Sharable Content Object Reference Model
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:
Versions
(the following is a translation from the French page version of this wiki)
- SCORM 1.0
January 2000: The original version of SCORM was primarily a test version. The concept of a Sharable Content Object (SCO) was introduced and after some testing, ADL made some implementation examples available.
- SCORM 1.1
January 2001 marked the end of the implementation phase and the beginning of the application phase. This version used a XML file based on AICC specifications for describing content structure. Also noteworthy is the momentous change from Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model to Sharable Content Object Reference Model. This version, though improved still lacked support for metadata and was quickly replaced by SCORM 1.2.
SCORM 1.2
Octobre 2001: Cette version fut la première offrant la possibilité d'importer et d'exporter les meta-data et de rassembler le contenu pédagogique en un seul matériel à travers le "IMS Content Packaging specification". Cette version n'est actuellement plus offerte par ADL car remplacée par la version SCORM 2004. [modifier] SCORM 2004
Janvier 2004: Version actuelle basée sur les standards IEEE pour API. Cette version offre la possibilité d'adapter les spécifications pour les séquences en fonction des séquences d'activités. Elle permet aussi de partager et d'utiliser des informations d'un apprenant concernant le statut des objectifs d'apprentissage et les compétences tout au long des différents content objects et cours du moment qu'ils se trouvent au sein du même LMS. Cette version plus robuste offre une meilleure intéroperabilité.
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:
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.