e-Learning Standards

There's a lot of buzz about standards in the e-Learning marketplace these days. Acronyms like SCORM and AICC are frequently heard. So what's the point, why all the activity and discussion?

e-Learning standards are being developed to meet three primary needs:

• Interoperability: Learning systems and solutions work well together
• Accessibility: Content is available to learners when and where they need it
• Reusability: Content learning objects or chunks can be used again and again

From a business perspective, e-Learning standards are important. Businesses should expect their investments in e-Learning programs, learning management systems, content learning management systems, and support services create long-term returns. Standards ensure that content, systems, and services work well together initially, and over time, and that content specifically is accessible and reusable. Non-compliant e-learning offerings can yield early obsolescence and weak ROI.