SCORM, in 2023?
SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of LMS standards built in 1999, the early days of e-learning, to allow educational content to be shared across multiple platforms. It was developed at a time when highly linear content was the norm. The latest update was in 2004. It runs off of the JavaScript programming language.
SCORM cannot measure a learner's understanding of the material or the effectiveness of the learning experience, nor does it measure non-quantitative elements such as attitude, engagement, and motivation.
Human Resources likes it as it is a widely accepted industry standard for eLearning.
The problem is in the limited scope.
- Its data tracking capabilities are limited to a few standard types of interactions.
- It does not have the capability to track more complex interactions such as user-defined variables or custom interactions.
- It does not hold up well over time. As e-learning technology advances, the data that SCORM can track may become obsolete.
- It can be difficult to implement without knowledge of authoring tools, making it difficult for e-learning developers to use it effectively.
What SCORM can measure
Ask yourself; "Do these data points guarantee we have created and taught the knowledge, skills and attitudes, or are we ticking boxes for compliance purposes?"
- Course completion rate
- Time spent on course
- Score on quizzes and tests
- Number of attempts on tests or quizzes
- Number of interactions with course materials
- Number of bookmarks created
- Number of visits to course
- Number of items viewed
- Number of items skipped
- Number of help requests
- Number of glossary terms viewed
- Number of activities completed
- Number of objectives achieved
- Number of times course is launched
- Number of times course is completed
- Number of times course is revisited
- Number of times course fails to launch
- Number of times course elements are viewed
- Number of times course elements are skipped
- Number of times course elements are accessed
- Number of times course elements are revisited
- Number of times course elements are completed
- Number of attempts on questions
- Number of correct answers on questions
- Number of incorrect answers on questions
- Number of unanswered questions
- Number of media items viewed
- Number of times course is shared
- Number of course elements shared with others
- Number of times course is recommended
Why You Don't Need a SCORM Compliant LMS
- Cost - SCORM can be expensive to implement and maintain, especially in large organizations.
- Compatibility - Different versions of it might not be compatible with different, newer LMSs, making it difficult to ensure content is compatible across platforms.
- Fragmentation - it can be fragmented when used with different LMSs, and this can lead to content being delivered differently across platforms.
- Limited Functionality - it is limited in functionalities that are available to Instructional Designers, such as analytics and tracking.
- Complexity - it and other related technologies can be complicated to use and understand, making it difficult for Instructional Designers to create effective and engaging content.
- Support - it has limited support from vendors and the open source community, making it difficult to troubleshoot issues.
- Security - it is vulnerable to hackers and other malicious actors, leading to potential privacy and security risks.
- Limited Customization - it can be limited in terms of customization and personalization, making it difficult for Instructional Designers to create content that is tailored to their learners.
- Time Consuming - Implementing and maintaining it can be time consuming and complex, making it difficult for Instructional Designers to keep up with changes.
- Inflexible - it is not very flexible and can be difficult to adapt to different types of content and platforms.