E-learning solutions can transform the way you do business, but to work properly, they should incorporate SCORM learning software solutions. Learn more about these solutions and what they can do for you.
If you’ve been talking about a learning management system or LMS, the term SCORM has probably come up several times. SCORM learning software solutions are key to creating learning platforms that you can use with any type of coursework.
What Is SCORM and What Can It Do for Your Business?
It’s an acronym for Shareable Content Object Reference Model, which is a set of technical standards for learning software. SCORM ensures that learning platforms can share content easily.
It standardizes the way trainers create content and the rules each course must follow. SCORM learning software is universal and shareable.
SCORM is analogous to a DVD player. You can play any DVD in any standard DVD player, but you can’t play your DVD in a Blu-ray player, and you can’t play Blu-ray discs in a DVD player. Similarly, you can “play” a SCORM-based course in any SCORM learning management system.
What Is a SCORM Learning Management System (LMS)?
In a SCORM LMS, SCORM technology provides a reliable, standard way to determine:
How to present content on an LMS.
How to assess student success.
How students engage with the material.
How course software and the LMS can share information like bookmarks, student monitoring and contact information.
How Does SCORM Work?
When course designers create their online tools and courses, they must incorporate SCORM elements. SCORM learning software should always be compliant with the SCORM technical standards.
Brief History of SCORM
You may have just heard of SCORM, but it has been around a long time.
SCORM came into the world in the late 1990s. The US government directed federal agencies to use online training. The goal was to create consistent, unified training across departments.
The Department of Defense (DOD) realized that many learning platforms and training programs were incompatible with each other. This created an enormous waste of time and energy because every agency and department had its own courses, learning platforms and tracking systems. This made it impossible for successful trainers to share their materials. Students who successfully completed courses couldn’t transfer their credits easily across departments. There was too much duplication of work on all sides.
Making Consistency Out of Chaos
The DOD wanted to create a unified system that would:
Deliver consistent training.
Track training compliance.
Monitor student progress.
Allow trainers to share content.
Use consistent assessments.
Under a program authorized by then-president Bill Clinton, the DOD began a massive research project to create software that would work across all departments and platforms. SCORM was the result.
SCORM quickly became an essential part of government training programs and then migrated to civilian use. Today, it is difficult to find high-level, top-quality courseware that is not SCORM-compliant.
Is That Software SCORM-Compliant? Know Your Terminology
An LMS can be SCORM-conformant, SCORM-compliant or SCORM-certified. If it’s SCORM-conformant or SCORM-compliant, it supports SCORM standards.
SCORM-certified software has the highest level of SCORM compliance. This level is only available to an LMS that has been certified by Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL). ADL is an independent group of software engineers who test software and LMS platforms for SCORM elements.
Are you working with a software developer for your SCORM learning software solutions? Be sure the developer is working with SCORM-compliant or SCORM-certified software.
Benefits of Adding SCORM to Your Product or Platform
Does SCORM really matter in an LMS? Here are the chief benefits of using SCORM-based software.
Provides Total Interoperability
Interoperability is the basis of SCORM compliance.
An LMS and course content are separate elements of a training program, but they need each other. An LMS needs good course content, and a course needs a reliable platform. SCORM is the intermediary between these two elements. The concept of interoperability means your content and technology work together now and in years to come. As your needs change, it’s easy to adapt your SCORM-based content.
Gives You Freedom to Change LMS Platforms
SCORM gives you flexibility and the freedom to change LMS providers. If you want to change your LMS, you won’t have to replace all your courses with new ones. Using SCORM-based courses means you can use any LMS provider.
Creates More Interactive Learning
SCORM-compliant courses make it easy to add interactive elements. You can use images and avatars to guide learners to the right steps, offer tips and suggest reminders. You can set up games or puzzles that test the learner’s absorption of the material. You can make learning fun with interactive experiences, spot quizzes and direct engagement.
Creates Great-Looking Courses
SCORM-compliant courses are sophisticated. They have professional videos, graphics and interactive elements that make them very appealing. Using SCORM courses is a necessity if you want professional-looking courses and training programs.
Gives You Access to the Best Content
The best course creation tools use SCORM-compliant software. If you want courses and training materials that meet your high standards, you must use a SCORM-based platform.
Keeps You Compliant With Many Government Requirements
Because the government developed it, SCORM keeps your coursework compliant with the requirements of many accreditation bodies and federal guidelines. Many of these bodies, for instance, require minimum viewing times for courses before students can pass them. A SCORM-based course typically includes timers that ensure students stay on a page or a unit for a specific length of time before they can move on to the next one.
Get the SCORM Edge With a Software Developer
If you’re looking at LMS solutions, you’re probably consulting with a software developer. Be sure the developer is working with:
The latest version of SCORM technology.
SCORM-compliant authoring tools.
A fully supportive LMS platform.
As an expert in SCORM-based learning solutions, Chetu can create customized software solutions specific to your company and your needs. These products make it easy to get a SCORM-based learning management system.
To learn more about SCORM technology and what our world-class software solutions can do for you, contact Chetu today.