SCORM

Sharable 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 United States 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 Global, 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 1.1

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

This was the first version that was widely used. It is still widely used and is supported by most Learning Management Systems today.

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)
*October 2009 — SCORM 2.0 (Web 2.0)

References

* [http://www.letsi.org LETSI]
* [http://imsglobal.org/ IMS Global Learning Consortium, Inc]
* [http://aicc.org/ Aviation Industry CBT Committee]
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/scorm/ Official ADL SCORM overview]
* [http://www.jointadlcolab.org/support/index.aspx Joint ADL Co-Lab SCORM Support Toolkit]

ee also

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

External links

Resources

* [http://www.conform2scorm.com/ SCORM Resource Portal: Product and Service Directory, News, Forums, Jobs, and whitepapers]
* [http://www.scorm.com/pages/resources.aspx Concise articles like "SCORM For Dummies" and "SCORM For Developers", graphical reference poster and tools to help with conformance]
* [http://www.scormsoft.com/scorm SCORM Information and Resources: Overview, Terminology, Conformance, Tutorials on content creation, and Downloads]
* [http://www.coscomo.com/ SCORM Project Cost Estimation Model]
* [http://www.adlcommunity.net ADL Community: Community site for advanced distributed learning technologies, including SCORM]
* [http://adlcommunity.net/mod/resource/view.php?id=458 SCORM Primer by Philip Dodds, Chief Architect of SCORM]
* [http://www.jointadlcolab.org/downloads/scormcdg_1ed_sec7update_20050420.pdf? SCORM Best Practices Guide for Content Developers 1^st Edition (2003-02-28 updated 2004-04-05)]
* [http://www.scormdev.net SCORM Developer Network (Redbird DevNet): SCORM-related News, Forums, Jobs, Documentation, and more...]

ADL Co-Lab Network

* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/alexandria/index.aspx Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory Hub (Alexandria, Virginia)] : The ADL Co-Lab Hub coordinates the operations of the ADL Co-Labs
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/joint/index.aspx Joint Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (Orlando, Florida)] : Supports the integration of training and technology for the DoD
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/workforce/index.aspx Workforce Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (Memphis, Tennessee)] : Facilitation of SCORM Implementation In Industry
* [http://www.academiccolab.org Academic Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (Madison, Wisconsin)] : Supports the evaluation and testing of ADL tools to enhance Academia
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/technology/index.aspx Advanced Distributed Learning Technology Center (Johnstown, Pennsylvania)] : Collaborates with all the ADL Co-Labs to develop and validate ADL concepts, technologies and utilities
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/jptc/index.aspx 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
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/unitedkingdom/index.aspx United Kingdom Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory (Telford, England)] : This UK Partnership Lab promotes the development and acceptance of global e-learning standards
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/canada/index.aspx Canada Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory (Ottawa, Canada)] : Support ADL implementation with the Canadian DND
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/australia/index.aspx Australia ADL Partnership Laboratory (Brisbane, Australia)]
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/korea/index.aspx Korea ADL Partnership Laboratory (Seoul, Korea)]
* [http://www.adlnet.gov/colabs/mexico/index.aspx Latin American and Caribbean Regions ADL Partnership Laboratory (Ejidos de Huipulco, Mexico)]