SCORM – stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model is a set of international standards help the online course can be compatible, share, operate uniformly on many platforms, learning management (LMS). In other words, SCORM is “common language” to help businesses can deploy tracking, online training, in a professional way, the measurement is effective.
For businesses, the application of SCORM not only brings convenience in the design and management lectures but also help optimize the cost of training, standardize learning content to ensure the ability to expand the system in future.
This article Lac Viet SureHCS will help you understand “SCORM is what,” “standard, SCORM mean how in e-learning” and “how to application SCORM effectiveness in training activities business”.
1. SCORM is what?
1.1. Origin and concept SCORM
SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model, translation Model reference content objects can share. This standard developed by the Organization initiative Distributed Learning advanced (ADL – Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative) under the Ministry of defense of the United States from 1999.
The initial goal of SCORM is to standardize the way e-learning content is created, distributed to the study material can be shared and re-used on multiple LMS systems different without editing techniques.
For example, if a business created the course “communication Skills internal” in the form of SCORM, they can deploy this course on any e-learning system any support SCORM without the need for reprogramming. This is the same as a PDF file that can be opened on multiple devices – SCORM help “file lecture” became universal in such environment training online.
According to statistics from the ADL (2024), more than 60% of LMS system in the world currently supports SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004, shows the broad reach of this standard in the industry online learning (global adlnet.gov).
1.2. The structure of SCORM
SCORM activity is based on three main components:
- Content Packaging (packaging learning content): This is the “canned” the entire course content – including text, photos, videos, multiple choice questions – a packet only (file .zip) has a standard structure. This package can be uploaded to any LMS system which supports SCORM.
- Run-time Environment (execution Environment): Is the “language of communication” between lectures and LMS systems. When students watch the lectures, this environment helps LMS record data such as course duration, progress, test scores, final results.
- Sequencing (sequence learning): Determine how learners interact with the content – for example, you must have completed lesson 1 new lessons 2, or have the freedom to choose any lesson. This helps the business tightly controlled route training to ensure employees understand knowledge in the correct sequence.
Practical example: When businesses use the system Vietnam e-Learning, administrators can easily upload package SCORM of course sales skills, the system will automatically identify the structure, storage, tracking the progress of students according to SCORM international.
Thanks to this structure, SCORM helps enterprises not only the management school material more easily, but also standardized processes, training, assessment is competency based employee data specific learning – something that the form of traditional training can't be done.
2. The standard SCORM in e-learning
Since it was first introduced in 2001, Organized by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), SCORM has gone through many stages of development to meet the increasing demands of business in the standardized measure effective online training. In particular, three main version SCORM 1.1, SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 is considered the most important platform are still widely used in e-learning system today.
Comparison overview the version SCORM
| Criteria | SCORM 1.1 | SCORM 1.2 | SCORM 2004 |
| Year launched | 2001 | 2001 (last year) | 2004 |
| The main objective | Standardized content pack basic | Standardized communication LMS – learning content | Building roadmap for learning conditional |
| The ability to record data | Basic restrictions | Stable, full process | Advanced analysis of learning behavior |
| Sequencing (sequence learning) | Not supported | Not supported | Support |
| Popular in the business | Low | Very high | Growing strong |
| Typical application | Initial test | Internal training, basic skills | Advanced training, route profession |
2.1. SCORM 1.1 – Version of the platform, place the first brick for e-learning standardization (launched 2001)
SCORM 1.1 is the first version is ADL announced, with goals set frame technical standards to the online course can exchange data and operations between the platforms LMS different.
However, at the time of birth, SCORM 1.1, and only at the level of standardized testing packing way, data transfer, not support well the measurement trace in detail the process of learning of employees.
| Highlights | Restrictions |
|
|
Therefore, SCORM 1.1 only is the trial version should quickly be replaced by improved SCORM 1.2.
2.2. SCORM 1.2 – The most popular in the business
Launched in late 2001, SCORM 1.2 is the version finishing first stable community e-learning global widely accepted. This version overcome most of the limitations of SCORM 1.1, and became the standard used most commonly in the last two decades.
Score improvement highlights:
- Standardized Run-Time Environment (execution environment), helps lecture can communicate two-way with LMS systems.
- Allows LMS recorded, stored the data learning as: Mode complete course (completed/incomplete); test result (pass/fail); Duration of the study; Progress of the user.
- Additional ability to report learning outcomes, more accurate, more support HR monitoring and evaluation staff capacity easily.
Benefits for business:
- Help HR construction training system, sync, can measure and evaluate the effectiveness of learning.
- For permission to re-use content study materials on many different systems, cost savings and investment.
- Suitable for the e-learning courses such as training, integration, occupational safety, process work, soft skills,...
2.3. SCORM 2004 – the most advanced Version with the ability to manage route learning (Sequencing)
Launched in 2004, SCORM 2004 (also known as SCORM 1.3) is considered exceptional step in comparison with the previous version. Points most important difference lies in the additional mechanism Sequencing & Navigation, which allows the construction business roadmap flexible learning have clear conditions for each student.
