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Introduction to the SCORM for Instructional Designers
04/13/2004
By: Betsy Spigarelli
What is SCORM?
The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) defines a Web-based learning
“Content Aggregation Model (CAM),” “Run-Time Environment” (RTE) and sequencing and
navigation for learning objects. The SCORM is a collection of specifications
and standards adapted from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive suite of
e-learning capabilities that enable interoperability, accessibility and reuse of
Web-based learning content. The work of the ADL Initiative to develop SCORM
is also a process to bring together similar groups and interests. This reference
model aims to coordinate emerging technologies and commercial and public implementations.
SCORM applies current technology developments to a specific content model by producing
recommendations for consistent implementations. SCORM is built upon the work
of the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training (CBT) Committee (AICC), the IMS
Global Learning Consortium, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE), the Alliance for Remote Instructional Authoring and Distribution Networks
for Europe (ARIADNE) and others to create one unified "reference model" of interrelated
technical specifications, standards and guidelines that meet Department of Defense
(DoD) high-level requirements for Web-based learning content.
Why implement SCORM?
Implement the SCORM for one of the following reasons:
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Portability |
Ability to deploy content in any SCORM conformant Learning Management System (LMS).
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Reusability |
Ability to search and retrieve content objects, including lessons, modules, exercises,
activities, media, etc. and reuse them. |
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Data tracking |
Ability to track data about the learner and the learner’s experience including scores,
time, comments, etc. |
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Sequencing |
Ability to combine content objects to achieve sequencing or branching strategies. |
What does SCORM conformant mean?
A SCORM conformant LMS or SCORM conformant content means that the LMS or content
has been developed to meet the requirements detailed in the SCORM Conformance Requirements.
Conformance assures that SCORM conformant content can be deployed in a SCORM conformant
LMS. Designers/developers of content make decisions regarding reusability,
data tracking and sequencing based on the project requirements. Therefore,
SCORM conformant does not mean that every element of content is reusable, tracked
or sequenced. Essentially, SCORM conformant means that an author or vendor has tested
the content or LMS using the Conformance Test Suite software developed by ADL.
Products (tools or content) can also be certified by a third party. This process
is referred to as SCORM Certification and is performed at an ADL Testing Center.
Refer to ADLNet.gov for more information about SCORM Certification.
What does an instructional designer need to know about implementing SCORM?
An instructional designer should know that the typical instructional design process
does not change for a project to create SCORM conformant content. Several
considerations for analyzing, designing and developing SCORM conformant content
are listed below.
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Phase
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Considerations
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Analysis
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- Verify that the content will be deployed in a SCORM conformant LMS. If a SCORM conformant
LMS will not be available, re-evaluate the requirement for SCORM conformant content.
- Review the Data Model Element section of the SCORM 2004 Run-Time Environment Version
1.3 to learn about the data tracking opportunities. Determine the data tracking
requirements for the content.
- Identify potential secondary audiences for content. Determine which sections of
the content can be shared by multiple audiences.
- Identify an appropriate strategy for recording meta-data and storing content in
a repository. Meta-data enables learning resources to be described in a common way
so that they can be searched in a repository and retrieved for reuse.
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Design
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- Chunk your content so that sections can be reused.
- Collaborate with technical developers who are familiar with the SCORM to determine
the best way to organize the content to meet the project requirements.
- Design Sharable Content Objects (SCOs) for content that requires data about the
learner’s experience with the SCO to be tracked.
- Design assets for content that is launched by the LMS but does not require data
to be tracked about the learner’s experience.
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Development
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For content that will be reused:
- Storyboard the content so that it can stand alone. For example, do not refer to
a previous lesson if it appears in a different SCO.
- Determine how the reusable content can be effective without context-specific information.
Or, provide context-specific information externally from that content.
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Where do I obtain additional information?
Refer to ADLNet.gov for the technical specifications, examples, certification testing,
SCORM conformant products listing and more! Submit questions about SCORM to ADL
through the Help section at http://www.adlnet.gov.
This article has been provided to ADLNet.gov by an ADL Community member and may
not reflect the views and policies of the U.S Government and the ADL Initiative.
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