Tin Can xAPI empowers well informed decision making, and that, is why Tin Can is so much more than a new SCORM.let’s quickly recap what we these standards are.

2. For well over a decade, the Shareable
Content Object Reference Model, or SCORM
as it’s affectionately known, has been the
standard for tracking eLearning.
But times are changing…

3. While yes, SCORM is established and
trusted, it is also limited, which has given rise
to a new standard…

4. Experience API or Tin Can API depending on
who you ask, changes the way learning data
is recorded, stored, and used…
But first, a quick recap.

5. Sharable Content Object Reference Model
SCORM is a set of technical specifications and guidelines designed to
create a standard for which course creators and Learning Management
Systems (LMS’s) communicate.
SCORM reports meta level data about track completion, time, pass/fail,
and a single score.
To learn more visit www.adlnet.gov/adl-research/scorm and read the
overview by SCORM’s creator Advanced Distribution Learning.

6. Experience API (xAPI) / Tin Can API
xAPI/TinCan is also a set of guidelines for recording learning but for a
system based upon activity statements. Learning statements are action
statements that can be applied to any type of learning. Such as “I read
InfoPro Learning’s Description of xAPI” (Congratulations).
Statements are stored in a Learning Management System (LMS), which can
share that information with LMS’s, another LRS, or a third party reporting
system.
To learn more visit www.adlnet.gov/adl-research/performance-tracking-
analysis/experience-api

7. While very similar in function, it is
important to note that Tin Can xAPI is
not SCORM with a new name.
Nor merely an upgrade…

8. IVREASONS TIN CAN XAPI IS
NOT JUST A NEW VERSION
OF SCORM

9. I Data Collection: Type and Method
Tin Can collects the same information as SCORM, and then so much more!
SCORM was designed to communicate only metadata about if the course
was opened, if it was finished, and a single test score. Tin Can xAPI collects
this data as well as any other piece of information desired.
Tin Can xAPI is capable of this not because it’s an upgraded SCORM but
because Tin Can’s activity statement system is a completely different
method of recording learning information.

10. II Learning Record Stores
Coupled with the Activity statement methodology of recording learning,
where Tin Can xAPI sends the information greatly differs from SCORM.
Instead of sending collected information straight to an LMS, Tin Can xAPI
sends information to a Learning Record Store (LRS).
That information then can be shared with an LMS for integration like
SCORM, sent to another LRS to share worker information across
organizations, or with a third party analysis tool.
This fundamental shift in where the information is stored makes a
huge difference and frees the learning information for new uses.

11. III Interoperability
Another major distinction between SCORM and Tin Can is their ability to
work in various capacities.
SCORM was developed with the intent of Web Based Training , in a
controlled environment, and because of this struggles to work with mobile
learning and new technologies. Today’s learning world involves desktops,
tablets, phones, simulators and more, each running their own operating
system.
The interoperability of Tin Can xAPI is completely different from SCORM
because Tin Can is system agnostic. It doesn’t matter what the system, Tin
Can simply records an activity statement and sends it to an LRS.

12. IV On-the-Job & Informal Learning
Finally, the fundamental shift in how Tin Can xAPI records learning opens up
a new possibility of recording on-the-job and informal learning.
SCORM reports if a learner takes an online course assigned by a LMS ,
limiting the system to formal Web based training, whereas Tin Can xAPI
records any type of activity statement.
Attending a lecture, writing a grant proposal, reading a business book, and
any other learning action can be added to the learning record store
producing a complete picture of learning; formal, on the job, and from peers.

13. Tin Can xAPI is more than SCORM’s
update, it is a paradigm shift in learning
management unlocking the possibility to
harness data.

14. Instead of trying to make decisions
based upon only a couple data points,
Tin Can xAPI empowers well informed
decision making.

15. Goodbye SCORM,
you will be missed.

16. Robert focuses on exploring and creating impactful
material. He has a passion for researching and sharing
L&D topics, with a particular interest in learning strategy,
mobile technology and anything innovative that changes
the way we think about learning.
Robert Velasquez is an enterprise
learning consultant with InfoPro Learning
based out of Seattle, Wa.
About the Author

17. We help organizations rapidly transform talent by focusing on
Learning for Performance.
A global, award-winning learning and training solutions company
for almost 20 years, InfoPro provides performance improvement
strategies, blended learning solutions, and managed training
programs.
One of the world’s leading providers of learning and training solutions.
About InfoPro Learning
For more information, visit www.infoprolearning.com