Anyone even remotely connected to the e-learning world, has surely at least heard of SCORM, even if it is just in passing.
But what exactly is it?
Let's take an analogy which will clear the cloud of confusion that may be fogging up our understanding of the term SCORM. The best way to explain what SCORM does, is to consider the most widely used example-the DVD player. DVDs are created by following a set of standards, which enable them to be used no matter what brand of DVD player you're using. These sets of standards ensure that users will be able to watch their DVDs no matter what player they may have.
Well, this is what SCORM is. A set of standards, that enable the easy access of e learning courses across different learning management systems.
SCORM- An Introduction:
Now that we've understood the basic concept of SCORM, let's take a look at what SCORM is and how it came to be.
SCORM is an acronym for Shareable Content Object Reference Model, which is a set of standards developed for elearning software products.
In simple terms, it determines how an LMS will communicate with the course content uploaded to it. Think of it as the language that the LMS understands and responds to.
Since SCORM is a set of standards that apply to all content created for elearning courses, it does not matter what LMS is used; If the course is created to be SCORM compliant, it can be uploaded successfully to the LMS and can be accessed through the same.
Content only needs to be created one time and and can be accessed on any LMS without the need for modification or reconfigurations.
SCORM is a part of the ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) initiative which was undertaken by the American Department of Defense in the year 1999.
The Evolution of SCORM
Like any other software products, SCORM too has seen its fair share of development.
There have been several versions of SCORM, including:
SCORM 1.1 – this was the first version of SCORM, developed in January 2001. Out of all the versions of SCORM, this is the least popular, lacking the appropriate features and was swiftly replaced by Version 1.2.
SCORM 1.2- Developed in October 2001, this version of SCORM is by far the most widely used and popular version till date.
SCORM 2004: this is the most current version of SCORM. It solves ambiguity issues faced in the previous version and was released in January 2004.
The next generation of SCORM is Tin Can API. Tin Can API is popular these days, mainly due to its freedom from the previous restrictions of older versions of SCORM and its support for Mobile Learning and greater convenience, which is paramount in today's world.
Why is SCORM important?
An LMS and the SCORM compliant learning content are mutually beneficial for one another.
Without an LMS, the content would be of no use, as it cannot be accessed. And without content, an LMS would surely fail.
SCORM is known for its inter-operability, which basically means that all SCORM compliant content and technology can work together.
SCORM offers flexibility to the organizations, by giving them the freedom to not only change course vendors whenever required but also to reuse courses in different scenarios, without the need to modify or change the standards.
SCORM offers course packages which can be accessed across systems, making them highly portable and easily accessible from any location. And since most LMSs are SCORM compliant, this eliminates the need for complex installations or reconfigurations.
With the use of LMS on the rise, and the need for performance and progress evaluations at an all time high, LMSs are increasingly advertising themselves as SCORM compliant, as a way to sustain their relevance in a fast moving, technologically advanced world.
SCORM is so deeply embedded in the roots of the elearning industry, that organizations are still quite heavily reliant on it not just now but also for the foreseeable future.
Scorm has definitely come a long way since its release, with 4 versions including Tin Can API, which is considered to be an enormous leap for the elearning industry. It is said that Tin Can API is the future of SCORM. What do you say?
