Why we chose xAPI over SCORM for elearning tracking

For years, SCORM was the go-to standard for data recording and reporting with regards to elearning.  Many elearning professionals (myself included) feel it has become outdated, and that there are better, more comprehensive ways to connect with the activities of our students.

The Experience API  (xAPI) is the new standard we should be looking at to track and report.  It’s like SCORM, but better.  the xAPI can do the same things as SCORM and then some!

What is the Experience API?

The Experience API (or xAPI, also sometimes called Tin Can API) is a new specification for learning technology that makes it possible to collect data about the wide range of experiences a person has (online and offline). This API captures data in a consistent format about a person or group’s activities from many technologies. Very different systems are able to securely communicate by capturing and sharing this stream of activities using xAPI’s simple vocabulary.  Here’s a basic example:

…and in human terms…

What’s the difference between xAPI and SCORM?

While the xAPI can do everything SCORM can, there is a LOT more that can be tracked, online and off.

CRITERIA	SCORM	xAPI
Track completion	✓	✓
Track time	✓	✓
Track pass/fail	✓	✓
Report a single score	✓	✓
Report multiple scores		✓
Detailed test results		✓
Solid security		✓
No LMS required		✓
No internet browser required		✓
Keep complete control over your content		✓
No cross-domain limitation		✓
Use mobile apps for learning		✓
Platform transition (i.e. computer to mobile)		✓
Track serious games		✓
Track simulations		✓
Track informal learning		✓
Track real-world performance		✓
Track offline learning		✓
Track interactive learning		✓
Track adaptive learning		✓
Track blended learning		✓
Track long-term learning		✓
Track team-based learning		✓

DATA:  xapi.com

What can you do with the xAPI that you can’t with SCORM?

The short answer is, a lot.  Let’s have a look at the 70/20/10 model.  This model is not just scholastic, it also deals with workplace and social activities.

The 70/20/10 Model for Learning and Development is a learning and development model that corresponds to a proportional breakdown of how people learn effectively; based on a survey asking nearly 200 executives to self-report how they believed they learned.

In this survey respondents reported the following learning tendencies:

• 70% from challenging assignments
• 20% from developmental relationships
• 10% from coursework and training

Older learning specifications like SCORM focused very much on formal training, and specifically online formal training, so that’s even less than 10%. They painted a very limited picture of the learner. By contrast, xAPI is being used to track and support all of the learners learning experiences, including social interactions and on the job development.

What will we do with this data?

Data is collected and stored in our private LRS (Learning Record System).

This data will be helpful to students because they can see what they are achieving, and where they may need some improvement.

This data will be helpful to teachers, as they can better customize their classrooms to the way students learn.

This data will be helpful to us at 3A, as we will be able to continue to customize, personalize, and better our content/ content presentation to suit the needs of an ever-changing learning industry.