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This post will take you through everything you need to know about SCORM compliance and how to choose the right LMS to achieve results.
What is SCORM?
Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a set of technical content standards for creating and launching online training courses. It provides data models and communication approach that enables smooth integration between LMS and e-learning content.
SCORM files are easy to create, thanks to its editor that helps to create packages automatically. It’s also the most widely used content standards in e-learning.
What is SCORM compliant LMS?
A SCORM compliant LMS is an online learning platform that is compatible with SCORM. This online platform has many advantages that it offers during an e-learning course creation.
One of them is that it enables reuse of course content, and that helps to improve the effectiveness of training. Apart from that, it also helps to track learners’ performance to know the completion rate of your course content.
Often, we hear about SCORM compliance, however, it is a general term for three levels of SCORM support. Apart from LMS being SCORM compliance, it can also be SCORM conformance or SCORM certified. For most users, there’s no difference between SCORM compliance and conformance.
Both mean that LMS supports content standards. However, the difference is in the number of computer-managed instruction (CMI) elements that the different levels of support.
On the other hand, SCORM certified LMS ensures that a specific product under discussion gets certified by SCORM governing body, ADL.
Are all SCORM compliant learning management systems the same?
The answer is NO.
Although they play a similar role in the case of launching and tracking learning experiences, everything else is different. While some LMS have the ease of use and flexibility features, some don’t.
Because of that, you need to make thorough researches before opting for one for your online training. Below are some of the checklists that can guide you to choose a SCORM compliant LMS for your course creation.
Is the LMS supported by SCORM governing body?
The first checklist to choose a SCORM compliant LMS is checking to know if the LMS gets supports from ADL. If not, you can check which SCORM Application Program Interface (API) elements get supported by the software.
What version of SCORM is/are supported and which is preferred
Even though an LMS can support all versions of SCORM, there’s still a chance for preference. Preference in the sense that the LMS can work best on a particular version of SCORM compared to other versions.
So, to achieve the best results, you should make a thorough check and opt for that with the highest preference for your online training.
Is it easy to import SCORM content?
While choosing a SCORM compliant LMS is vital, it’s also essential to know if it’s easy to import your content with LMS. Some authoring tools like Wizcabin enables instructors to upload their SCORM package, while some don’t.
Take time to understand the LMS and ensure it can allow you to import your content with ease.
Does the LMS has a particular level of SCORM RTE that it supports?
Another checklist to choose a SCORM compliant LMS is checking ‘what level of SCORM Runtime Environment’ the LMS supports.
Ideally, there are three tiers of data model elements to provide learners with an optimized experience. The first tier, known as the norm, is the most important. The elements include:
- cmi.completion_status, cmi.success_status, and cmi.score.scale
- cmi.session_time
- cmi.location
- cmi.exit
The second tier includes interactions, objectives, and cmi.progress_measure. The third tiers have some extra data model elements, including entry, mode, and credit.
Does the LMS enable course opening on new windows?
This checklist is vital to choose a SCORM compliant LMS that can quickly find a specific window to open up a course.
Pop-ups mostly often slow down activities, so ensure you opt for the right LMS that enables this feature.
Does the LMS require installing an extra plugin?
While some LMS work directly with HTML5 and JavaScript, some require that you install a VPN or other plugins before working. So, to achieve the best results, make a thorough research and opt for the LMS that works directly on HTML5.
These and many more are the checklists that you need to put into consideration while choosing a SCORM compliant LMS to create your online course. Take time to dive deep into the technical part of the LMS before making your choice.