Significant improvements:
- Sequencing (sequence learning): the System can set the school rules as: “to complete the lesson 1 new lesson, 2”, or “if you do not pass the test, have to repeat the previous part”. This helps businesses control the learning process of employees in the correct training program mandatory, especially useful in courses, professional training, occupational safety, or legal compliance.
- Tracking enhancement: Improve the ability to record data learning, including complex situations (for example: students stop halfway and back to school the next).
- Detailed report: Provide data analysis enhancement, support HR and management capacity assessment staff behavior-based practical learning.
Practical benefits:
- Lets design the course to be “interactive orientation” – learning content can change depending on the results of the study.
- Help business standardization roadmap development capacity ensure students comply with the process of training in a systematic way.
- Optimal learning experience, the ability to track, analyze data for parts L&D.
Popularity: Whether the birth was long, SCORM 2004 is still the standard modern is many LMS systems support.
Three versions SCORM reflect the development of the industry training online – from the only convey content (SCORM 1.1), to manage, measure the effectiveness (SCORM 1.2), and then proceed to training oriented capacity (SCORM 2004). With Vietnamese businesses are digitizing processes, training, SCORM 1.2 and 2004 are two standards should be a priority, especially when combined with systems, Vietnamese, e-Learning, which supports the full version of this to ensure compatibility, the ability to analyze, extended long for training activities internal
3. Application SCORM in internal training business
In the context of business are pushing digitization operation personnel training, SCORM role as a tool standardized measure the efficiency of learning. Not just technical solutions, SCORM bring value clear management for the hr leader in the construction of our staff have the capacity to enforce high.
3.1. Standardized library learning numbers – Increase re-usability, content updates quickly
Thanks to SCORM, businesses can build shed materials of focus, where all courses, videos, tests is packaged in standard format. This makes parts train easily update or re-use lectures for many subjects different staff members, instead of having to design from scratch.
For example, when business development course “Skills customer service” for line staff, the same set of learning materials SCORM can be used for new employees in Hanoi, Da Nang or ho chi minh CITY. Ho Chi Minh city, but still ensure the quality and structure is the same.
3.2. Measuring the effectiveness of training by real data
SCORM help system, learning management system (LMS) recorded data learning details of each employee: time attendance, completion rates, test scores, or number of times to repeat content. From there, hr managers can:
- Specify a group of employees who need additional skills.
- Assessment of the level associated with the training program.
- Compare the results of training between departments or branches.
For example, when implementing the training course on “occupational Safety” for the company, data SCORM will allow HR tracking details who have completed the course, who hasn't and rate pass test out stars. This helps the business not only ensure compliance but also enhance the effectiveness of training based on specific evidence, rather than emotion.
3.3. Consistent with the model, flexibility training, multi-branch
With those businesses that have large scale or operate in many locations, the organization of training is a big challenge. SCORM solve this problem by allowing learners to learn anytime, anywhere, on any device that stays in sync progress learning.
So, SCORM not only help HR cost savings, but also enhance capacity, quality management training to ensure all staff have access to school programs, unity updates the most.
4. Application SCORM in learning management system (LMS)
SCORM is “common language” between content and learning management system training (LMS – Learning Management System). Thanks to that, businesses can deploy training on a large scale without worrying about the compatibility, the ability to store or manage data.
4.1. Integrated unity – Manage the entire training process on a platform
A system LMS modern support SCORM allows businesses to automate the entire process of training, from daily teaching – classroom management – organized exam – certification – review the results.
The system such as Vietnam e-Learning also expand the ability to integrate with OpenBadges, API, hr and rating system, KPI, the measurement of competencies that an employee becomes seamless, guests can connect to the data C&B or job performance.
For example, after completion of the course, “leadership Skills SCORM”, the system can automatically update the certificate personnel records, or put the results into the reporting capacity assessment periodically.
4.2. Analysis, optimal training data – base for strategic decision-making personnel
Thanks to SCORM, the LMS can export detailed data about the learning process, test scores, level of interaction, even the learning behavior (time of school completion rate, content, most viewed).
These data help HR and L&D (Learning & Development) trend analysis, learning, measurement and ROI (Return on Investment) of training, determine the exact courses that are creating real value.
4.3. Ensure the security and user experience optimization
SCORM does not only ensure compatibility, but also support to manage decentralized, secure access. Businesses can control who is learning, who is to upload the document, who is certified to help in the training process both flexible and ensure the security of internal information.
The platform such as Vietnam e-Learning also provides a friendly user interface on the website/app, employees can learn on your phone, tablet or laptop without the limit of equipment.
In summary, the application SCORM in the LMS system gives businesses a training platform sync, easy to manage and can measure the investment performance training. SCORM help HR switch role from the course organization to the administrator human capacity building, culture, education and sustainable mobility in the enterprise.
5. Implementation guide lecture SCORM in business
In the process of transformation of training activities, from creating and deploying lecture SCORM help businesses not only of cultural knowledge internally, but also ensure the ability to control, evaluate, expand training programs in a scientific way. Here are detailed instructions intended for businesses that want to standardize e-learning content in SCORM.
