SCORM stands for "Sharable Content Object Reference Model." It is a set of technical standards for e-learning software products. SCORM defines how to create and package e-learning content so that it can be shared and reused across different Learning Management Systems (LMS).
The primary goal of SCORM is to promote interoperability between e-learning content and LMS platforms. This means that content creators can create learning modules using one software platform and deploy them on any SCORM-compliant LMS without having to worry about compatibility issues.
SCORM defines a set of rules that ensure that e-learning content is structured and packaged consistently. These rules cover things like how to create content that can be launched by an LMS, how to track and report on learner progress, and how to package content in a way that allows it to be easily shared between different systems.
The Benefits of SCORM for Employee Training
SCORM offers several benefits for employee training programs. Some of the key benefits are:
Consistency
SCORM ensures that e-learning content is structured and packaged consistently, making it easier for learners to navigate and for trainers to manage.
Reusability
SCORM-compliant e-learning modules can be easily reused and repurposed across different systems, reducing the time and effort needed to create new training content.
Interoperability
SCORM promotes interoperability between different learning management systems, making it easier to integrate different tools and technologies into employee training programs.
Tracking and Reporting
SCORM provides a standardized way of tracking and reporting on learner progress, allowing trainers to monitor and assess the effectiveness of their training programs.
Flexibility
SCORM allows trainers to deliver training content in a variety of formats, including videos, simulations, and interactive modules, providing flexibility to suit different learning styles.
Cost-effectiveness
SCORM-compliant e-learning content can be easily shared and reused across different systems, reducing the overall cost of developing and delivering employee training programs.
The Importance of Mobile Learning for Employee Training
Mobile learning (or m-learning) support is becoming increasingly important for employee training for several reasons:
Flexibility: Mobile learning support allows employees to access training content on their own devices, at a time and place that is convenient for them. This flexibility makes it easier for employees to fit training into their busy schedules and can improve overall engagement with the training content.
Convenience: With mobile learning support, employees can access training content on the go, whether they are traveling or commuting, making it easier to keep up with training requirements.
Cost-effective: Providing mobile learning support can be a cost-effective way to deliver training content to employees, as it eliminates the need for expensive classroom training or on-site training sessions.
Improved retention: Studies have shown that mobile learning can lead to better retention of training content, as employees are able to access the content at their own pace and review it as many times as needed.
Increased engagement: Mobile learning support can help to increase employee engagement with training content, as it allows employees to interact with the content in a more immersive and personalized way.
Adaptability: Mobile learning support can help to ensure that training content is up-to-date and relevant, as it allows for quick and easy updates to be made to the content as needed.
Eight of the Best SCORM Practices for Mobile Learning
Here are some best practices for using SCORM for mobile learning:
1. Use a Responsive Design
As mobile devices have smaller screens, ensure that your SCORM-compliant e-learning modules are designed to be responsive and optimized for mobile devices.
2. Optimize for Bandwidth
Some learners may have limited bandwidth or connectivity, so minimize the amount of data that needs to be downloaded by compressing images and other media and avoid using large files.
3. Make it Interactive
Use interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, and games that engage learners and keep them interested in the content.
4. Ensure Compatibility
Test SCORM-compliant e-learning modules on a range of mobile devices to ensure compatibility with different devices and operating systems.
5. Use HTML5
HTML5 is a mobile-friendly format and is supported by most mobile devices, making it a good choice for SCORM-compliant e-learning modules.
6. Allow Offline Access
Mobile learners may not always have internet access, so consider allowing learners to download e-learning modules for offline access.
7. Provide Clear Instructions
Mobile learners may be using different devices with different interfaces, so provide clear instructions on how to access and navigate the e-learning modules.
8. Monitor Learner Progress
Use the tracking and reporting capabilities of SCORM to monitor learner progress and assess the effectiveness of your mobile learning program.
About LMS Portals
At LMS Portals, we provide our clients and partners with a SaaS-based, multi-tenant learning management system that allows you to launch a dedicated training environment (a portal) for each of your unique audiences.
The system includes built-in, SCORM-compliant course authoring software that enables most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily.
We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.
If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program. The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.
Together, these features make the LMS Portals platform the ideal solution for implementing a SCORM-compliant platform that support mobile learning for robust employee training programs.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages