Research Summary

The Next Generation SCORM is being implemented in phases. Phase I identifies the gaps from the current online learning environment that uses SCORM. As many of the pieces are antiquated, this is essentially legacy SCORM even though it is the current version. Phase II extends the environment by implementing individualized adaptive training.

ADL Summit

ADL will be hosting a summit in early 2012 that will bring standards organizations together to advance the Next Generation SCORM effort. Stay tuned to ADLnet.gov for announcements regarding the details of this summit.

Phase I

Next Generation SCORM Phase I activities address a much-needed update to the learning content run-time environment (RTE). The legacy run-time is embedded in the browser and accessible via a JavaScript object which, although simple to use, has significant limitations.

Phase I includes a new RTE powered by web services. The change to a web service binding requires a new data model approach since SCORM does not define how to extend the data model or how to use it with different data bindings such as XML or JSON. As part of the data model work, extensibility of data model elements will be “built-in” from the beginning. This means any community of practice will be able to extend a “core” data model with community-defined models. In other words, you will be able to track what you want and how you want it.

Phase I targets many use cases not natively supported by SCORM. High-level use cases are included in the list below:

• Tracking of detailed learner interactions and learner performance characteristics that are richer in scope and depth than assessments involving score thresholds,
• Tracking of out-of-browser content to include games, simulations, virtual worlds and mobile apps,
• Launch and tracking of multi-modal content that renders intelligently based on device (ex. tablet, smart phone, laptop),
• Access to learner data during or after the learner experiences the content,
• Hosted content via a content as a service (CaaS) model, and
• Tracking of community-driven data models

The following are summaries of each of the efforts. Some have been absorbed into other projects, but we welcome anyone and everyone who wants to participate – it’s not too late to get involved. Check out the “Projects” tab for more information on any of the following:

• RTWS – Development effort of a Run-Time Web Service
• CMI5 – Next iteration of the original SCORM RTE Data Model
• TinCan – R&D effort of a Data Model starting from scratch
• Proofs-of-Concept – User requirement driven implementations of current versions of SCORM in Next Generation SCORM environments

Each Proof of Concept area includes a detailed mapping of community requirements to the actual efforts of each project.

Phase II

Phase II is in very early stages. ADL is counting on the continued involvement of the ADL Community in requirements gathering to make the individualized training in Phase I into adaptive training.