SCORM for Beginners

Hello, dear e-learning newbie! If you're taking your first steps into the exciting world of e-learning and feeling a little confused by technical terms like "SCORM," then you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll explain what SCORM is, why it's important, and whether it's even something you should spend time on.

Here you can hear Tomas explain about SCORM in under 2 minutes:

SCORM stands for "Sharable Content Object Reference Model" (which doesn't help us much anyway, does it?). In a nutshell, SCORM is a standard that helps make e-learning content play nicely with different e-learning platforms - also called Learning Management Systems (LMSs). Read more about SCORM on the official website .

Think of SCORM like a PDF file: just as a PDF can contain anything from a Word document to an advanced CAD drawing, SCORM is also a format that ensures you can view e-learning content on a variety of platforms. And just like a PDF, you can't edit a SCORM file directly.

When should you worry about SCORM?

If you are going to start doing e-learning, it is important to know about SCORM and decide whether it is relevant for you. SCORM is especially important if you want a system that can manage and report on student progress and performance. This is done via a Learning Management System (LMS), which is an online platform for managing, delivering and tracking e-learning courses.

How to create SCORM content

To create SCORM-compliant content, you need to use an authoring tool, such as Articulate Storyline. Authoring tools help you design and develop e-learning courses and export them as SCORM files, which can then be imported and deployed in an LMS.

When should you not worry about SCORM?

If your e-learning doesn't require tracking and reporting user progress, or if you just want to create some simple instructional videos, then SCORM may not be necessary for you. There are other e-learning formats and technologies that may be a better fit for your needs.

LMS and SCORM: An important combination

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a platform used to manage, distribute, and report on e-learning. SCORM is an important standard for ensuring that your e-learning content works seamlessly across different LMSs. When choosing an LMS, it is important to ensure that it supports SCORM so that you can get the most out of your e-learning.

Beware of 'dirty tricks' from LMS suppliers

Some LMS vendors say that their platform can handle SCORM content. However, be aware that content developed in the platform's own content module may not necessarily be exportable as SCORM. This means that you may be locked into that LMS vendor. Therefore, be sure to check whether the LMS supports exporting SCORM content before choosing a vendor.

What does SCORM do for you?

SCORM allows you to track and report on student progress and performance. For example, you can see what a student answered on a question in a test and whether they completed a module. If you don't need to store this type of information, you may not need SCORM.

Authoring tools and LMS: Two sides of the same coin

When creating e-learning, it's important to distinguish between the authoring tool used to create the content and the LMS used to manage, distribute, and report on the e-learning. It's a good idea to keep the two separate, as it's the content that takes the longest to create and has the most value. If you build content directly in an LMS and later decide to switch platforms, it can be difficult to move your content.

Conclusion

SCORM is an important e-learning standard that helps ensure that your content works seamlessly across different LMSs. If you are getting started with e-learning, it is important to be aware of SCORM and consider whether it is relevant to you. If you do not need to track and report student progress, SCORM may not be necessary for your project. But remember to think ahead and consider whether it may be relevant in the future.

If you have any questions, please contact us .

Should we help you develop SCORM e-learning , or do you want to learn how to create e-learning yourself? Or are you looking for an LMS that won't break the bank?

We usually develop SCORM e-learning using the tools Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise , but can also create custom solutions and expand the possibilities of what you can do with SCORM.

You can also learn more: SCORM: The Ultimate Guide for Non-Techies