Open standards SCORM

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) aims to foster creation of reusable learning content as "instructional objects" within a common technical framework for computer and Web-based learning. SCORM describes that technical framework by providing a harmonized set of guidelines, specification and standards. Borrowing from work of other specification and standards bodies, ADL developed a model for creating and deploying e-Learning.

SCORM helps define the technical foundations of a Web-based learning environment. At its simplest, it is a model that reference a set of interrelated technical specifications and guidelines designed to meet high-level requirements for learning content and systems. SCORM describes a "Content Aggregation Model (CAM)" and "Run-Time Environment (RTE)" for learning objects to support adaptive presentation of content based on criteria such as learner objectives, preferences and performance.

SCORM targets the Web as a primary medium for delivering instruction. It does so under the assumption that anything that can be delivered by the Web can be easily used in other instructional settings that make fewer demands on accessibility and network communications. This strategy eliminates much of the development work once needed to adapt to the latest technology platform because the Web itself is becoming a universal delivery medium. By building upon existing Web standards and infrastructures, SCORM frees developers to focus on effective learning strategies.

The development of SCORM continues, even as the main medium it targets, the Web, continues to evolve and change. SCORM currently provides an Application Programming Interface (API) for communicating information about a learner’s interaction with content objects, a defined data model for representing this information, a content packaging specification that enables interoperability of learning content, a standard set of meta-data elements that can be used to describing learning content and a set of standard sequencing rules which can be applied to the organization of the learning content. While the technical standards used by the Web turn out to work equally well locally, regionally and globally, when it comes to the standardization of e-learning itself, the task of SCORM, is continuing to evolve.

First released in January 2000, the SCORM continues to update and expand the scope of the specifications through cooperation with industry, government and academic participants.

3Dsolve fully supports SCORM in its products. 3Dsolve's 25B10 Simulation Player for the US Army Signal Corps is TRADOC's (US Army Training and Doctrine Command) first SCORM-compliant Level IV Interactive Multimedia Instruction.

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