SCORM Overview
Standards-based
eLearning
What is
the SCORM?
The SCORM is the standard
content model for web-based learning. It is part of the US government’s desire
to coordinate and standardize existing and emerging eLearning systems. The
SCORM, or SharableContent Object Reference Model,
specifies that web-based learning content should be:
·
Accessible – Create, find and add self-contained instructional
components known as Sharable Content Objects (SCOs) to build a web-based
course. A course can be created with SCOs stored locally or accessed from
several remote sources.
·
Interoperable – When SCOs are retrieved into different LMS
systems, the navigation, tracking and recording mechanisms will work.
·
Durable – Ensures that SCOs do not need redesigning, reconfiguring
or recoding when new technology or systems come along.
·
Reusable – SCOs are recombined into different web-based courses
for additional learners to maximize the value of the content.
·
Cost-Effective – Quality content is easier to find, use and reuse.
An organization can also maximize its budget by using existing content from
course developers.
Does Online
Training and Education support the SCORM?
Online Training and Education is a strong advocate for the SCORM. In February 2003, Avilar’s WebMentor LMS
was the first LMS to be SCORM Certified.WebMentor has implemented many
innovations such as SCORMFront, which provides
flexible behaviors and templates for SCORM courseware. In addition, Avilar offers a unique SCORM debugger allowing you to
examine content and identify any parts that may not meet the standard.
Who is
responsible for the SCORM?
The Advanced Distributed
Learning (ADL) Initiative (http://www.adlnet.org), an organization
sponsored by the US Department of Defense, is responsible for developing and
managing the SCORM standard. Their vision is “to provide access to the highest
quality education and training, tailored to individual needs, delivered
cost-effectively anywhere and anytime”.
What is
the difference between certification and conformance?
The ADL rigorously
evaluates Learning Management Systems and content to determine if they are
fully compliant to the SCORM standard. Only fully compliant products and
content are SCORM-certified by the ADL.
Many eLearning companies
claim to be conformant to the standard when their product is not compliant to
the SCORM standard.
What is
the latest version of the SCORM?
SCORM 2004
Are all
certified SCORM 1.2 LMS products certified to the same level?
No, there are three levels
of certification: LMS-RTE1, LMS-RTE2 and LMS-RTE3. WebMentor
LMS is certified to LMS-RTE-3, which is the highest level of certification.
What do
the SCORM 1.2 LMS-RTE1, LMS-RTE2 and LMS-RTE3 certification levels mean and why
is it best to insist on LMS RTE3?
LMS_RTE3 is the highest
level of certification that an LMS can receive when it undergoes certification
testing. SCORM 1.2 specifies three levels of certification.
·
LMS-RTE1 means that the LMS has only implemented the mandatory
portions of SCORM.
·
LMS-RTE2 means that the LMS has implemented the mandatory and some
of the optional portions of SCORM.
·
LMS-RTE3 means that the LMS has fully implemented SCORM 1.2. You
should insist on an LMS that has this level of certification since it gives you
the best chance at ensuring that SCORM 1.2 content can run on it.
Can WebMentor LMS support content that was created with older
versions of SCORM?
WebMentor LMS can
support SCORM version 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2. There are currently many SCORM 1.1
courses available, and it is important to be able to support these in your LMS.
Will
courseware, currently in development, need to be completely reworked in the
future, because it isn't SCORM-conformant?
It is the ADL’s belief that
most electronic courseware will not have to be "completely reworked".
Many vendors are creating tools to reduce the conversion as well as initial SCO
creation time.
Does the
SCORM standardization of courseware restrict instructional designers when
creating learning materials?
It is intended that the
SCORM have minimal impact on instructional design. ADL requests help from
designers and academics to understand how the reference model affects
instructional design.
How do I
find out more about the SCORM?
Go to the ADL web site - http://www.adlnet.org