We’ve talked about the importance of data and learning analytics when it comes to creating educational content. In order to produce state-of-the-art educational programs, developers utilize this critical data to maximize learning potential. Making your LMS work for you is just the beginning when it comes to organizing this data, though.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to best track data in your LMS. Of the various formats out there, the most popular are SCORM and xAPI. Let’s learn more about the pros and cons of both so you can decide what the best option is for your eLearning course.
SCORM vs xAPI
Two of the most common eLearning standards developed to track student progress are SCORM and xAPI. While these tools are used for the same basic process, there are significant differences between the two. In terms of future scope and features, looking at SCORM and xAPI is like comparing apples and oranges.
Learn More About SCORM
The Sharable Content Object Reference Model, or SCORM, was developed over two decades ago. Initially, SCORM was not found to be very effective or popular, especially in the first two released versions.
Today that couldn’t be farther from the truth. SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 shocked the eLearning industry with their capabilities. Now, these two versions are the most widely used.
SCORM is effective in reporting basic user activities, including:
User score
Pass/fail
Time spent
Completion
SCORM Pros
Supported by a broad range of LMS, many companies prefer SCORM because of its nearly effortless usage.
Other benefits of SCORM include:
Widely supported by LMS
Learner’s pace controls tracking
Creation made easy
SCORM Cons
Although SCORM supports several LMS, one of the biggest pitfalls of this tool is its device compatibility. With different types of devices, SCOMR has far fewer activity tracking options.
Other downsides of SCORM include:
Limited tracking capabilities
Tracking is only available in LMS
No offline learning support
Learn More About xAPI
The future of eLearning analytics was previously known as Tin Can API, but today is more commonly referred to as Experience API or xAPI. The original developers named it Project Tin Can, but the name was later changed in April 2013 when Rustici Softwares ADL launched it with the name Experience API or xAPI.
Many eLearning platforms view xAPI as the future of analytics because of its ability to record user data from various platforms. Unlike SCORM, xAPI is not limited to LMS only. Additionally, personalized content based on eLearning behaviors can be developed from recorded activities and analyzed reports coming from xAPI.
With a vast day-to-day use case, xAPI can be used on any platform. Send xAPI statements with various primary technologies, including:
Games
Simulation
Mobiles
Webpages
Many others
You can record the experience of a specific person or a whole group’s activities with the technology standard of xAPI.
xAPI Pros
Deep activity tracking capabilities
Works across various platforms
Offline access
xAPI Cons
Not widely integrated with LMS
Why Understand the Differences Between SCORM vs xAPI?
Understanding the difference between SCORM and xAPI is crucial to learning and development teams. Ultimately, choosing the proper format will boil down to how well you want to analyze students to provide them with the most effective eLearning content available.
For example, if you have an existing LMS that supports SCORM, you’ll need to develop your content to ensure it maintains compatibility to get the most out of this format. While xAPI is an excellent tool and one we expect to see more of in the future, it might not be compatible with your existing LMS.
If you decide that having the capacity to record data during both online and offline interactions on various platforms is essential for your course, you might consider seeking out an LMS that is compatible with xAPI.
LRS and xAPI
Every xAPI ecosystem requires a Learning Record Store (LRS) component. Within an LRS, statements are stored with learning experience data. Using a standard format, data is sent to the LRS for storage from xAPI-enabled activities that generate the eLearning experience data based on triggers.
The LRS is capable of both receiving and storing data from a variety of sources, including:
eLearning Content
LMS
AR/VR
Classroom training
Business systems
Online forums
Comments
Mobile devices
Webpages
Simulations
Videos
Games
Apart from storing records, an LRS can live inside an LMS, stand independently, or provide additional value-added services. Generate valuable reports by using it as you would any other analytics tool to filter and process data.
How Does LRS Work?
Since an LRS is primarily used for data storage sent by your xAPI-enabled eLearning content, the workings of it is simple and secure. It doesn’t matter where your data source is coming from, whether it be simulations or online courses; utilizing this tool is simple.
For example, let’s say you create a quiz for your eLearners. Your xAPI content will start recording their activities from the moment they begin the quiz. As they continue through the quiz, your xAPI content will send all data to the LRS. You can see statements in the LRS which show results, such as attempted, answered, completed, and passed or failed.
LRS Benefits
All content creators and developers understand the hardship in the limitations more LMS companies provide. Learning data and reports can often not be exported for your use. With an LRS, however, one of the primary benefits is that you have complete control of your data.
While having LRS offers countless benefits, here are some of the most prevalent:
Improved content
Insight into learner’s experience
Built for every industry and domain
Hosts to cloud
Stores data in an organized manner
Integration is not confined to one LMS
You own the data
Final Thoughts
SCORM and xAPI are amongst the most popular data tracking formats on the market. Taking a closer look into both means identifying both strengths and weaknesses of both formats. Upon learning more, you should now have a better understanding of which design will work best for your eLearning content.