xAPI and SCORM are the two facets of the same coin. Both are key standards for tracking eLearning progress, but they differ significantly in terms of features and flexibility. SCORM is a legacy system, widely supported by LMSs but limited to online learning. xAPI, on the other hand, allows for more detailed tracking across any platform, both online and offline.
xAPI and SCORM provide a framework and a set of instructions for tracking learner’s progress. This structure is used to pass information to the LMS’s reporting system or a Learning Record Store. Let’s dig more about both and find which one you should choose and why.
What is SCORM?
SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model) is an eLearning standard used to track and report learner activity within Learning Management Systems (LMS). Developed in 1999, SCORM allows for the tracking of essential data such as course completion, time spent, quiz status, and user scores. It is widely supported by most LMS platforms, making it the go-to standard for online learning content.
The first two versions of SCORM were not very popular and effective. However, SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 became the most popular eLearning standards and have been used until now very actively. Companies prefer SCORM because its usage is effortless and supported by a broad range of LMSs.
SCORM can report the basic activities of users like:
- Completion
- Time Spent
- Pass/Fail
- User Score
In today’s technological world, Everyone is busy learning and getting updated to stay relevant. But they have different kinds of smart devices like smart displays, smartphones, tablets, etc.
Device compatibility is a big problem for SCORM, as you know SCORM properly works only inside an LMS. It has very less activity tracking options and compatibility with different types of devices.
Pros of SCORM
- Easy to create
- Control the learner’s pace
- Widely supported
Cons of SCORM
- No offline learning support
- Can be tracked in only LMS
- Limited tracking
What is xAPI?
xAPI Tin Can API or Experience API is the best modern tech for eLearning analysis. We’re saying this because xAPI enables us to record every activity of the user from any platform. Initially, it was called Project Tin Can but later its developers, ADL and Rustici Softwares launched it as xAPI or Experience API in April 2013. You can record activities and analyze reports to personalize content according to learner behavior.
Read: What is Experience API?
xAPI can be used on any platform and has vast day-to-day use cases. You can send xAPI statements with these primary technologies:
- Webpages
- Mobiles
- Simulation
- Games and many others.
With this technology standard, you can record the experience of a specific person or a whole group’s activities.
Pros of xAPI
- It can work outside LMS.
- Works offline.
- It works everywhere, like Mobile, Tablet, PC, etc.
- Deep activity tracking.
Cons of xAPI
- The only problem with xAPI is, it is still not integrated with large no. of LMS(s)
Comparison: xAPI vs SCORM Features
| S. No. | Supported Activities Tracking | xAPI | SCORM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Track completion | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2 | Track time | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3 | Track pass/fail | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4 | Report a single score | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5 | Report multiple scores | ✔ | |
| 6 | Detailed test results | ✔ | |
| 7 | Solid security | ✔ | |
| 9 | No LMS required | ✔ | |
| 10 | No internet browser required | ✔ | |
| 11 | Keep complete control over your content | ✔ | |
| 12 | No cross-domain limitation | ✔ | |
| 13 | Use mobile apps for learning | ✔ | |
| 14 | Platform transition (i.e. computer to mobile) | ✔ | |
| 15 | Track serious games | ✔ | |
| 16 | Track simulations | ✔ | |
| 17 | Track informal learning | ✔ | |
| 18 | Track real-world performance | ✔ | |
| 19 | Track offline, interactive, adaptive, blended, long-term, and team-based learning. | ✔ |
As demonstrated in the table above, xAPI surpasses SCORM in terms of feature set and interoperability. Its ability to capture a broader range of learning experiences and its flexibility makes it the clear choice for the future of eLearning analytics.
Data is the cornerstone of effective learning measurement, and xAPI excels at providing rich, actionable insights. By unlocking unprecedented levels of user data, xAPI empowers organizations to address complex challenges and optimize learning outcomes.
In my words, “xAPI is deep tracking technology works with great flexibility in terms of devices and platforms. Also, Experience API allows us to capture big data on human behavior.”
Hope you find this information useful, I would love to hear your thoughts on the xAPI vs SCORM battle in the comment box.
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Useful. Conceptual difference of both are presented well. Thank you.
I’m glad you liked it, Thanks!