Sharable Content Object Reference Model - Revision history

147.161.250.254: /* Compatible software */ added another compatible LMS server software

2025-09-17T09:52:03Z

Compatible software: added another compatible LMS server software

← Previous revision		Revision as of 09:52, 17 September 2025
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	SCORM is a specification of the [[Advanced Distributed Learning]] (ADL) Initiative from the Office of the [[United States Secretary of Defense]].		SCORM is a specification of the [[Advanced Distributed Learning]] (ADL) Initiative from the Office of the [[United States Secretary of Defense]].

	SCORM 2004 introduced a complex idea called sequencing, which is a set of rules that specifies the order in which a learner may experience content objects. In simple terms, they constrain a learner to a fixed set of paths through the training material, permit the learner to "bookmark" their progress when taking breaks, and assure the acceptability of test scores achieved by the learner. The standard uses [[XML]], and it is based on the results of work done by [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee\|AICC]], [[IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee\|IEEE LTSC]], and [[Ariadne (software)\|Ariadne]].		SCORM 2004 introduced a complex idea called sequencing, which is a set of rules that specifies the order in which a learner may experience content objects. In simple terms, they constrain a learner to a fixed set of paths through the training material, permit the learner to "bookmark" their progress when taking breaks, and assure the acceptability of test scores achieved by the learner. The standard uses [[XML]], and it is based on the results of work done by [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee\|AICC]], [[IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee\|IEEE LTSC]], and [[Ariadne (software)\|Ariadne]].

	== Technology ==		== Technology ==
	SCORM was designed to be web-based and utilizes JavaScript to facilitate communication between the client side content and the run-time environment. Each SCORM version specifies the methods that the run-time environment should support and how those methods should behave. Content launched by the run time environment can then call those methods utilizing JavaScript.		SCORM was designed to be web-based and utilizes [[JavaScript]] to facilitate communication between the client side content and the run-time environment. Each SCORM version specifies the methods that the run-time environment should support and how those methods should behave. Content launched by the run time environment can then call those methods utilizing JavaScript.

	== Versions ==		== Versions ==
	=== SCORM 1.1 ===		=== SCORM 1.1 ===
	It was the first version of SCORM. These early adoptions revealed that the SCORM idea was workable, but it needed to be sufficiently robust for widespread implementation.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://scorm.com/scorm-explained/one-minute-scorm-overview/\|~~title~~=~~"SCORM Explained 101: An introduction to SCORM"~~\|website=scorm.com}}</ref>		It was the first version of SCORM. These early adoptions revealed that the SCORM idea was workable, but it needed to be sufficiently robust for widespread implementation.<ref>{{cite web \|title="SCORM Explained 101: An introduction to SCORM" \|url=https://scorm.com/scorm-explained/one-minute-scorm-overview/ \|access-date=2025-07-15 \|website=scorm.com}}</ref>
	<ref>SCORM 1.1 is the first production version. It used a Course Structure Format XML file based on the [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee\|AICC]] specifications to describe content structure, but lacked a robust packaging manifest and support for metadata. Quickly abandoned in favor of SCORM 1.2.</ref>		<ref>SCORM 1.1 is the first production version. It used a Course Structure Format XML file based on the [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee\|AICC]] specifications to describe content structure, but lacked a robust packaging manifest and support for metadata. Quickly abandoned in favor of SCORM 1.2.</ref>

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	=== SCORM 2004 ===		=== SCORM 2004 ===
	This is the current version. It is based on new standards for API and content object-to-runtime environment communication, with many ambiguities of previous versions resolved. Includes ability to specify adaptive sequencing of activities that use the content objects. Includes ability to share and use information about the success status for multiple learning objectives or competencies across content objects and across courses for the same learner within the same learning management system. A more robust test suite helps ensure good interoperability.		This is the current version. It is based on new standards for [[API]] and content object-to-runtime environment communication, with many ambiguities of previous versions resolved. Includes ability to specify adaptive sequencing of activities that use the content objects. Includes ability to share and use information about the success status for multiple learning objectives or competencies across content objects and across courses for the same learner within the same learning management system. A more robust test suite helps ensure good interoperability.

