SCORM is like the plug socket standard for eLearning. It’s what allows a course you build to ‘plug in’ and play nicely with your learning management system (LMS). There are different versions, each with a few more tricks up its sleeve, but the goal is always the same: to make sure your content works, tracks, and reports properly. At Popcorn, we build all of our elearning content to be SCORM-compliant, because it means your learning works where it needs to, when it needs to.
Imagine Trying to Charge Your Phone with the Wrong Plug
You’re in a hotel room. Your charger doesn’t fit the socket. You have the power, the cable, the phone, but it’s all useless unless it connects.
That’s exactly the problem SCORM solves in the world of digital learning.
So, What Is SCORM?
SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model.
It’s a technical standard that tells eLearning content how to work with learning management systems. It’s basically the translator between the course you build and the system that delivers it.
Without SCORM, a course and an LMS wouldn’t know how to talk to each other.
With SCORM, they speak the same language.
In real terms, this means:
The course launches correctly.
Learner progress is tracked.
Scores and completion data are reported.
You don’t need to rebuild your course every time you change platforms.
Let’s Break It Down:
Sharable = You can reuse it across systems.
Content Object = A unit of learning, like a course or module.
Reference Model = A set of rules that everyone follows.
Think of SCORM like a recipe book that every chef (LMS) can understand. You can take your dish (course) to any kitchen and they’ll know how to cook it.
The Different Flavours of SCORM (And What They Do)
There are a few types of SCORM. Here's what they mean in human terms:
SCORM 1.2
· The most widely used version.
· Tracks key data like: course start/finish, score, pass/fail, and bookmarking.
· Think of it like a sturdy, reliable satnav - it gets you where you need to go, with no fuss.
Best for: Basic tracking and compatibility across most LMS platforms.
SCORM 2004 (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions)
· Offers more detailed tracking and control.
· Supports course sequencing (e.g. learners must complete module 1 before module 2).
· Better reporting options, including interaction data.
Best for: Complex learning paths or when you need to prove more about learner behaviour.
Most people use 3rd Edition as a good middle ground. 4th Edition offers the most features but isn’t supported by all LMSs yet.
xAPI (Experience API, also known as Tin Can API)
Tracks learning wherever it happens, not just inside the LMS.
Records detailed data like page views, video interactions, simulations, and even offline learning.
Think of it like a fitness tracker for learning - it logs everything, not just your gym sessions.
Best for: Capturing rich data from modern, blended, or non-traditional learning experiences (e.g. apps, AR/VR, real-world tasks).
Unlike SCORM, xAPI doesn’t need a traditional LMS. It can report to a Learning Record Store (LRS), giving you more freedom and flexibility.
What SCORM Doesn’t Do
It’s worth knowing that SCORM doesn’t:
Make your content engaging
Guarantee accessibility
Automatically update your course
It’s purely about how courses and platforms communicate, not what’s inside them.
What Does This Mean for Learning?
Here’s the real-world impact of using SCORM-compliant content:
You can track learner progress. Who’s completed what, when, and how well?
You can reuse your content. Build once, use anywhere.
You can maintain your content. Update it without losing tracking.
You can control the learner journey. Set up pathways, prerequisites, and logic.
Without SCORM, learning content becomes a bit of a guessing game. With SCORM, it’s measurable, consistent, and manageable.
Why Popcorn Builds in SCORM as Standard
At Popcorn, we make sure every piece of eLearning content we develop is SCORM-compliant, usually SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004 3rd Edition, depending on your needs.
Why? Because your learning should:
Work on your systems
Be easy to update
Provide meaningful data
Scale without stress
Whether you’re using SCORM for compliance tracking, performance data, or just peace of mind, we’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to choose a SCORM version?
Not always. We’ll guide you based on your LMS and learning goals. Most of our clients use SCORM 1.2 or 2004 (3rd Edition).
What’s the difference between SCORM and xAPI?
xAPI (also called Tin Can API) is a newer standard that allows more flexible tracking, including learning outside the LMS. SCORM is still the most widely supported option today.
Can I use SCORM content across different platforms?
Yes. That’s the whole point. It makes your content portable and future-proof.
Does SCORM make learning better?
Not by itself, but it allows you to prove learning happened, which makes it easier to improve and refine.
What if my LMS doesn’t support SCORM?
Most modern systems do, but if not, we can explore alternatives like xAPI or custom solutions that still track learning effectively.
