Introduction
You may likely have come across the term SCORM and AICC, but what do these terms stand for? SCORM is the abstract of the shareable content object reference model whereas AICC stands for Aviation industry computer-based training committee. Both of them help to regulate how virtual training courses correspond with the learning management systems (LMS). Without a doubt, there are numerous authoring tools out in the market that can be used to develop and create e-learning curriculums.
However, there is much more difference than just these abbreviations. Let’s individually check their strengths, weaknesses, and differences.
AICC Compliance
Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC) is the original gangster of technical benchmarks and it is the first one to enable communication between course content and an existing learning management system. Its purpose was to enable e-learning while reducing the expense of virtual training. The AICC compliant allows interaction between learning management systems and online training courses with the assistance of the HTTP AICC Communication Protocol (HACP). It basically focuses on the distribution, development, and evaluation of computer and research-based technologies.
Some of its benefits are:
- AICC LMS is a highly secured system.
- The AICC’s online training exam suite and platform’s needs are not technical.
- It offers a very secure HTTPS data transfer between LMS and AICC-compliant content.
Some of its weaknesses are:
- AICC-compliant LMS doesn’t work when it comes to uploading a curriculum, it involves difficult processes.
- AICC cant track progress as its tracking and reporting tool is very limited.
- AICC is a very outdated set of standards and its support is also limited.
SCORM Compliance
SCORM is an XML-based structure used to describe and retrieve information about learning objects. It enables efficient and effective online training. A scorm compliant must consist of media files, Imsmanifest.xml as well as JavaScript and HTML files. Some of the common SCORM paradigms are Content Aggregation and the run-time environment. This platform focuses on providing complete e-learning benefits that are reusable, accessible, and interoperable. Nevertheless, there are different versions of the SCORM standards such as SCORM 1.1, SCORM 1.2, and SCORM 1.3/2004. However, the most supported and used ones are SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004/SCORM 1.3.
Some of its benefits are:
- Using a wide array of Shareable Content Object Reference Model authoring tools, you can swiftly and entirely alter the content without affecting the continuity or the stability of the training programs.
- SCORM’s reusability makes it cost-effective. It has reduced the price of combining content into eLearning platforms.
- With SCORM, you can track and trace several aspects of learners such as lesson data, learner’s progress, lesson location, raw score, session time, suspended data, and more.
- Interoperability in SCORM enables e-learning platforms and course content to work together coherently and logically.
Some of its weaknesses are:
- SCORM allows you to monitor raw data but it won’t allow you to track anything more precise than learners’ completion rate or their overall performance.
- It was created for a Flash-based curriculum, which isn’t a favored option now.
- It also limits the functionality of HTML5-based courses.
- SCORM doesn’t work offline, it requires an internet connection.
- Mobile or web-based courses are no good either for SCORM as they only work when launched from an LMS.
Final thoughts
SCORM is way ahead of AICC and has become the main player in the e-learning community. And some of the main differences are their base, specifications, capabilities, level of communications, and more. However, AICC is still suitable in today’s e-learning world and many organizations still depend on AICC-compliant standards to drive their e-learning programs. Admittedly, using SCORM compliance standards means stress-free content creation, measurement, and delivery.
