SCORM explained to teachers

Essential elements for an elearning course include:

• people (teachers, tutors, learners, etc.)
• a pedagogical model for the organization and management of the course;
• digital content (Learning Objects);
• a software platform to deliver the course, also called Learning Management System or Virtual Learning Environment (e.g. Moodle);

SCORM addresses the last two elements. Specifically, if we don’t use a standard to produce Learning Objects (like SCORM), we risk that:

• LOs are produced in a proprietary format (not compliant to a standard) and can be only used with those LMSs that can "launch" and exchange data with LOs developed in that specific format;
• LOs produced in a specific LMS cannot be used in a different one; for example, it's not easy to export learning content produced in Moodle to Docebo (another LMS);
• It is almost impossible to create searchable content or content repositories
• Reusability of Learning Objects is strongly limited by their proprietary format.

On the contrary, by adopting SCORM:

• an LMS can launch LOs produced by different software and exchange data with them;
• different LMSs can launch the same LO and exchange data with it;

Referring back to the initial question on this page, we think that whoever is involved in the production of content for elearning programs should be aware of the potential offered by the adoption of standards like SCORM, including the possibility to track learner progress, to search for Learning Objects on the Net, to develop reusable and interoperable LOs, …