4th Edition
ADL has collected and analyzed issues reported by members of the ADL Community. Acting on that feedback, ADL released SCORM 2004 4th Edition in 2009. With this release comes the usual ADL documentation, tools, and content examples. ADL encourages content developers and those who produce distributed learning products to conform with this version of the SCORM specification.
Feel free to explore this area for all of the SCORM 2004 4th Edition information and resources that ADL offers.
Research Summary
SCORM 2004 4th Edition is the newest version of the Sharable Content Object Reference Model. Released in 2009, this version of SCORM has benefited from the lessons learned of the previous versions and through support of the ADL community. This is the most powerful version of the SCORM yet, implementing ways to share data that was previously unsharable between Sharable Content Objects (SCOs) as well as a new means of navigation.
Getting Started
Whether you are a content developer, tool creator, or LMS designer, ADL offers the resources to bring you up to speed on SCORM 2004 4th Edition. A common place to start to get a foundation of the documentation is the 2004 4th Edition Specification. This document can be a tough read but shows many of the structures that are necessary to understand when implementing the SCORM.
From here, it is a good idea to get your hands dirty and try to build a simple content package. ADL provides SCORM 2004 4th Edition to be used as examples. Please see the “Resources” tab for the entire list of downloads. The scripting files for the Application Programming Interface within these packages are free to use, and are strongly recommended for beginners. A good tool to use for content package creation is the Reload Content Editor. This tool extremely valuable for sequencing by providing a valuable interface component which is especially useful if you do not like to directly edit XML.
Once you have a content package, it is useful to test it. ADL offers a Conformance Test Suite that offers a variety of tools for testing individual SCOs, Content Packages, or Learning Management Systems (LMSs). Download the README to determine the installation requirements. Once installed, it is useful to test individual SCOs (Sharable Content Objects) as a beginner because it lets you skip content package creation. Unzipping a content package and running an individual SCO is useful for understanding what is being tracked. Once the SCOs work, the imsmanifest.xml can be individually tested or an entire package can be created and tested. The final utility of the Conformance Test Suite is a test that determines if an LMS is conformant to the SCORM specification. If you have an LMS to test, download the Conformance Test Suite Content Packages and start the test. Follow the on-screen instructions to determine if the LMS you are testing is conformant. Please be aware that these are not content examples and will only work with this test.
If you don’t have an LMS, or just want to see what a small, SCORM-conformant LMS looks like, download the ADL Sample Run-Time Environment. Consult the RTE README for installation details. This non-production software (meaning it is not scalable due to code not designed for execution efficiency) functions similar to an LMS. It is more agile than the Conformance Test Suite in that it can give feedback in real-time, but is weaker in that it provides less feedback and no logging ability.
The highest level of conformance to the SCORM 2004 4th Edition Specification is to be certified, which will be available soon. Please visit the SCORM Certification area for more details.
There are many other resources to be found in the “Resources” tab, including presentations and videos.
Welcome to the SCORM 2004 4th Edition Resources section. If there is something that you need to know or find and cannot, please ask the experts! (helpdesk@adlnet.gov)
SCORM 2004 4th Edition .zip of all of the SCORM books
Summary for products to be SCORM 2004 4th Edition conformant
SCORM 2004 4th Edition
SCORM 2004 4th Edition
SCORM 2004 4th Edition
SCORM Users Guide for Programmers
SCORM Users Guide for Instructional Designers
Summary for products to be SCORM 2004 4th Edition conformant
SCORM 2004 4th Edition
SCORM 2004 4th Edition
SCORM 2004 4th Edition
SCORM Users Guide for Programmers
SCORM Users Guide for Instructional Designers
Includes both SCORM Version 1.2 and SCORM 2004
Includes source and the Quick Start Guide
A .unitypackage file in a .zip
SCORM Content Package Starter Template based on SCORM User Guide
Includes source and the Quick Start Guide
A .unitypackage file in a .zip
SCORM Content Package Starter Template based on SCORM User Guide
Please look at this first for installation requirements!
This is the final release of this product for SCORM 2004 4th Edition
To only be used with the Test Suite to test an LMS for Conformance
This is the final release of this product for SCORM 2004 4th Edition
To only be used with the Test Suite to test an LMS for Conformance
Please look at this first for installation requirements!
