e-Learning Blog

The standard structure of SCORM materials is as follows:
・manifest file
・HTML file for materials (SCO)
・js files, etc. (configuration data and others)

The manifest file contains information about the structure of the educational materials.
When displaying the educational materials on the LMS, you can check the composition (table of contents) of the materials, and this information is provided by the manifest file.
Additionally, the linking of items in the table of contents to the actual educational data (for example, the file for Chapter 1, Section 1 is 0101.html) is also described within the manifest file.

The educational HTML file is the main body of the material (the so-called "content" such as actual explanations and tests). It is based on an HTML file.
Within the educational material, the smallest unit is called an "SCO" (pronounced as "sco" or "es-shi-o"). The range that constitutes one SCO varies depending on the material.
For example, the material may be structured in three chapters, but all three chapters may be treated as one SCO, meaning that completion is not achieved unless all chapters are viewed. Alternatively, the units may be divided by chapters or sections, with each chapter or section such as "Chapter 1", "Chapter 2", "Chapter 3", "1-1", "2-1", "3-1", etc., being individual SCOs.
In the LMS table of contents, each SCO is presented as a link and serves as a learning unit. Therefore, it may be easier to visualize the units divided in the LMS as SCOs.
The way SCOs are divided can be freely designed.
When our company produces educational materials, the unit of SCO (division) is a key point to confirm in the initial design phase.

Typically, learning history is acquired in units of SCO.

The information about viewing that is passed from the teaching materials side to the LMS side, along with the files set for pass/fail judgment, constitutes the SCORM materials. These files are written using JavaScript.

So, how should SCORM materials be created?
When creating from scratch, the easiest way is to use a tool that supports SCORM.
By using tools like iSpring or Storyline, you can generate SCORM materials simply by specifying the settings.
While the features vary by tool, you can also finely configure methods for tracking history, among other things. The two tools mentioned above have English interfaces, so knowledge and confirmation are necessary regarding the required settings for the materials and the SCORM version to specify during export. Additionally, there are limitations, such as not being able to set multiple SCOs in a single material, but very little specialized knowledge is required.

If it is difficult to use the tools, specialized knowledge is indeed necessary.
If there are already e-learning materials and you want to utilize them, the necessary actions will vary depending on the status of the relevant data, so investigations such as data analysis are required. Additionally, in cases of migrating an LMS, it is also necessary to check whether the version of SCORM supported by the LMS differs between old and new.

In addition, SCORM is part of the certification system recognized by the eLC Japan e-Learning Consortium (https://www.elc.or.jp/), which requires knowledge and skills as a SCORM technician.

As mentioned at the beginning, in recent years, "LMS migration" has also been one of the trends in the e-learning industry.
When our company started its e-learning content business around 2000, many renowned large companies in Japan were releasing LMS.
Over the course of more than 20 years since then, LMS has evolved with the times, and the roles required have changed.
In recent years, systems equipped with more functions have emerged as "Talent Management Systems" that manage not only educational aspects but also include personnel information.
Additionally, open-source LMS such as Moodle and Totara have appeared, increasing the options available.
The methods for implementing LMS have also changed. In the past, client companies would undertake relatively large preparations, such as building dedicated servers at their own expense. However, now, LMS that can be used as cloud services have emerged, and using them for a limited time is no longer something special. Overall, the situation is becoming easier for companies of all sizes to implement e-learning.
Unfortunately, there are also companies withdrawing from the LMS business, and this situation seems to be contributing to the increasing demand for LMS replacement-related support.

Human Science offers a variety of services to help our clients implement and operate e-learning.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us.

> e-Learning Material Production
> e-Learning Material Translation
> In-House Material Support
> Articulate Storyline, Studio Implementation Support and Creation Services
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> Flash to HTML5 Migration and Conversion
> Moodle and Totara Learn (Open Source LMS) Implementation and Operation Support

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