SCORM

SCORM Overview

During the transition from computer-based training (CBT) on compact discs (CDs) to e-learning on the web one of the major challenges with the content delivery was interoperability of the content. In addition, the creation and technical development of the content were based on proprietary or unique technical approaches that often resulted in expensive solutions with a short shelf-life. In order to track a learner’s progress the content often had to be uniquely programmed to work in each specific delivery environment. Training and Learning Management Systems (LMSs) had differing IT infrastructures and server-side support as well. If an enterprise organization wanted to upgrade a system or change vendors, it often meant abandoning very expensive content and starting over from scratch. Conversely, large content vendors often specified their own delivery environment and forced each system to implement different delivery modules for each content vendor. In addition, another key requirement for learning content was the ability to reuse instructional components in multiple applications and environments regardless of the tools used to create them. This requires, among other things, that content be separated from context specific run-time constraints and proprietary systems so that it can be incorporated into and reused in different applications.

The SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) was created to address these aforementioned interoperability, reusability and durability challenges. As a reference model it was intentionally designed to leverage standard web technologies as well as existing learning technology specifications that already existed. SCORM is comprised of a collection of interrelated technical specifications and guidelines designed to meet DoD’s high-level requirements for creating interoperable, plug-n-play, browser-based e-learning content. It consists of three different technical specification “books” that collectively address challenges associated with interoperability, portability, reusability and the instructional sequencing of self-paced e-learning content.

Interoperability
The SCORM Run-time Environment (RTE) book defines a common data model and application program interface (API) for e-learning content. This combination of data model and API allow for standardized communications between client-side content and a system component (called “the run-time environment”), which is commonly provided by a Learning Management System (LMS).

Portability
The SCORM Content Aggregation Model (CAM) book defines how to package content for exchange from system to system, in a transferable ZIP file called the Package Interchange Format (PIF). Packaging enables a standardized portability mechanism between various learning environment applications.

Reusability
The SCORM Content Aggregation Model (CAM) book also describes the components used in a learning experience, and how to describe those components to enable search and discovery. Therefore, the CAM book promotes reusability of learning content across Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and repositories. The CAM book describes responsibilities and requirements for building content and content organizations (e.g., course, lessons, modules, etc.). It contains instructions for applying metadata to the all of the content organization components in the content package. On the server side, the CAM details the format an LMS must be able to “import” for the purpose of providing content to users.

Sequencing
The SCORM Sequencing and Navigation (SN) book in combination with the CAM book describe how SCORM-conformant content is delivered to learners through a set of learner or system-initiated navigation events. The branching and flow of that content may be described by a predefined set of activities. SCORM 2004’s sequencing rules allow instructional designers and content developers to specify the order in which sharable content objects (SCOs), the smallest piece of content that tracks progress, are delivered to learners and what navigation controls are present in a SCORM 2004-conformant LMS.

Version History & Versions
The SCORM has several version releases dating back to the year 2000 starting with SCORM 1.0. SCORM 1.2, released in 2001 is the first version of SCORM that was widely adopted. Beginning in 2004, SCORM began to release different editions of SCORM 2004 based on iterative fixes and improvements. The most recent release (2009) is SCORM 2004 4th Edition. ADL provides and maintains resources for SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004 3rd Edition, and SCORM 2004 4th Edition. Developers that are implementing other versions are encouraged to modify their work to be in accordance with one of these three specifications. ADL recommends the use of SCORM 2004 4th Edition above all others as it has over ten years of community feedback integrated into its design.