SCORM and SharePoint – everything you need to know.

What is SCORM?

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is SCORM?

SCORM which stands for ‘Sharable Content Object Reference Model’ is a standard for web based learning.  What this means is that SCORM tells programmers how to write their code so that training can “play well” with other e-learning software.

Of course, there are many advantages of SCORM from being able to reuse content to seamless interoperability which leads to time and cost savings.

How does SCORM relate to SharePoint?

SCORM eLearning courses are generally complex with not just the course itself but include a variety of interactive features like questions, animation and images.

A SCORM file is normally a zip file with several files within it. On its own SharePoint won't know what to do with a SCORM packaged module. That is because SharePoint is not SCORM compliant.

However, this is what you can do with SCORM and SharePoint:

• Content Management – SharePoint is a superb content management tool and widely used by training managers. SCORM or not, you can save and categorize all your training content in one central location.
• View Scorm Content with Customization - One can create custom web parts that render most anything. With Code, all things are possible.

So, in answering the question whether or not SCORM ‘works’ with SharePoint or if you can publish SCORM content in SharePoint, the answer is yes and no.

Yes, you can publish SCORM content and save within training document libraries, but no it does not work in the way that would be most useful to organizations.

For instance, with customization you could make it possible to view the SCORM content but that is it. SCORM content generally has actions implemented into it like assigning a course to users with the ability to track progress etc.

A Solution to SCORM and SharePoint

The real benefit of SCORM is to be able to track and report learning progress. This is an important feature for companies so they can improve their training. With SCORM, they are able to see data regarding user-interaction; this could include anything from user scores to whether or not users have accessed the content.

SharePoint by itself is just not capable of gathering this data. That is why you see Learning Management Systems being SCORM compliant to better give your business a full training picture.

Like we mentioned previously, you can definitely utilize SharePoint’s document management capabilities to store your SCORM eLearning. And, even do some customization to view the content.

But, instead of transferring the SCORM content to another system, why not keep it all under the same SharePoint umbrella and extend its capabilities with a system like ShareKnowledge?

A major benefit of ShareKnowledge is that it works as part of your SharePoint.Single sign-on and active directory make it easy for users to not have to remember multiple system passwords. There is also less risk for error when you’re not moving critical training content from one system to another. ShareKnowledge seamlessly works with all other systems like HRIS, IT and CRM.

But, the best part is the added functionality of SCORM content:

• Detailed reporting – user and team transcripts
• Assign course by job title, department or anything else
• Compliance management – digital signature, CEU and recurring events
• Instructor-led training management
• Scorm tests
• Auto reminders and notifications
• Managing webinars within SharePoint

ShareKnowledge offers engaging and relevant SCORM training content that works seamlessly with our award-winning Learning Management System (LMS). Topics range from IT Skills and Certifications to Human Resources, Compliance, Safety and Business Skills.

To learn more about the benefits of training in SharePoint, please click the button below.