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Learning Management Systems (LMS) |
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| Typically e-learning courses are delivered through the Learning Management System (LMS). Many LMSs have their own standards and courses created using one LMS system cannot be used by another. The limitations of LMS and different types of e-learning courses, which “cannot talk to each other” made the implementation of e-learning solutions difficult on a large scale. A LMS takes care of administering the courses; monitoring the users, providing support through remote evaluations and emails. With rapid changes in technology, the deployment time for e-learning solutions has shortened. Hence, practical and simple standards for development and deployment has become more critical. |
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| Understanding these difficulties, the Aviation Industry Computer Based Training Committee (AICC), IMS Global Learning Consortium, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Alliance for Remote Instructional Authoring and Distribution Networks for Europe (ARIADNE) came together and developed the SCORM (Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model) standard. | |||||||||
| What is SCORM? The SCORM is a collection of specifications adapted from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive suite of e-learning capabilities that enable interoperability, accessibility and reusability. It is a suite of technical standards that enable Web-based learning systems to find, import, share, reuse, and export learning content in a standardised way. The SCORM version 1.0 was released on January 2000, while versions 1.1 and 1.2 were released on January 2001 and October 2001, respectively. instructional material and meta-data for import and export. These XML-based specifications provided a crucial link between learning content repositories and LMS. This version of SCORM incorporates the IMS Global Learning Consortium’s content packaging specification and expands it to include additional course structure capabilities. SCORM 2004 The latest release of SCORM is version 1.3 or SCORM 2004, released in January 2004. SCORM 2004 has Content Aggregation Model (CAM), with Content Packaging and Content organisation Improved Run Time Environment (RTE) Sequencing and Navigation (SN) model. The Content Aggregation Model (CAM) defines how to aggregate, describe and sequence learning objects. It describes how to package learning components for exchange from system to system, how to use the components to search and discovery, and how to define the sequencing rules for the components. The CAM promotes consistent storage, labeling, packaging, exchange and discovery of the content. A content package, in a general sense, bundles content objects with a content organisation that is described in a manifest. The Run-Time Environment (RTE) defines the run-time communication and the data that needs to be tracked for learning objects. It describes the LMS requirements for managing the run-time environment (i.e., content launch process, communication between content and LMS and standardised data model elements used for passing information about the learner). The Sequencing and Navigation (SN) model describes how the SCORM content can be sequenced through a set of learner-initiated or system-initiated navigation events and how the LMS interprets the sequencing rules expressed by a content developer. The SCORM SN defines a method for representing the intended behaviour of an authored learning experience such that any SCORM compliant LMS will sequence discrete learning activities in a consistent way. The content developer is responsible for defining the rules to which a LMS must adhere. These rules are expressed within content structure and encoded in the organisation section of content packaging. SCORM compliant distributed learning environment permits interoperability of learning tools and course content on a global scale. A number of SCORM compliant learning management systems are available in the market. One can either use the ‘off-the-shelf’ SCORM compliant LMS or develop one based on the specifications provided by run-time environment. The instructional designers and e-learning content producers can develop the SCORM compliant content based on the specifications given in CAM, RTE and SN models. The SCORM compliant content can be imported into any SCORM compliant LMS. So what does this mean for E-Learning? The advent of common delivery standards means that compliant E-Learning content can be created and distributed across different organisations with the confidence that it will run efficiently and effectively, as intended. Features of the LMS will be fully implemented by all the component courses, forming a coherent whole training system. This has benefits for users and administrators alike. SCORM 2004 and future version of SCORM will provide standardised ways to offer high quality, interactive individualised training, which can be deployed in the shortest possible time. |
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SCORM and Generation Software Ltd As training providers, GSL has been producing feature-rich content across a variety of platforms for a wide range of health & safety subjects. Our browser-based courses are now all available in a certified SCORM compliant model, for implementation in third party LMSs. |
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| Considering setting up a SCORM compliant LMS?
If you want to implement a range of SCORM courses from a variety of training providers, you will need a delivery platform that is cost effective, robust and scalable. The Enterprise Knowledge Platform (EKP) from NetDimensions is a powerful family of multilingual learning management systems, chosen by HSBC,ING, ABN AMRO, Cathay Pacific Airways and other leading multinationals. Comprising EKP Bronze, EKP Silver and EKP Gold, the EKP LMS family combines user-friendly designs and mission critical reliability with seamless upgrade paths and the benefits of an enterprise-class application. GSL has partnered with NetDimensions and we would be happy to provide the EKP platform for our ELearning courses, ask for details. |
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