Final release of this product for SCORM 2004 4th Edition
Final release of this product for SCORM 2004 4th Edition
Plug and play content package showing an implementation of bookmarking
Instructions and description of the BKME
Plug and play content package focusing on the CMI Data Model
Instructions and description of the DMCE
Plug and play content package focusing on the imsmanifest
Instructions and description of the MBCE
Package showing implementations of 4 sequencing styles
Instructions and description of the MSCE
Package showing an implementation of Flash and Authorware
Instructions and description of the PITE
Content package focusing on sequencing
Instructions and description of the SECE
Instructions and description of the BKME
Plug and play content package focusing on the CMI Data Model
Instructions and description of the DMCE
Plug and play content package focusing on the imsmanifest
Instructions and description of the MBCE
Package showing implementations of 4 sequencing styles
Instructions and description of the MSCE
Package showing an implementation of Flash and Authorware
Instructions and description of the PITE
Content package focusing on sequencing
Instructions and description of the SECE
This tool can be used to assemble content packages of any version of SCORM
Zip file containing installation instructions and documentation for Reload.
Licensed under Creative Commons Licensing.
Zip file containing installation instructions and documentation for Reload.
Licensed under Creative Commons Licensing.
Interactive Presentation on Acquisition
A Downloadable Version
A Collection of Various Solutions to the Cross-Domain Scripting Problem
From July 2008
A Solution for Vulnerabilities Presented by ECMAScript (JavaScript)
A Solution for Securing Assessment Data
A Downloadable Version
A Collection of Various Solutions to the Cross-Domain Scripting Problem
From July 2008
A Solution for Vulnerabilities Presented by ECMAScript (JavaScript)
A Solution for Securing Assessment Data
What is SCORM?
SCORM, the Sharable Content Object Reference Model, integrates a set of related technical standards, specifications, and guidelines designed to meet ADL’s functional requirements–accessibility, interoperability, durability, and reusability.
What is the main benefit of adopting SCORM?
There are numerous benefits to adopting SCORM, and all are related to ADL’s functional requirements for SCORM.
- Accessibility: The ability to locate and access instructional components from multiple locations and deliver them to other locations. For example, a content author can search the ADL Registry and identify relevant content that has already been developed by another organization and deploy that content on any LMS that is conformant to the same version of SCORM to learners anywhere in the world.
- Interoperability: The ability to take instructional components developed in one system and use them in another system. For example, content packaged for delivery in one SCORM-conformant LMS could be loaded into another LMS that is conformant to the same version of SCORM for delivery to learners.
- Durability: The ability to withstand technology evolution and/or changes without costly redesign, reconfiguration, or recoding. For example, upgrading to a new computer operating system should have no impact on the delivery of content to learners.
- Reusability: The flexibility to incorporate instructional components in multiple applications and contexts. For example, e-learning content designed for one organization can be redeployed, rearranged, repurposed, or rewritten by other organizations that have similar learning needs.
What are the “ilities?”
The “ilities”, typically benefits associated with SCORM are:
- Accessibility: The ability to locate and access instructional components from multiple locations and deliver them to other locations.
- Interoperability: The ability to take instructional components developed in one system and use them in another system.
- Durability: The ability to withstand technology evolution and/or changes without costly redesign, reconfiguration, or recoding.
- Reusability: The flexibility to incorporate instructional components in multiple applications and contexts.
Where did SCORM start?
The Department of Defense (DOD) established the ADL Initiative in 1997 to standardize and modernize training and education management and delivery. The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness) oversees the ADL Initiative. The vision of the ADL Initiative is to provide access to the highest-quality learning and performance aiding that can be tailored to individual needs and delivered cost-effectively, anytime, and anywhere. The ADL Initiative developed SCORM and the ADL Registry to address ADL’s functional requirements–accessibility, interoperability, durability, and reusability (the “ilities”) within the DoD training, education, and performance support communities, as well as in government, academia, and industry.
What does SCORM contain?
SCORM consists of four distinct “books” that contain the critical elements of SCORM:
- The SCORM Overview book contains high-level conceptual information, the history, current status and future direction of ADL and SCORM and an introduction to key SCORM concepts.
- The SCORM Content Aggregation Model (CAM) book describes the components used in a learning experience, how to package those components for exchange from system to system, how to describe those components to enable search and discovery and how to define sequencing rules for the components.
