The construction and development of E-learning lectures have been widespread in recent years, and selecting suitable technological tools is crucial to ensure an effective and engaging learning experience. Among those prominent standards, SCORM and xAPI are leading in the area. Although both offer significant value for electronic learning, these standards have distinct characteristics catering to various instructional and learning objects.
Therefore, let’s delve into the key differences between SCORM and xAPI, helping you identify which standard best aligns with your objectives and demands in your E-learning course.
To fully understand the differences between SCORM and xAPI, it is essential to grasp their fundamental concepts and how they contribute to creating E-learning content.
It stands for Shareable content object reference model, which is a long-standing international standard for online lessons, including E-learning content. It provides a standardized framework for packaging, distributing and tracking learning objects.
SCORM enables interactive features such as data collection and learner’s course completion tracking inside LMS (learning management system). Nonetheless, SCORM can only track movements inside LMS and is restricted to outside or complex interactions.
Learn more: E-learning Course Development: 4 SCORM Package Optimization Factors
Experience API or Tin Can API, whose API is the abbreviation of an Application Programming Interface, represents the next generation and inherits the core features of SCORM. xAPI is a new standard that supplies more flexible and data-rich approaches to tracking user learning progress.
As an upgrade of SCORM, xAPI surpasses the LMS limitations and empowers developers to activate more intricate and adaptable flexible functions as well as more detailed tracking of learners’ progress across multiple systems. However, it requires a more sophisticated implementation.
Learn more: 4 Steps To Implement xAPI In E-learning For Course Revolution
Depending on the complexity that your courses require, you can weigh using either of these two standards or integrating both. Evaluate actions after researching the distinctions between them.
SCORM can only track online courses on an LMS whilst xAPI can access a wider range beyond LMSs, like websites and the Internet, ensuring learners can use numerous platforms to track more learning experiences. However, if your content is only LMS-based, SCORM is adequate.
One of the other differences between SCORM and xAPI is that xAPI captures more granular data on learning analytics than the basic interaction tracking capabilities of SCORM. Specifically, while SCORM is limited to tracking completion rates, time spent, pass/fail rates and score reports, xAPI offers additional functionalities, like detailed results, blended learning, offline learning and group learning,… Thus, xAPI is the ideal choice for individuals seeking in-depth insights into learner performance.
Due to its broader tracking scope and data tracking features, xAPI provides you with a more detailed dataset of learner information. Nevertheless, based on whether your programs are solely on LMSs or extend to the Internet, your needs for learner data tracking, as well as your understanding of the differences between SCORM and xAPI, you may consider which to use.
Avina is one of the useful tools for creating E-learning content that complies with SCORM and xAPI standards, which has been used by considerable organizations to develop effective online courses. The software aids users in creating diverse and interactive educational content, meeting various instructional and learning needs. With Avina Authoring Tool, you can design lectures in several formats that integrate gamification, simulations and other interactive activities and track learner performance.
Even though there are many differences between SCORM and xAPI, thanks to its ability to support both, Avina still helps developers generate lessons that ensure compatibility with both LMS and other platforms, collect learning data and facilitate personalized learning experiences. Utilizing Avina Authoring Tool assists you in optimizing the process of developing online course content, reducing costs and time while enhancing learner performance.
As we analyzed the differences between SCORM and xAPI, you may comprehend the basic functions of each. The best choice depends on the specific demands and objectives of your online courses. To make the most informed decision, you should consider the factors discussed and perhaps contact us for free consultation.
.png)
.png)
