The document discusses the integration of xAPI into requests for proposals (RFPs) for eLearning solutions, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right standard based on specific training needs. It outlines the differences and purposes of standards like SCORM, CMI5, and xAPI, along with considerations for authentication and data management systems. The author encourages thoughtful evaluation of each standard's fitness for purpose rather than adding xAPI arbitrarily to RFPs.

1. Chris Tompkins
Rustici Software
Adding xAPI to Your RFPs:
Rethinking Your Process

2. About Me,
Rustici Software
We help companies
comply with eLearning
standards.

3. • Think of the eLearning standards as tools,
select the right tool for the job.
• Sometimes age can be a strength.
Don’t assume you’ll need xAPI.

4. SCORM is great for a nurse doing eLearning

5. xAPI is better for for tracking training success

6. What is the fitness for purpose of
each eLearning standard?
SCORM
CMI5
xAPI...

7. SCORM Course
Package
● Beginning
● Middle
● End
● ...with an assessment

8. cmi5 Course
Package
● Beginning
● Middle
● End
● ...with an assessment

9. xAPI
Affordances
● Real-world experiences
● Breaks learning out of
the web browser

10. What xAPI defines is how to
communicate.
Scheduling meetings is easy, but
the context is valuable.

11. xAPI Systems:
LMS
LRP
LRS
Analytics System

12. • Authenticates a learner
• Manages content libraries
• Includes general reporting features
• Considers interoperability really important
Learning Management System (LMS)

13. • Could be an application that plays an eLearning
course using SCORM or cmi5
• Could be a simulator or another application that
uses xAPI to track “hands-on” learning
experiences
Learning Record Provider (LRP)

14. • A database that stores xAPI statements
• People care about LRSs for different reasons
• Hospital: for compliance and efficiencies
• Nurse: for record keeping
• LRP: for continuous insight into product
Learning Record Store (LRS)

15. • Collects learning data in a visual format
• Provides actionable insights from learning data
• Allows users to connect learning data to other
data within an organization
Learning Analytics System

16. What to consider when reviewing
providers...

17. Where is the desired learning experience?

18. What experiences do you want to track?

19. Where does your learning data live?

20. How will you handle authentication?

21. • LMSs easily solve problem with SCORM.
• CMI5 attempts to do this well.
• Outside LMS options involve 3 parties…
Learner / LRS / LRP
Direct trust (server to server / LRS to LRP trust) or
3-legged O-Auth
xAPI Authentication

22. How will you establish trust?

23. xAPI allows statements to move.
Statement signing is useful. Attachments can
provide encrypted signatures.
Passing statements between LRSs, trusted
credentials need to be real and passable.
xAPI Trust

24. How will you evaluate learning?

25. What happened?
Why do you care?
xAPI Profiles help with the end in mind.
xAPI Utility

26. • Which role does the software fulfill?
• Don’t add xAPI to a RFP for the sake of it.
• SCORM still has a life...
Takeaways: Adding xAPI to your
RFP

27. Chris Tompkins
Rustici Software
chris.tompkins@xapi.com
Thank you!