- The SCORM Run-Time Environment (RTE) book describes the learning management system (LMS) requirements for managing the run-time environment (i.e., content launch process, standardized communication between content and LMSs, and standardized data model elements used for passing information relevant to the learner’s experience with the content). It also contains information about content (SCOs) and how they use the API and CMI Data Model to get and set values.
- The SCORM Sequencing and Navigation (SN) book describes how SCORM-conformant content may be sequenced to the learner through an interoperable set of learner-initiated or system-initiated navigation events. The branching and flow of that content may be described by a predefined set of activities, typically defined at design time.
What is the SCORM Test Suite?
The SCORM Test Suite verifies conformance for LMSs, content packages, and Sharable Content Objects (SCOs). It produces a detailed log of each test outcome.
Who should use the SCORM Test Suite?
The SCORM Test Suite is available to anyone. Vendors should use it to self-test their products; developers should use it to test their content; program managers should use it to test content and products during the acquisition processes or for product acceptance.
How do I access the SCORM Test Suite, and how much does it cost?
The Test Suite and other ADL Tools are always free. You can find specific versions in the “Resources” section of each SCORM project or all of the versions in the SCORM Capability “Resources” section
What is the Sample Run-Time Environment (SRTE)?
The Sample Run-Time Environment (SRTE) is a prototype LMS that serves as a reference implementation of the LMS components of SCORM. It is an example of how SCORM’s LMS requirements may be implemented within an enterprise LMS. It is a test platform that can be used to view content as it may be displayed in a “real” LMS.
How do I access the Sample Run-Time Environment (SRTE), and how much does it cost?
The Sample RTE and other ADL Tools are always free. You can find specific versions in the “Resources” section of each SCORM project or all of the versions in the SCORM Capability “Resources” section
How does ADL work with other standards and specifications organizations?
The ADL Initiative created an international community to collaboratively develop a cost-effective distributed learning model that is consistent across national and organizational borders. To achieve this goal, ADL worked with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Aviation Industry CBT (Computer-based Training) Committee (AICC), the IMS Global Learning Consortium, Inc., and the Alliance of Remote Instructional Authoring & Distribution Networks for Europe (ARIADNE). These organizations develop guidelines and specifications that make learning software accessible, interoperable, durable, and reusable. Whenever possible ADL adopts, clarifies, harmonizes, synchronizes, and applies the documentation that these standards organizations develop. ADL promotes the application of standards with reference implementations and tools to assess conformance to the requirements.
Did vendors resist the idea of standardized interoperability specifications?
Generally, vendors were pleased to have an organization like the ADL Initiative, through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), leading this work. Vendors are integral to the success of SCORM. Vendors realized that an environment that enabled interoperable e-learning content, removed from the vagaries of hardware or software changes, would actually create a multitude of potential new business lines. ADL and SCORM vendors and implementers have proven that, regardless of the sector, content can be shared across organizational and functional lines.
What is the current status of SCORM?
The current version of SCORM is SCORM 2004 4th Edition. It is a stable document suite that is ready for implementation.
Do Federal agencies require most or all of their e-learning products to be SCORM-conformant? Are there any exemptions to these requirements?
Even though ADL cooperates and collaborates broadly across the federal government, ADL has no power or authority to mandate SCORM conformance for the federal government. However, many Federal agencies currently require their e-learning products to be SCORM-conformant when applicable. Within the U.S. Department of Defense, DoDI 1322.26, Development, Management, and Delivery of Distributed Learning, mandates the use of SCORM when applicable.
Are SCORM-conformant products available now?
Numerous SCORM-conformant products, including both systems and content, are widely available. Please see the SCORM Certification section for more details on Certified Products and SCORM Adopters
Does SCORM conformance guarantee that content will track all the learner data I need?
Not necessarily. Content is not required to track everything to be conformant. Check with your vendor to determine the level of tracking provided.
Does SCORM address Section 508 conformance?
A product that is SCORM conformant is not necessarily 508 compliant. However, does not hinder an authors ability to create 508 compliant materials.
Do AICC-conformant e-learning products work with SCORM-conformant products?
