I was speaking to a client (financial institution) recently who has just invested in a Learning Management System (LMS), to combat the challenges they are facing with the COVID-19 Pandemic safety protocols and not being able to effectively train their staff with classroom training anymore.

He said to me that that he believes the system is fine, however they are having trouble uploading and playing all their desired content on the system. So I asked, Is the system SCORM compliant, so he asked me…

What is SCORM?

I took a deep breath and said…SCORM, which stands for Shareable Content Object Reference Model,  is a set of technical standards for eLearning software products. SCORM tells programmers how to write their code so that it can “play well” with other eLearning software. It is the de facto industry standard for eLearning interoperability. Specifically, SCORM governs how online learning content and Learning Management Systems, like Tangerine LMS communicate with each other.

SCORM does not speak to instructional design or any other pedagogical concern — it is purely a technical standard.

He then said….Help me with an Analogy:

OK. Let’s take DVDs for example. When you buy a new movie on DVD you don’t need to check to see if it works with your brand of DVD player. A regular DVD will play on a Toshiba the same as it will on a Panasonic. That’s because DVD movies are produced using a set of standards.

Without these standards a studio releasing a new movie on DVD would have a big problem. They would need to make differently formatted DVDs for each brand of DVD player. This is how online learning used to be before SCORM was created.

The SCORM standard makes sure that all eLearning content and LMSs can work with each other, just like the DVD standard makes sure that all DVDs will play in all DVD players. If an LMS is SCORM compliant, it can play any content that is SCORM compliant, and any SCORM compliant content can play in any SCORM compliant LMS.

Look out for part 2.  #conversationwithaclient

Strictly speaking, an “online course platform” like udemy and a “learning management system” i.e Tangerine LMS are two distinct things, although the terms are often used interchangeably. The main difference between the two is how each handles the learning approach.

The term “online course platform” is actually fairly broad and can be used to refer to any platform that has educational materials users can view. Any platform that includes a listing of courses, resources, or modules for learning could be considered an online course platform.

One important caveat we might put on this definition is that the platform has to actually host the courses that are listed. So a directory that just has course listings but no course content would not be an online course platform.

Learning management systems, in contrast, are platforms with modules specifically focused on the delivery and engagement of educational content. LMS platforms not only host courses but also have tools for training and development so learners and educators can have a more comprehensive educational experience. Common LMS tools include course schedules, assessments, navigable course pages, and interactive resources.

So while all learning management systems are online course platforms, not all online course platforms are learning management systems. Learning management systems are more specialized and put a larger emphasis on the delivery, development, and engagement of educational content.