aid: scorm-vocabulary
name: SCORM Vocabulary
description: >-
  Normative vocabulary and taxonomy for the SCORM (Sharable Content Object
  Reference Model) e-learning specification. Covers core concepts from
  SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, and the modern xAPI successor standard.
created: '2026-05-02'
modified: '2026-05-02'
terms:
  - term: SCORM
    label: Sharable Content Object Reference Model
    definition: >-
      A set of technical standards for web-based e-learning content that
      defines how content communicates with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
      SCORM ensures interoperability between content from different authoring
      tools and different LMS platforms.
    related: [xAPI, LMS, SCO]

  - term: SCO
    label: Shareable Content Object
    definition: >-
      The atomic unit of SCORM-compliant learning content. A SCO is a
      collection of assets (HTML, media, JavaScript) that can communicate
      with an LMS via the SCORM runtime API.
    related: [SCORM, LMS]

  - term: LMS
    label: Learning Management System
    definition: >-
      A software platform used to deliver, track, and manage e-learning
      content. An LMS must implement the SCORM API to host SCORM packages.
    examples:
      - Moodle
      - Cornerstone
      - SAP SuccessFactors Learning
      - Docebo

  - term: LMSInitialize
    label: LMS Initialize
    definition: >-
      The SCORM 1.2 API function that initializes communication between
      the SCO and the LMS. Must be called when the SCO loads.
    scorm_version: "1.2"
    related: [LMSFinish]

  - term: Initialize
    label: Initialize
    definition: >-
      The SCORM 2004 API function (on the API_1484_11 object) that
      initializes the runtime communication.
    scorm_version: "2004"
    related: [Terminate]

  - term: CMI
    label: Computer Managed Instruction
    definition: >-
      The data model namespace used by SCORM for all runtime data elements.
      CMI data elements track learner progress, scores, time, and status.

  - term: LessonStatus
    label: Lesson Status
    definition: >-
      SCORM 1.2 data element (cmi.core.lesson_status) that combines both
      completion and success into a single value: passed, failed, completed,
      incomplete, browsed, or not attempted.
    scorm_version: "1.2"
    related: [CompletionStatus, SuccessStatus]

  - term: CompletionStatus
    label: Completion Status
    definition: >-
      SCORM 2004 data element (cmi.completion_status) indicating whether
      the learner has completed the content: completed, incomplete,
      not attempted, or unknown.
    scorm_version: "2004"

  - term: SuccessStatus
    label: Success Status
    definition: >-
      SCORM 2004 data element (cmi.success_status) indicating mastery:
      passed, failed, or unknown.
    scorm_version: "2004"

  - term: SuspendData
    label: Suspend Data
    definition: >-
      An arbitrary string (up to 4096 characters) that an SCO can use to
      save its internal state when the learner exits, allowing resume from
      the same position in the next session.

  - term: PIF
    label: Package Interchange Format
    definition: >-
      The ZIP file format used to package SCORM content for import into
      an LMS. A PIF contains the imsmanifest.xml and all referenced files.

  - term: imsmanifest
    label: IMS Manifest
    definition: >-
      The XML file (imsmanifest.xml) at the root of every SCORM package
      that describes the content structure, organizations, resources,
      and metadata conforming to the IMS Content Packaging specification.

  - term: xAPI
    label: Experience API (Tin Can)
    definition: >-
      The modern successor to SCORM developed by ADL. xAPI uses a
      Learning Record Store (LRS) and tracks learning statements in
      subject-verb-object format, enabling tracking of experiences
      beyond traditional LMS-hosted content.
    aliases:
      - Tin Can API
    related: [LRS, SCORM]

  - term: LRS
    label: Learning Record Store
    definition: >-
      A database that stores xAPI statements about learning experiences.
      Replaces the LMS as the data store in xAPI implementations.
    related: [xAPI]

  - term: ADL
    label: Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative
    definition: >-
      The U.S. Department of Defense program that governs SCORM and xAPI
      specifications. ADL manages conformance testing and specification
      updates.

  - term: Sequencing
    label: SCORM Sequencing and Navigation
    definition: >-
      A SCORM 2004 sub-specification (IMS Simple Sequencing) that defines
      rules for how learners can navigate between SCOs, based on completion
      and mastery conditions.
    scorm_version: "2004"

domains:
  - name: E-Learning Standards
    description: Technical specifications for interoperable digital learning content
    tags:
      - E-Learning
      - LMS
      - Education Technology

  - name: Learning Analytics
    description: Tracking and measuring learner progress and performance
    tags:
      - Analytics
      - Assessment
      - Completion Tracking