It depends. SCORM incorporates portions of the AICC specification via the IEEE Data Model and API Standards. LMS or content products that adhere to Appendix B of the AICC CMI001 specification may, in some cases, be able to work with products conformant to SCORM.
Can an e-learning product be both AICC and SCORM conformant?
Yes. LMSs and content can conform to both standards. Vendors can offer separate versions of their products for each standard, or can implement both standards in a single version. Conformance to one standard does not automatically imply conformance to the other.
How does SCORM handle formatting issues, such as layouts, fonts, color schemes, etc. while allowing for interoperability and reusability of learning products?
SCORM does not address formatting issues like layouts, fonts, and color schemes.
What hardware constraints, such as minimum requirements for operating features, might come into play for SCORM-conformant e-learning products?
SCORM and ADL generally refer to ‘web-based’ or ‘browser-based’ instruction that simply requires access to a web browser. An Internet connection is not always necessary. Most vendors address this issue independently since the more widely accessible their content and/or systems are, the more markets they are able to access.
What topics does SCORM address besides LMS/content exchange?
The launching of content and the exchange of data such as learner ID numbers and test scores between LMSs and content are among the most important topics addressed by SCORM. These areas are addressed by the SCORM Run-Time Environment (RTE). SCORM also covers other critical areas.
SCORM also addresses a standard way to structure and exchange learning content. This occurs through the application of the IMS Content Packaging specifications.
In addition, SCORM defines a method for representing the intended behavior of an authored learning experience such that any LMS will sequence discrete learning activities consistently. This is accomplished through the application of the IMS Simple Sequencing Specifications.
SCORM also addresses a standard way to structure and exchange learning content. This occurs through the application of the IMS Content Packaging specifications.
In addition, SCORM defines a method for representing the intended behavior of an authored learning experience such that any LMS will sequence discrete learning activities consistently. This is accomplished through the application of the IMS Simple Sequencing Specifications.
Will SCORM-conformant content and SCORM-conformant LMSs “plug-and play” with each other?
Probably, as long as the content and the LMS conform to the same version and edition of SCORM.
Does SCORM allow multiple ways for LMSs and courseware to exchange data?
No. SCORM requires use of the ECMAScript API defined in the SCORM RTE book.
Are there LMS specification standards?
SCORM does not standardize the implementation of LMSs. Although the standardized communication mechanism imposes some behavioral and functional requirements on the LMS, SCORM’s goal is to ensure that content runs and behaves the same on different LMSs.
What size must a learning resource (Sharable Content Object or Asset) be to conform to SCORM?
There are no SCORM-imposed requirements on the size of a learning resource. Size should be based on several considerations:
- Reuse
- Portability
- Learner data tracking requirements
- Learning objectives or pedagogical model
What is a Package Interchange File (PIF)?
A Package Interchange File (PIF) is a single file (such as a .zip file) that includes a top-level Manifest file named “imsmanifest.xml” and all other physical files as identified by the Manifest. A PIF is a concise web delivery format and a means of transporting related, structured information.
Do all content packages have to be packaged as PIFs?
There is no requirement to incorporate packages into a Package Interchange File (PIF). A package may also be distributed on a CD-ROM or other removable media without being compressed into a single file. An IMS Manifest file and any other required supporting XML files (e.g. XSD) must be at the root of the content directory structure.
Does learning content need to use the SCORM Application Programming Interface (API) to be SCORM-conformant?
If you need to track the learner’s experience with the content, then SCORM provides an API and data model that enable the interoperable tracking of performance data. If you do not need to track the learner’s experience your content is not required to use the SCORM API. SCORM considers content that does not use the SCORM API to be non-communicative, and refers to it in the SCORM Documentation Suite as an asset.
How do I use sub-manifests?
At this time, ADL does not recommend the use of sub-manifests. In SCORM 2004 4th Edition, SCORM designates any content that uses a sub-manifest as non-conformant.
Conformance? Compliance? What is the difference?
Conformance is the following of a functional requirement. The SCORM is a set of functional requirements, so if a product adheres to these requirements, it is conformant. Compliance is the following of a directive, law, or procedure. DoDI 1322.26 is a directive, so an organziation may comply with that directive. Certification is a procedure, a product would be compliant if Certified.
My question isn’t in this FAQ and I need an answer. How can I get help?
Send us your question at helpdesk@adlnet.gov. Thanks!
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