	==== SCORM 2004 editions ====		==== SCORM 2004 editions ====
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	=== Experience API (Tin Can API) ===		=== Experience API (Tin Can API) ===
	The [[Experience API]] (also known as xAPI or Tin Can API) was finalized to version 1.0 in April 2013. The Experience API solves many of the problems inherent with older versions of SCORM.<ref>{{cite web\|title=SCORM – Project Tin Can: Phase 3 – Capabilities\|url=http://scorm.com/tincancapabilities/\|publisher=Rustici Software\|access-date=27 August 2012}}</ref> Just like SCORM, ADL is the steward of the Experience API. [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee\|AICC]] with their cmi5 planned to use [[Experience API\|xAPI]] as their transport standard, but AICC membership decided to dissolve the organization and transferred cmi5 to ADL.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://aicc.org/ \|title=AICC - Aviation Industry CBT Committee \|access-date=2007-10-31 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111025107/http://aicc.org/ \|archive-date=2007-11-11 }} AICC dissolves, transfers cmi5 to ADL</ref>		The [[Experience API]] (also known as xAPI or Tin Can API) was finalized to version 1.0 in April 2013. The Experience API solves many of the problems inherent with older versions of SCORM.<ref>{{cite web\|title=SCORM – Project Tin Can: Phase 3 – Capabilities\|url=http://scorm.com/tincancapabilities/\|publisher=Rustici Software\|access-date=27 August 2012}}</ref> Just like SCORM, ADL is the steward of the Experience API. [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee\|AICC]] with their cmi5 planned to use [[Experience API\|xAPI]] as their transport standard, but AICC membership decided to dissolve the organization and transferred cmi5 to ADL.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://aicc.org/ \|title=AICC - Aviation Industry CBT Committee \|access-date=2007-10-31 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111025107/http://aicc.org/ \|archive-date=2007-11-11}} AICC dissolves, transfers cmi5 to ADL</ref>

	The Experience API (Tin Can API) is a web service that allows software clients to read and write experiential data in the form of ~~“statement”~~ objects. In their simplest form, statements are in the form of “I did ~~this”~~, or more generally ~~“actor~~ verb ~~object”~~. More complex statement forms can be used. There is also a built-in query API to help filter recorded statements, and a state API that allows for a sort of ~~“scratch space”~~ for consuming applications. Experience API statements are stored in a [[data store]] called a [[Learning Record Store]], which can exist on its own or within a [[Learning Management System]].<ref>{{cite web\|title=Tech Overview - Tin Can API (also known as Experience API or xAPI)\|url=https://xapi.com/overview/\|access-date=8 September 2020\|work=~~What is xAPI aka the Experience API or Tin Can API~~\|publisher=Rustici Software}}</ref>		The Experience API (Tin Can API) is a web service that allows software clients to read and write experiential data in the form of "statement" objects. In their simplest form, statements are in the form of "I did this", or more generally "actor verb object". More complex statement forms can be used. There is also a built-in query API to help filter recorded statements, and a state API that allows for a sort of "scratch space" for consuming applications. Experience API statements are stored in a [[data store]] called a [[Learning Record Store]], which can exist on its own or within a [[Learning Management System]].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Tech Overview - Tin Can API (also known as Experience API or xAPI) \|url=https://xapi.com/overview/ \|access-date=8 September 2020 \|work=xapi.com \|publisher=Rustici Software}}</ref>

