Explained: SCORM 1.2 vs xAPI eLearning Content

Overview of SCORM 1.2 and TinCan

SCORM 1.2

• Introduction: SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) 1.2 is a widely used standard for packaging and delivering e-learning content. It defines how content can be packaged into a course, how content communicates with learning management systems (LMS), and how learners' interactions with the content are tracked.
• Key Features:
  • Interoperability: Ensures that content packages can be used across LMS platforms provided by different vendors.
  • Sequencing: Defines how learners navigate through the content.
  • Tracking: Captures basic learner interactions such as completion status, scores and pass/fail results.

TinCan (xAPI)

• Introduction: TinCan, also known as the Experience API (xAPI), is a modern specification designed to track a wide range of learning experiences, both online and offline. It aims to address the limitations of SCORM and provide more detailed and flexible tracking capabilities.
• Key Features:
  • Flexibility: Can track learning experiences across various platforms and environments, including mobile apps, simulations, and real-world activities.
  • Data Richness: Captures detailed interaction data using a flexible "noun-verb-object" structure, allowing for a broader range of activity tracking.
  • Interoperability: Works across different systems and platforms, facilitating the integration of diverse learning technologies.

Comparison: SCORM 1.2 vs TinCan

Interoperability and Compatibility

• SCORM 1.2: Highly interoperable with most LMS platforms, given its long-standing presence in the e-learning industry. However, it is limited to web-based e-learning content.
• TinCan: Offers broader interoperability across various platforms and learning environments, extending beyond traditional LMS platforms to include simulations, mobile apps, and real-world learning scenarios.

Tracking and Reporting

• SCORM 1.2: Tracks basic learner interactions (completion, scores, etc.) but is limited in the types of data it can capture. Reporting is typically constrained to LMS-generated reports.
• TinCan: Provides detailed and flexible tracking capabilities, capturing a wide range of learner activities and interactions. It enables more comprehensive reporting and analytics through Learning Record Stores (LRS), which can be integrated with LMS platforms (as with Civica Learning) or used independently.

Flexibility and Extensibility

• SCORM 1.2: Offers predefined tracking and reporting capabilities with limited extensibility. It is well-suited for traditional e-learning courses but lacks flexibility for modern, diverse learning experiences.
• TinCan: Extremely flexible and extensible, allowing for the tracking of diverse learning activities, not just e-learning and the integration of various learning technologies. It supports adaptive learning and complex analytics.

Ease of Implementation

• SCORM 1.2: Relatively easy to implement for standard e-learning courses, with extensive support and resources available. Most LMS platforms including Civica Learning have built-in support for SCORM 1.2.
• TinCan: May require more effort to implement due to its flexibility and the need to integrate with an LRS. However, it offers greater potential for customizing and optimizing learning experiences. The Civica Learning LMS is built on an xAPI LRS, so has future proofing and flexibility at its core.

Use Cases

When to Use SCORM 1.2

• Traditional e-learning courses that require basic tracking and reporting.
• Environments where interoperability with an existing LMS is critical.
• Situations where ease of implementation and existing support infrastructure are priorities.

When to Use TinCan (xAPI)

• Learning programs that involve diverse, multi-platform experiences, including mobile learning, simulations, and real-world activities.
• Scenarios requiring detailed and flexible tracking and reporting capabilities.
• Organisations looking to leverage advanced analytics and adaptive learning technologies.

Conclusion

Choosing between SCORM 1.2 and TinCan (xAPI) depends on the specific needs of your training program. SCORM 1.2 is a reliable and fully supported standard for traditional e-learning, offering ease of implementation and basic tracking capabilities. TinCan, on the other hand, provides a modern, flexible, and extensible approach to learning tracking, suitable for diverse and complex learning environments.

For organisations looking to future-proof their training programs and take advantage of advanced learning technologies, TinCan is the preferred choice. However, for those with established e-learning systems and straightforward requirements, SCORM 1.2 remains a viable and practical option.

Since the Civica Learning platform is built using xAPI technologies, we recommend using e-learning that uses xAPI.