SCORM

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning. It defines communications between client side content and a host system called the run-time environment (commonly a function of a learning management system). SCORM also defines how content may be packaged into a transferable ZIP file.

SCORM is a specification of the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative, which comes out of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

SCORM 2004 introduces a complex idea called sequencing, which is a set of rules that specify the order in which a learner may experience content objects. The standard uses XML, and it is based on the results of work done by AICC (CBT), IMS, IEEE, and Ariadne.

Conformance

A testing initiative was started in 2003. In December 2004, the US Department of Defense mandated that all its e-learning purchases must conform to SCORM standards. By August 2005, ADL had validated 178 SCORM-conformant products.

SCORM versions

SCORM 1.0

The original version. Proof of concept only. Introduced the notion of Shareable Content Object (SCO) and the API model in which the burden of managing communication latency across the Internet is handled by the runtime environment, not by the content objects.

SCORM 1.1

The first production version. Used a Course Structure Format XML file based on the AICC specifications to describe content structure, but lacked a robust packaging manifest and support for metadata. Quickly abandoned in favor of SCORM 1.2.

SCORM 1.2

The first version with a real conformance test in the form of a test suite. Uses IMS Content Packaging specification with full content manifest and support for metadata describing the course. Also allows optional detailed metadata tagging of the content objects and assets described in the manifest. Usually works well; both the delivery system and content pass the test suite without cheating, but lacks sequencing and some other desirable features. No longer maintained or supported by ADL.

SCORM 2004

The current version. Based on new IEEE 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 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

• 1st Edition (January 2004) — versioning changed so each book could be independently maintained
• 2nd Edition (July 2004) — improvements regarding Content Aggregation Model and Run-Time Environment
• 3rd Edition (October 2006) — 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.

SCORM 2004 Specification Books

• Overview — introduces SCORM and describes how the other books relate
• Content Aggregation Model — describes packaging of content and Learning object
• 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
• Conformance Requirements — detailed list of the conformance requirements that are verified by the ADL SCORM conformance test suite.

SCORM Timeline

• January 1999 — Executive Order 13111 signed tasking the DoD to develop common specifications and standards for e-learning across both federal and private sectors
• 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)

See also

• Advanced Distributed Learning
• Authoring tool
• Computer aided instruction
• Educational technology
• Learning management system
• SLOOP Project

External links

Resources

• Official ADL SCORM overview
• A little more detail with good visual aids
• Directory of SCORM software products, services, and resources
• Concise articles like "SCORM For Dummies" and "SCORM For Developers", graphical reference poster and tools to help with conformance
• SCORM Information and Resources: Overview, Terminology, Conformance, Tutorials on content creation, and Downloads
• SCORM Project Cost Estimation Model
• ADL Community: Community site for advanced distributed learning technologies, including SCORM
• Online SCORM Player demonstrator

ADL Co-Lab Network

• Joint Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (Orlando, Florida) : Supports the integration of training and technology for the DoD
• Workforce Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (Memphis, Tennessee): Facilitation of SCORM Implimentation In Industry
• Academic Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (Madison, Wisconsin): Supports the evaluation and testing of ADL tools to enhance Academia
• United Kingdom Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory (Telford, England): This UK Partnership Lab promotes the development and acceptance of global e-learning standards
• Canada Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory (Ottawa, Canada): Support ADL implementation with the Canadian DND
• Advanced Distributed Learning Technology Center (Johnstown, Pennsylvania): Collaborates with all the ADL Co-Labs to develop and validate ADL concepts, technologies and utilities (see CTC)
• Alexandria ADL Co-Lab (Alexandria, Virginia): The Alexandria ADL Co-Lab acts as the central hub for coordinating and integrating the operations of the ADL co-labs
• Advanced Distributed Learning Job Performance Lab (Alexandria, Virginia): Their mission is to act as a catalyst for the advancement of research, development and implementation of dynamic capability-based job performance technology solutions across the Department of Defense