	== SCORM timeline ==		== SCORM timeline ==
	*January 1999 — [[Executive Order 13111]] signed tasking the [[United States Department of Defense\|DoD]] to develop common specifications and standards for e-learning across both federal and private sectors.<ref>{{cite web \|url=~~http~~://www.bus.umich.edu/KresgePublic/Journals/Gartner/research/114200/114233/114233.html \|~~title=SCORM Standard Unites E~~-~~Learning Software and Content \|first=James \|last=Lundy \|work=Gartner Research \|~~date=~~10 April 2003~~ \|access-date=26 September 2017}}</ref>		*January 1999 — [[Executive Order 13111]] signed tasking the [[United States Department of Defense\|DoD]] to develop common specifications and standards for e-learning across both federal and private sectors.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Lundy \|first=James \|date=10 April 2003 \|title=SCORM Standard Unites E-Learning Software and Content \|url=https://www.verzdesign.com/blog/on-page-seo \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250715064745/https://rossweb.bus.umich.edu/404-page-not-found/?404;https://www.bus.umich.edu:443/KresgePublic/Journals/Gartner/research/114200/114233/114233.html=\|archive-date=2025-07-15\|access-date=26 September 2017\|work=Gartner Research}}</ref>
	*January 2000 — SCORM Version 1.0		*January 2000 — SCORM Version 1.0
	*January 2001 — SCORM Version 1.1		*January 2001 — SCORM Version 1.1
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	* [[Moodle]]		* [[Moodle]]
	* [[ILIAS]]		* [[ILIAS]]
	* [[Sakai (software)\|Sakai]], free, community source, educational software platform.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://scorm.com/scorm-solved/scorm-cloud-features/app-integrations/sakai-integration/ \|~~title~~=~~Sakai integration~~ \|website=scorm.com}}</ref>		* [[Sakai (software)\|Sakai]], free, community source, educational software platform.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Sakai integration \|url=https://scorm.com/scorm-solved/scorm-cloud-features/app-integrations/sakai-integration/ \|access-date=2025-07-15 \|website=scorm.com}}</ref>
			* [[Adobe Inc.\|Adobe]] Learning Manager<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|title=SCORM 1.2 Archives \|url=https://elearningindustry.com/directory/software-categories/learning-management-systems/compliance/scorm-12 \|access-date=2025-08-01 \|website=eLearning Industry \|language=en-US}}</ref>
			* TalentLMS<ref name=":0" />
			* Learner Mobile<ref name=":0" />
			* 360Learning<ref name=":0" />
			* [[Docebo]]<ref name=":0" />
			* AbsorbLMS<ref name=":0" />
			* Cornerstone Learning<ref name=":0" />
			* GyrusAim<ref name=":0" />
			* Tovuti LMS<ref name=":0" />
			* LearnUpon LMS<ref name=":0" />
			* Teachfloor<ref name=":0" />
			* iSpring Learn<ref name=":0" />
			* LearnWorlds LMS<ref name=":0" />
			* Chamilo<ref name=":0" />
			* Contipso<ref name=":0" />
			* GlobalTeach
	'''Content editing software'''		'''Content editing software'''
	*[[Scenari]]		*Scenari
	*[[Articulate Storyline]]		*Articulate Storyline
	*Articulate Rise		*Articulate Rise
	*[[~~ISpring~~ Suite]]		*[[iSpring Suite]]
	*[[Adobe Captivate]]		*[[Adobe Captivate]]
	*[[EXeLearning]]		*[[EXeLearning]]

			== Current limitations and user experiences ==
			As of early 2025, many users describe SCORM as outdated due to its limited tracking capabilities (complete/incomplete only) and lack of support for modern analytics standards. Despite this, SCORM remains popular because of the existing ecosystem and investment in legacy content and platforms. <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Reddit - The heart of the internet \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/elearning/comments/19emh4x/really_interested_in_hearing_from_corp_trainers/ \|access-date=2025-08-01 \|website=www.reddit.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Reddit - The heart of the internet \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/elearning/comments/1idy1ov/is_scorm_deaddying/ \|access-date=2025-08-01 \|website=www.reddit.com}}</ref>

			Some users report that large SCORM packages (e.g. > 500 MB ZIP files) can cause LMS upload failures or exceed suspend_data limits, particularly in SCORM 1.2. Switching to SCORM 2004 or using file size reduction techniques can help mitigate these issues.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Reddit - The heart of the internet \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/elearning/comments/1egu8pc/is_scorm_generally_reliable/ \|access-date=2025-08-01 \|website=www.reddit.com}}</ref>

