SCORM 101

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a set of guidelines, specifications, and standards developed to encourage the development of reusable Web-based instruction.

In A Nutshell
SCORM compliant learning is geared for reuse and development speed. The instruction is not constructed in one solid, self-contained presentation. It is sectioned into pieces. A page of code, called a manifest, dictates what section of the learning is called from the database and when. This allows different courses to use the learning piece simultaneously. The learning piece only exists once. If that piece is taken by a developer and customized to meet a specific need, it becomes a new piece that is also available for reuse.

SCORM standards provide a model that describes how learning content is designed, stored, and retrieved. The learning pieces are stored in a database and tagged with meta-tags. The complex meta-tags provide descriptions of the learning piece and other information that allows easy retrieval. Additional code monitors the learner’s interaction with the learning and records it for later reporting and analysis.

A Little History
In 1997, the DoD established the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADI) initiative. The task for ADI was to bring training in the Department of Defense (DoD) up to date and develop e-learning standards for use by the DoD as well as the private and academia sectors. At the time, different organizations and groups were developing their own standards as they developed e-learning. In January 1999, the DoD was enlisted, by Executive Order 13111, to work with both private and government agencies on the development of standards for technology-based learning.

What’s SCORM?
“SCORM applies current technology developments to a specific content model by producing recommendations for consistent implementations. SCORM is built upon the work of the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training (CBT) Committee (AICC), the IMS Global Learning Consortium, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Alliance for Remote Instructional Authoring and Distribution Networks for Europe (ARIADNE) and others to create one unified ‘reference model’ of interrelated technical specifications, standards and guidelines that meet Department of Defense (DoD) high-level requirements for Web-based learning content.”

SCORM addresses:

• Portability: Ability to deploy content in any SCORM conformant Learning Management System (LMS).
• Reusability: Ability to search and retrieve content objects, including lessons, modules, exercises, activities, media, etc. and reuse them.
• Data tracking: Ability to track data about the learner and the learner’s experience including scores, time, comments, etc.
• Sequencing: Ability to combine content objects to achieve sequencing or branching strategies.

Source: ADLNet.org, “Introduction to the SCORM for Instructional Designers”, ©2003 Advanced Distributed Learning

The learning industry is steadily learning about and adopting the SCORM standard for development.

For more information on e-Learning standards, please visit these websites:
Advanced Distributed Learning
Aviation Industry CBT Committee