Sharable Content Object Reference Model

Draft

Definition

• SCORM is a sort of "standards package" promoted by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative by the US government, i.e. the Department of Defense (DOD). However, SCORM is also a de facto Industry Standard.

• The "Sharable Content Object Reference Model" (SCORM) specifies how learning content should be coded, how others can later "discover" that content, how it fits into a sequence of learning activities, and how its appearance through the delivery media can be customized for the individual learner.

• Here is another quote from their Web Site (feb 2006): "The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) defines a Web-based learning "Content Aggregation Model" and "Run-Time Environment" for learning objects. At its simplest, it is a reference model that references a set of interrelated technical specifications and guidelines designed to meet DoD's high level requirements for Web-based learning content. These requirements include, but are not limited to, reusability, accessibility, durability and interoperability."

• Until 2000 SCORM was an acronym for "Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model".

Contents

It is quite difficult to understand how exactly IMS and SCORM relate for each SCORM release:

Comment

While SCORM represents today's main-stream e-learning that is totally focused on delivery of courseware it does not represent in our opinion all of what educational technology should be. The main long-term contribution of SCORM was its insistence on data standards and interoperability which indeed was a major issue for organizations like the US Department of Defense that sponsors over 30'000 training courses. Frustration over non existing standards also led industry and even parts of Academia to adopt SCORM.

Tools

There are a number of tools that allow you to edit Scorm 1.2 or 1.3 compatible contents, e.g here a 2 free ones:

• Reload Scorm Editor
• eXe

However, be warned. Full SCORM compatibility is not guaranteed even if your vendor says so. E.g. your LMS may well play contents, but not be able to provide user tracking.

Links

• Advanced Distributed Learning, home of SCORM.