	== See also ==		== See also ==
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	*[[Computer aided instruction]]		*[[Computer aided instruction]]
	*[[Educational technology]]		*[[Educational technology]]
			*[[Learning management system]]
	*[[LETSI]]		*[[LETSI]]

imported>Alina.seibt: added "ILIAS" at the list of compatible software

2024-08-14T15:44:28Z

added "ILIAS" at the list of compatible software

New page

{{short description|Standard for e-learning}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2017}}
'''Sharable Content Object Reference Model''' ('''SCORM''') is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based electronic [[educational technology]] (also called e-learning). It defines communications between client side content and a host system (called "the run-time environment"), which is commonly supported by a [[learning management system]]. SCORM also defines how content may be packaged into a transferable [[ZIP (file format)|ZIP]] file called "Package Interchange Format."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adlnet.gov/assets/uploads/SCORM_2004_4ED_v1_1_Doc_Suite.zip|title=Technical Specification (4th Ed.)|publisher=SCORM |access-date=2017-05-22}}</ref>

SCORM is a specification of the [[Advanced Distributed Learning]] (ADL) Initiative from the Office of the [[United States Secretary of Defense]].

SCORM 2004 introduced a complex idea called sequencing, which is a set of rules that specifies the order in which a learner may experience content objects. In simple terms, they constrain a learner to a fixed set of paths through the training material, permit the learner to "bookmark" their progress when taking breaks, and assure the acceptability of test scores achieved by the learner. The standard uses [[XML]], and it is based on the results of work done by [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee|AICC]], [[IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee|IEEE LTSC]], and [[Ariadne (software)|Ariadne]].

== Technology ==
SCORM was designed to be web-based and utilizes JavaScript to facilitate communication between the client side content and the run-time environment. Each SCORM version specifies the methods that the run-time environment should support and how those methods should behave. Content launched by the run time environment can then call those methods utilizing JavaScript.

== Versions ==
=== SCORM 1.1 ===
It was the first version of SCORM. These early adoptions revealed that the SCORM idea was workable, but it needed to be sufficiently robust for widespread implementation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scorm.com/scorm-explained/one-minute-scorm-overview/|title="SCORM Explained 101: An introduction to SCORM"|website=scorm.com}}</ref>
<ref>SCORM 1.1 is the first production version. It used a Course Structure Format XML file based on the [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee|AICC]] specifications to describe content structure, but lacked a robust packaging manifest and support for metadata. Quickly abandoned in favor of SCORM 1.2.</ref>

=== SCORM 1.2 ===
This was the first version that was widely used. It is still widely used and is supported by most Learning Management Systems.

=== SCORM 2004 ===
This is the current version. It is based on new standards for API and content object-to-runtime environment communication, with many ambiguities of previous versions resolved. Includes ability to specify adaptive sequencing of activities that use the content objects. Includes ability to share and use information about the success status for multiple learning objectives or competencies across content objects and across courses for the same learner within the same learning management system. A more robust test suite helps ensure good interoperability.

==== SCORM 2004 editions ====

*3rd Edition (October 2005) – clarification of various conformance requirements and of the interaction between content objects and the runtime environment for sequencing; some new conformance requirements to improve interoperability.
*4th Edition Released (March 31, 2009) – more stringent interoperability requirements, more flexible data persistence<ref>{{cite web|title=SCORM 2004 4th Edition Version 1.1 Overview|url=http://adlnet.gov/adl-research/scorm/scorm-2004-4th-edition/|website=SCORM 2004 4th Edition Version 1.1 Overview|access-date=2017-05-22}}</ref>

==== SCORM 2004 specification books ====
*Overview – introduces SCORM and describes how the other books relate
*Run-Time Environment – describes runtime API and data model used for communication between content objects and learning management systems
*Sequencing and Navigation – describes how sequencing between learning activities is defined and interpreted
*Compliance Requirements – detailed list of the conformance requirements that are verified by the ADL SCORM conformance test suite.

