SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It is a set of technical specifications developed to support eLearning tools. SCORM ensures interoperability between online learning software, which is the ability of the systems to exchange information.
When you talk about eLearning, SCORM or SCORM-compliance is a term you will encounter almost every day and everywhere. You can find, choose and compare the main SCORM-Compliant LMSs and make an informed decision.
If a company uses SCORM and decides to switch to another LMS, they won’t have to worry about losing any content or information if the other LMS is also SCORM compatible. This is one of the greatest benefits of using this model. Gone are the days when only tech-savvy professionals could build SCORM files. In today’s world, anyone can build SCORM files with the help of a special editor which automatically creates a package that is ready to get uploaded.
Below, I have written down some refinements which will help you in narrowing down your search for SCORM:
1) All the versions of SCORM are relevant. The primary goal of this model is to create a system that can exchange information. The entire versions support this goal. Here are 3 released versions:
- SCORM 1.1 – this version is the first one and was unable to gain widespread acceptance. Some products still support this version, but it is not generally accepted.
- SCORM 2.1 – this is the most widely accepted version. Many vendors support content that meets 2.1 specifications. Every major LMS supports this LMS.
- SCORM 2004 – this is the most recently released version. Key specifications added are sequencing and navigation. The adoption number is substantially low, but quite some LMSs and content vendors are increasing in supporting this version.
2) Always choose SCORM that can work with any LMS system or on many platforms.
3) The two aspects SCORM handles:
- Content Packaging – Focuses mainly on a content piece. This manages the order in which documents get launched, names or courses, and chapters get determined.
- Data Exchange – this aspect deals with how the content will communicate with LMS. LMS can track learners’ progress, course status, total time spent on the course, score per module or final score, and more through data exchange.
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4) SCORM should ensure flexibility in selecting and switching tools. It should support different authoring tools. Content creation and deployment must be easy with the model you choose.
5) SCORM you choose should support a delivery mechanism that will help you in reaching more learners. It should be durable in terms of re-coding, re-configuration, or re-designing.
6) SCORM Compliant LMS must be Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) certified.
7) Do check the longevity of LMS integrated with SCORM, the longer it is there are lesser chances of problems.
8) Do not forget to check the data privacy and security systems LMS uses. It is of utmost importance to check the mechanism and security plan LMS has to deal with incidents of hacking, phishing, and data theft. The LMS you choose should support data encryption, IP blocker, data backup, and domain-based registration.
Pretty much all LMSs are SCORM Compliant and almost all LMSs support SCORM content, but still there maybe some exceptions. So, it is better to do a good amount of research before choosing and finalizing it.