Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)
SCORM Explained
What is SCORM?
Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a way to build training courses and other training material so it can be used on different learning management software (LMS) systems that are also SCORM compliant.
SCORM allows a course owner and developer to build their courses in such a way that they can host it on multiple LMS software systems, and allow for greater competition in the LMS marketplace. If you create training material in a SCORM format you can easily take that material to any SCORM compliant LMS software. The alternative is to be locked into one LMS software provider due to content being made in a format not accepted elsewhere.
The actual shareable content can be any size, but as the SCORM.com site explains it’s “the smallest piece of content that is both reusable and independent. In terms of how the LMS treats it, this is the item shown separately in the table of contents and tracked separately from other items. It can contain its own bookmark, score and completion status.”
Creating SCORM Courses
Creating a SCORM Course
You can create SCORM courses using a rapid development tool like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate or Trivantis Lectora which are somewhat similar to PowerPoint in functionality. After you have created the course in one of these development tools you simply save it in the SCORM format.
Versions of SCORM
- SCORM 1.1
- SCORM 1.2
- SCORM 2004
- 1.1 was the first version of SCORM and never saw much adoption. It is unlikely that you will find many systems that support SCORM 1.1
- This version is the one that caught on and became widely accepted by LMS software and countless companies will still make content that align with the SCORM 1.2 requirements.
- SCORM 2004 is the latest version of SCORM, and has additional features that were supposed to give content creators more flexibility compared to SCORM 1.2. It has not had the traction that version 1.2 had. SCORM 2004 was also originally called version 1.3 so if you see SCORM 1.3 around the internet, it will be referring to version 2004.
SCORM MEDIA
BIStrainer not only supports SCORM 1.2 and 2004, but also offers a course creation tool that directly uploads mainstream media formats like MP4, HTML5, JPEG, PNG, PDF, and much more. Load PowerPoints directly into the system in just a few simple steps, then program randomized multiple choice questions between desired slides. Load how-to videos taken with your smartphone, add questions, then assign the course to thousands of people in minutes. The flexibility of mainstream media puts your courses over and above SCORM and AICC standards, giving you the advantage of getting your training out faster, more efficiently, and more effectively.
NEXT-LEVEL INTEGRATION
Get the data you need where and when you need it with full Application Programming Interface (API) and Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities. BIStrainer can connect to your HR management system and other database applications to ensure all of your data is instantly available. The system can even directly sync with your payroll software so that users can be added weekly, daily, or in real time. This means that, when a new team member is added to payroll, he/she is instantly added to your LMS. If someone leaves your organization, the system will automatically remove him/her. You can even transfer all course completion data, including digital certificates, to another database.
SCORM Gives You Flexibility & Options
Make sure your content is transferable to other LMS software.
Our team would be happy to help with your course development, and there is never an obligation to use the BIS LMS
