An important concept in online learning is the technical standard of SCORM. SCORM, which is an acronym for Shareable Content Object Reference Model, has long been the de facto ‘format’ for elearning files which need to be shared between learning platforms.
SCORM allows elearning content to be hosted by a SCORM compatible learning platform. Learners can access the SCORM file while the learning platform receives data about the learner’s progress (such as assessment results and course completion).
SCORM is not a design standard. It does not specify the quality of learning materials or instructional design techniques. Furthermore, SCORM is only important to an organisation when it needs elearning content in a common – shareable – format. This is typically in three situations.
The organisation uses elearning content from a third-party – it might be a purchased module from an external library or content developed by an elearning consultant for the organisation.
The organisation has developed elearning content of its own using traditional elearning authoring tools that export its content in SCORM format. This might be a library of legacy training developed over the years.
The organisation needs to share its elearning content with a third party. This is typically when an organisation is selling online training modules (so the other party to situation 1).
So how does this relate to Tribal Habits?
Tribal Habits is a modern learning platform which integrates online training development with online training distribution and administration. In legacy terms,this means Tribal Habits is both an elearning authoring tool and a learning management system (LMS).
Tribal Habits uses a proprietary format for its online training modules, allowing seamless integration between the training creator, the learners and the administrations. For example, it can use personal information about the learner within modules, share knowledge between learners of the same module and capture a fantastic range of learning data (far more than the SCORM standard supports).
For organisations working exclusively within Tribal Habits, the platform is an all-in-one solution which goes well beyond the combination of separate elearning authoring software and LMS. It eliminates any reliance on the legacy SCORM format.
However, what if your organisation has legacy content in the SCORM format? Or needs to access third-party content which is only available in SCORM? Or needs to share your unique Tribal Habits training with a third party?
This is where our SCORM element and SCORM links come into play, as we combine the best of legacy standards with the latest elearning technologies.
SCORM element. Our SCORM element is a unique element in our building-block editor. It allows creators to upload (import) an external SCORM module into a Tribal Habits article or topic. This effectively makes Tribal Habits a learning management system (LMS) capable of hosting SCORM modules. Our SCORM element also supports cmi5, AICC and xAPI formats. You can learn more about the SCORM element here.
SCORM link. Our SCORM links are innovative SCORM-compatible files that can be used to share your native Tribal Habits content with third-party learning management systems. Until traditional SCORM modules, with SCORM links you can share links to your content without losing control of your content. You can also continue to track learning data and publish instant updates to your content. You can learn more about SCORM links here.