Step 1. Determine training objectives, content structure
Before embarking on creation sermons, businesses need to clearly define the training objectives – employees need to achieve capacity what after the course, knowledge is the core skill which needs practice.
This determination will help businesses build pathways consistent with each group of objects, for example, new employees, sales team, or middle managers.
The next step is up structure lecture content. Instead poured all the knowledge into a long course, should be divided into the short module (microlearning), each module focuses on a specific topic. How this helps the learner acquire easier and increase the ability to maintain long-term knowledge.
Step 2. Using the tool to create lecture SCORM dedicated
After the content, businesses can use the authoring tool (draft sermon) as:
- Articulate Storyline: in accordance with the course is highly interactive (e.g., simulation of situations, games, questions and feedback).
- iSpring Suite: easy-to-use, allowing for quick conversion of PowerPoint files into lecture SCORM.
- Adobe Captivate support: design complex lessons, which can integrates video, simulation, test.
This tool will help business of packing the entire contents into a format SCORM (.zip) which contains text files, audio, photo, file navigation. When uploading system, LMS, lectures will be automatically read and save the entire data learning of employees, such as time attendance, scores, completion rate.
Practical example: A business in the retail sector can use iSpring to create course “Skills customer care”, and then packaged as SCORM and deployed on system LMS of Vietnam e-Learning. All branches across the country can learn the same content consistently, at the same time HR can track the reported study results in detail for each employee.
Step 3. Test, deploy, assess the effectiveness
After finishing lecture, SCORM, the next important step is testing on the LMS system to ensure:
- The content displayed in correct format on the computer, mobile devices.
- The interactive multiple choice questions, videos, stable running.
- Academic data is accurately recorded (for example: complete post, score, duration of the study).
Business should trial lecture on a group of small staff before deploying the system to collect feedback and adjust the content accordingly.
When the sermon was put into official use, HR can keep track of evaluating the effectiveness of training through the report SCORM on system LMS:
- The proportion of students completing the course.
- The level of participation (average duration, number of visits).
- The test results end-of-course. Since then, business has any real data to improve the content of training, mounted training results with route advance or KPI staff.
Step 4. Optimized the process of creating lectures SCORM with e-learning platform professional
With the business not to have a team of in-house engineering, creating lectures SCORM can be optimized using the training system online specialized.
Solution Lac e-Learning allows:
- Create sermons SCORM quickly thanks to the stock samples are available, just enter content is the system auto-format-standard international.
- Automatic updates, re-use of content helps to save time editing.
- Analysis of academic data and reports visually support HR reviews effective training according to each employee, department or course.
- Flexible deployment under two forms: rental service (SaaS) or installed package in the enterprise (on-premise).
Thanks to that, the business can quickly deploy model train number according to SCORM, improve the quality of human resources that do not need large investments into technology or technical staffing.
6. Manage internal training with comprehensive software lacviet e-Learning
In the context of transformation of increasingly powerful businesses don't just need a training system online to transmit knowledge but also need a platform to manage internal training comprehensive, has the ability to measure, analyze, improve the efficiency, capacity development staff. That is why management software, training, internal Communication, Vietnamese, e-Learning introduction – a solution designed exclusively for the organization/business Vietnam desirable to standardize, digitize, process optimization, personnel training.
Vietnam e-Learning is the foundation management training online meet international standard SCORM and OpenBadges, developed by News corporation Lac Vietnam – units has over 30 years of experience in the field of technology solutions for business. The system not only help businesses create, manage, deploy course easy, but also track the progress of learning, competency assessment, and performance measurement training investment (ROI) in a particular way, transparent.
Vietnam e-Learning is the training system is comprehensive online help business management – deployment – measure the effect of training on the same platform. The salient features include:
- Create and manage learning numbers in standard SCORM: Easy design, reusable packaging lecture SCORM. Support video, quiz, PDF documents, slides, quizzes, interactive.
- Course organization, classroom management flexibility: Manage students, faculty, decentralize departments or work location. Support online learning, classroom, virtual learning combined.
- Track progress, assess learning automatic: Recorded detailed data: amount of time learning, completion rates, test scores, certificates. Visual reports help HR measure the effectiveness of training, staff capacity in real time.
- Flexible integration with hr systems and KPI's: connection API with the software, HRM, C&B or KPI internal. Automatically updates the results of training on employee records.
- Learning experience friendly, multi-platform: Learning anytime, anywhere through the web or mobile app. Modern interface, easy to use, have the assistant reminds academic calendar automatically.
- Support flexible deployment – SaaS or On-Premise: the Enterprise can choose to hire the services on the cloud platform or deploy internal. Ensure data security, customized according to the peculiarities each organization.
During the great conversion of SCORM is not just a technical standard, which is also the key to help enterprises standardize, measure, optimize the performance of personnel training. Adopting SCORM help organizations build system, flexible learning, save cost and ensure the quality of training uniformly on the entire system from small branches to large-scale conglomerate.














