CAN/CSA-ISO/IEC TR 29163-1:15

"SCORM" stands for "Sharable Content Object Reference Model." A "reference model" is something that shows what kinds of services will be needed to solve a particular problem, how they can be put together, the relevant standards that apply, and how they might be used. There are three primary criteria for a reference model such as SCORM. First, it must articulate guidelines that can be understood and implemented by developers of learning content. Second, it must be adopted, understood and used by as wide a variety of stakeholders as possible -- especially learning content and tool developers and their customers. Third, it must permit mapping of any stakeholder’s specific model for instructional systems design and development into itself. Stakeholders must be able to see how their own model of instructional design is reflected by the reference model they hold in common. Up-front investment is required to develop and convert learning content for technologybased presentation. These investment costs may be reduced by an estimated 50-80 percent through the use of learning content that is accessible, interoperable, durable and reusable. Procedures for developing such learning content are state-of-the-art in e-learning, but they must be articulated, accepted and widely used as guidelines by developers and their customers. These goals can be achieved through collaborative development. Collaboration will increase the number, quality and per-unit value of learning content. Such collaboration requires agreement upon a common reference model. ADL architects recognized early the need for a reference model that would specify learning content and its labeling, storage, and presentation in distributed learning. SCORM provides a coordinating model of standard practices that can be generally accepted and widely implemented throughout the distributed learning community. SCORM helps define the technical foundations of a Web-based learning environment. It is a model that references and integrates a set of interrelated technical standards, specifications and guidelines designed to meet high-level requirements for learning content and systems. SCORM describes a “Content Aggregation Model” and a “Run- Time Environment ” for instructional objects to support adaptive instruction based on a learner's goals, preferences, prior performance and other factors. SCORM also describes a “Sequencing and Navigation” model for the dynamic presentation of content based on learner needs. SCORM seeks to knit together the contributions of disparate groups and interests in the distributed learning community. It is intended to coordinate emerging technologies and capabilities with commercial/public implementations.