The eLearning industry is continuously evolving with new technologies and standards that aim to improve the delivery, compatibility, and effectiveness of online learning content. Two of the most significant standards that have been developed for eLearning content are SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) and Tin Can API, which is also known as Experience API or xAPI. Both standards have been widely adopted, but they cater to different needs and have various capabilities. In this article, we will explore the differences between SCORM and Tin Can API to help instructional designers, eLearning developers, and educators to better understand these two standards.

SCORM has been the de-facto standard for packaging eLearning content since its inception in the early 2000s. Developed by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative from the United States Department of Defense, SCORM focuses on producing courses that are interoperable across different Learning Management Systems (LMS). This means that an eLearning module developed in SCORM format can be uploaded to any LMS that supports SCORM without the need for modifications. SCORM consists of a set of technical standards for eLearning software products and defines how online learning content and LMSs communicate with each other.

The key features of SCORM include:

– Content packaging: Courses can be bundled in a ZIP file that contains everything required to deliver the content on an LMS.

– Launch data: Information needed to start a course (like learner’s name or course progress) is exchanged upon launch.

– Completion tracking: The system can track essential elements such as course access, completion status, duration spent on content, pass/fail status, and score.

– Reusability: Course designers can reuse SCORM-compliant content across various platforms without redevelopment.

However, SCORM has limitations in terms of tracking learning experiences. It doesn’t capture detailed learning activities or experiences outside LMSs. It’s at this juncture that Tin Can API comes in.

The Tin Can API was introduced as a successor to SCORM with more advanced tracking capabilities. Developed by Rustici Software under contract to ADL, it was designed to overcome the limitations of SCORM by capturing a wide array of learning experiences. Tin Cant API is often referred to as Experience API because it records numerous types of learning activities as “experiences”, which can happen both online and offline.

The standout features of Tin Can API include:

– Detailed tracking: Apart from completion tracking similar to SCORM, xAPI records detailed activities such as reading an article, attending an event, collaborative learning experience, game-based learning outcomes etc.

– Platform independence:xAPI can track learning experiences across varied environments not limited to web browsers (mobile apps, simulations, wearables etc.).

– Offline tracking: Experiences can be tracked even when there’s no internet connection available; data gets transmitted when reconnected.

– Interactivity: Advanced capabilities allow more interactive elements within courses (like integrating gamification).

– Versatility: It can work across multiple platforms and not limited strictly to traditional LMSs.

In conclusion, while SCORM is mainly focused on interoperability within LMSs and basic tracking information like completion status and test scores, Tin Can API goes several steps further by offering detailed tracking of a wide range of learning experiences across multiple platforms and offline environments. The choice between using SCORM or Tin Can API will largely depend on the specific needs of your training program – whether you require basic LMS integration or more comprehensive tracking that extends beyond traditional learning environments. As technology advances and learning ecosystems continue to diversify, Tin Can API seems poised to address future eLearning challenges more robustly than its predecessor.