=== Experience API (Tin Can API) ===
The [[Experience API]] (also known as xAPI or Tin Can API) was finalized to version 1.0 in April 2013. The Experience API solves many of the problems inherent with older versions of SCORM.<ref>{{cite web|title=SCORM – Project Tin Can: Phase 3 – Capabilities|url=http://scorm.com/tincancapabilities/|publisher=Rustici Software|access-date=27 August 2012}}</ref> Just like SCORM, ADL is the steward of the Experience API. [[Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee|AICC]] with their cmi5 planned to use [[Experience API|xAPI]] as their transport standard, but AICC membership decided to dissolve the organization and transferred cmi5 to ADL.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aicc.org/ |title=AICC - Aviation Industry CBT Committee |access-date=2007-10-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111025107/http://aicc.org/ |archive-date=2007-11-11 }} AICC dissolves, transfers cmi5 to ADL</ref>

The Experience API (Tin Can API) is a web service that allows software clients to read and write experiential data in the form of “statement” objects. In their simplest form, statements are in the form of “I did this”, or more generally “actor verb object”. More complex statement forms can be used. There is also a built-in query API to help filter recorded statements, and a state API that allows for a sort of “scratch space” for consuming applications. Experience API statements are stored in a [[data store]] called a [[Learning Record Store]], which can exist on its own or within a [[Learning Management System]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tech Overview - Tin Can API (also known as Experience API or xAPI)|url=https://xapi.com/overview/|access-date=8 September 2020|work=What is xAPI aka the Experience API or Tin Can API|publisher=Rustici Software}}</ref>

== SCORM timeline ==
*January 1999 — [[Executive Order 13111]] signed tasking the [[United States Department of Defense|DoD]] to develop common specifications and standards for e-learning across both federal and private sectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bus.umich.edu/KresgePublic/Journals/Gartner/research/114200/114233/114233.html |title=SCORM Standard Unites E-Learning Software and Content |first=James |last=Lundy |work=Gartner Research |date=10 April 2003 |access-date=26 September 2017}}</ref>
*January 2000 — SCORM Version 1.0
*January 2001 — SCORM Version 1.1
*October 2001 — SCORM Version 1.2
*January 2004 — SCORM 2004 (1st Edition)
*July 2004 — SCORM 2004 (2nd Edition)
*June 2006 — Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1322.26 Requiring DoD Use of SCORM
*October 2006 — SCORM 2004 (3rd Edition)
*March 2009 — SCORM 2004 (4th Edition)
*2009 — The first three specification books were adopted as technical reports by [[ISO/IEC JTC1/SC36]], standard number ISO/IEC TR 29163.
*October 2010 — ADL awards a [[Broad Agency Announcement]] to Rustici Software to conduct research and community interviews in an effort to begin the creation of the next generation of SCORM. This is called Project Tin Can.
*September 2011 — The initial draft of the next generation of SCORM (named the Tin Can API) is released.
*June 2012 — .9 version of the Tin Can API is released.
*August 2012 — .95 version of the Tin Can API is released.
*April 2013 — 1.0.0 version of the Tin Can API is released, project name was changed to "[[Experience API]]" or xAPI, but many still refer to it as the Tin Can API.

== Compatible software ==
'''Server software'''
* [[Moodle]]
* [[ILIAS]]
* [[Sakai (software)|Sakai]], free, community source, educational software platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://scorm.com/scorm-solved/scorm-cloud-features/app-integrations/sakai-integration/ |title=Sakai integration |website=scorm.com}}</ref>
'''Content editing software'''
*[[Scenari]]
*[[Articulate Storyline]]
*Articulate Rise
*[[ISpring Suite]]
*[[Adobe Captivate]]
*[[EXeLearning]]

== See also ==
*[[Authoring tool]]
*[[Computer aided instruction]]
*[[Educational technology]]
*[[LETSI]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website|https://adlnet.gov/projects/scorm/}}

[[Category:E-learning]]