1. What is SCORM?

SCORM is a collection of specifications and standards for e-learning. SCORM defines how online learning content and Learning Management Systems communicate with each other, as well as how content may be packaged into transferable ZIP files.

SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model.

2. What version of SCORM do I need?

It depends on your requirements and what it is you need the Learning Management System to be able to handle. In particular, if you expect the system to be able to handle complex sequencing requirements for courseware and questions, then you will want to look for SCORM 2004 4th Edition (or 3rd Edition at a minimum).

There are 4 main SCORM Certificate Products. These are:

• SCORM Version 1.2
• SCORM 2004 2nd Edition
• SCORM 2004 3rd Edition
• SCORM 2004 4th Edition

SCORM is produced by ADL, a research group sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. Each SCORM Vendor has the ability to be registered with the ADL as:

• Compliant
• Conformant
• Certificated
• Adoptor

SCORM Version 1.2 was originally released in October 2001.  This version gave the ability to package instructional material and metadata for import and export was added.  The content package is an integral piece for meeting one of the overall requirements of SCORM interoperability.

SCORM 2004 2nd Edition was originally released in July 2004.  This version continued to build upon the common web based Content Aggregation Model and Run Time Environment for learning content.  This version built up its collection of specifications and standards adapted from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive suite of e-learning capabilities that enable interoperability, accessibility and reusability of web based learning content.

SCORM 2004 3rd Edition was originally released in October 2006.  This version implements the complications of sequencing and navigation specifications.

SCORM 2004 4th Edition was originally released in March 2009.  This version continues to expand on the complications of sequencing and navigation specifications.  This version broadens the options available to content authors for the sequencing functions.

If a SCORM Vendor is acknowledged with SCORM 2004 4th Edition registration then their LMS should be able to play any SCORM Training Content that has been developed for any of the previous versions that are available.

3. What is an LMS/LCMS?

An LMS (Learning Management System) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs and training content.

An LCMS (Learning Content Management System) provides the ability to develop, manage and publish training content that is delivered by an LMS.

4. How can I verify that a Vendors PIF is SCORM valid?

To verify that a Vendors PIF (Package Interchange File) is SCORM valid, you need:

• A Sample PIF from the Vendor
• ADL Test Suite

It is possible to download the SCORM Test Suite from the ADL website (it's free). Once this Test Suite has been downloaded and installed onto a standard PC you can start the Test Suite. When the Test Suite has loaded into your default Web Browser click onto the Content Package Conformance Test, upload the PIF and allow the Test Suite to process the PIF. At the completion of the test, the Test Suite will provide you with a full report on the results of the test.

5. Do instructors need to know about SCORM?

Generally instructors don't have to be aware of SCORM.  The LCMS/LMS that is used should handle the SCORM training content and produce training content quickly and easily.  The training content is the focus of the instructors.

Training developers needs to understand how to create the content to be included in a PIF and how to create the PIF with the LSCM so that it can be imported into the LMS.  Once training developers know and understand this process, they do not need to understand the background details on what is happening when the PIF is created.

6. How can SCORM and S1000D work together?

The combination of SCORM and S1000D allows training developers to re-use technical content that is stored within an S1000D repository.  This allows training developers and technical writers to use the same base content.

The big issue Technical Writers have is that they don't want training developers to change the technical content.  Training developers must only have 'read only' access to the technical content.  S1000D technical writers have a specific procedure on how to manage their content, whereas training developers need the ability to re-use this content but not be able to change the core content.  Training developers have the ability to enhance around the S1000D technical content but cannot change the actual content contained in the S1000D repository.

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