The Shareable Content Object Reference Model, or “SCORM”, is a technical specification for eLearning software systems that serves to establish standards for the way in which online courses are designed and implemented. Many Learning management systems (LMS) and authoring tools are architected to support the SCORM specification. These tools can then integrate and support each other.
Today, SCORM-compliant LMS platforms and authoring tools are so widely deployed, it is often seen as the default standard for eLearning technologies. Given this, understanding the basic principles and elements of SCORM is important for eLearning developers and trainers as they plan and design their eLearning programs.
Understanding SCORM
“Sharable Content Object” refers to the fact that SCORM-compliance is about building units of LMS training content that is sharable across systems. The SCORM outlines how sharable content is created and re-used across multiple systems and contexts. Per its definition, SCORM is a “Reference Model” that calls on existing standards and outlines to developers how they should be properly used together.
The Benefits for SCORM for eLearning
SCORM is a powerful tool for eLearning professionals as it enables the one-time creation of content that can then be used across multiple systems and use-cases without a need for modification. This plug-and-play enablement can be extremely beneficial for a single company but even more beneficial as content is shared across multiple organizations. SCORM supports the sale of eLearning content that is uniformly packaged and delivered to the user in a timely and cost-effective way.
To summarize, some of the benefits of SCORM for eLearning include:
Flexibility
SCORM content can be used on any LMS that is SCORM-compliant. This flexibility eliminates the danger of your company being stuck with an LMS system that performs poorly or doesn’t evolve with the industry.
Decreased Costs
The use of SCORM technologies can decrease the cost of packaging and delivering training as it does not need to be rebuilt for every different system.
Quality Content
SCORM-compliant content tends to be of higher quality content as it provides a level of interaction and data capture that is not offered in other types of material.
Working with a SCORM-Compliant LMS
A SCORM-compliant LMS is a Learning Management System on which SCORM-compliant content can be accepted for use and deliver as part of an eLearning program.
One of the primary benefits of a SCORM-complaint LMS is in the interoperability it offers between eLearning authoring tools and software products. eLearning content can be created through a variety of tools such as Captivate, ActivePresenter or Camtasia and then used on any LMS.
LMS Portals: A SCORM-Compliant LMS
LMS Portals is a SCORM-compliant LMS that allows our customers and partners to launch and manage their own custom-branded eLearning portals with full support for SCORM-compliant courses and content. And the LMS Portals platform includes robust supporting tools for user onboarding, messaging, knowledge management, analytics, and more.
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