SCORM for e-learning: definition and importance

SCORM was born out of a desire to optimize online training. It’s a model that has now become essential for e-learning training. This is primarily due to its importance in the delivery of distance learning.

How does this model work? What is its place in the field of training? What about learning platforms? These are all questions about the SCORM standard that will be answered in this article.

Model presentation

To have an overview of this standard, a general presentation of the concept appears necessary.

Definition

SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It is a set of specifications and standards used for e-learning systems. It can even be said that it is an essential standard for LMS (Learning Management Systems). This model is heavily discussed on certain platforms like Rise Up. The latter facilitates the creation and management of e-learning courses.

Origin and evolution

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model owes its birth to two entities: the DoD (Department of Defense) and the White House OSTP (Office of Science and Technology Policy). It was during the launch of ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) in 1997 that this model was conceived.

The initial goal was to facilitate access to high-quality, customizable training. To facilitate this customization, ADL came up with the idea of creating a kind of template that could be reused.

Utility

SCORM primarily standardizes information exchange formats and communications. It also promotes the accuracy of packages to be transferred when creating new projects. It’s important to note that all of these formatting procedures are performed in XML.

SCORM in the field of training

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model plays a fundamental role in training. It has a fairly simple operating mode. The model has many advantages, but also some disadvantages.

How it works

With this template, the user builds an LMS that can be exchanged with platforms that use the standard: they create a SCORM module. This content will then be packaged in a zip file. This file contains all the module’s elements, arranged according to a specific nomenclature.

Only then can the user share the file with other Shareable Content Object Reference Model-compliant platforms. These platforms should recognize the file and allow them to use it.

The advantages

The standard provides many advantages to its users:

• Reusability of teaching components;
• Sustainability over time;
• Accessibility of several teaching components;
• Adaptability to user needs;
• Interoperability in other environments.

Additionally, instructional designers can easily distribute their content across multiple e-learning platforms. They won’t have to rewrite their entire training content. This significantly reduces operational costs and extends the duration of the training module.

The disadvantages

Despite these numerous advantages, there are some weaknesses to note when using this system. Some standard specifications that should be managed by LMSs are not clearly defined. In other words, some user guides are missing. For example, it is difficult to use tracking data effectively. Also, some teaching techniques are not well-explained. Other weaknesses include:

• The definition of authoring tools;
• Defining methods for implementing highly interactive content;
• Interactive content proposals.

Using the Sharable Content Object Reference Model can therefore be more or less difficult for some people.

Online learning platforms and the Sharable Content Object Reference Model standard

Many online learning platforms work with this system. These platforms use LMSs that are compatible with the Sharable Content Object Reference Model.

What is a Shareable Content Object Reference Model-compliant LMS?

A Shareable Content Object Reference Model-compliant Learning Management System (LMS) can receive and interpret content imported from another platform using the same device. This makes the content easily accessible on the new LMS platform.

Why is this device essential?

In reality, this system is essential because it is not easy to redo work that has already been done. Indeed, the content of a training course can be very heavy and complex. If this training course has to be used elsewhere, redoing all the work would be tedious and time-consuming. SCORM, therefore, makes the daily life of teachers easier.