPI tracks learning activities beyond the LMS, such as in apps and simulations. It captures detailed learner data, supports personalized learning paths, and is designed with new tech in mind, so it remains relevant even as eLearning evolves.
What is the difference between SCORM and non-SCORM?
SCORM content is designed to be compatible with any SCORM-compliant LMS. It ensures the same course can be offered on different LMS platforms without requiring any adjustments. Non-SCORM content doesn’t follow this standard and may only work on specific platforms. If you create non-SCORM content and want to move it to a new LMS, you will likely have to revise it.
SCORM content tracks learner progress, such as course completion, quiz scores, and time spent on modules. It also offers standardized reporting. Non-SCORM content might lack tracking or only include basic features. For in-depth tracking, custom integrations may need to be developed.
Is Absorb LMS a SCORM-compliant LMS?
Yes, Absorb LMS is SCORM compliant. As a cloud-based LMS, our learning system ensures seamless integration and delivery of course content across different devices and platforms. Here are a few ways we use SCORM to enhance your learning experience:
- Full support for SCORM: Absorb LMS fully supports SCORM 1.2 and 2004, giving you the flexibility to choose the version that matches your online training requirements.
- Intuitive content import: Absorb's user-friendly interface lets you easily import SCORM-compliant content. When adding new LMS content, you can simply select your preferred file format before uploading your files.
- Consistent user experience: By following SCORM standards, Absorb LMS ensures that you can access learning materials from your preferred devices and browsers. This reduces compatibility issues and provides 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 facilitates seamless content integration and enhanced flexibility, safeguarding the investment you’ve made in your learning materials. By opting for a platform like Absorb LMS, you can use SCORM standards to deliver a consistent, accessible, and engaging learning experience for your users.
Ready to elevate your online learning? Let’s create SCORM-compliant eLearning content that captivates your audience and drives real results. Reach out to our team today to bring your learning and development goals to life.
