Learning new software tools can be confusing and frustrating. Even with common technical standards like SCORM, where a lot of the work is seemingly done for you, it is difficult to know what the best set up is for your work environment. To help you with this, we’ve put together five FAQs that we’ve received relating to SCORM.
1. I want to use SCORM integration. How do I test the compatibility of Clarity programs with my Moodle/Blackboard/LMS?
You can download some sample content (a single unit) in the form of a SCORM learning object. To do this, get in touch with your Account Manager or the Clarity support team. You can import this learning object into your LMS, and it will connect to the software and content running on our servers. After this, your LMS and the software will pass information to and from each other and if all runs smoothly your LMS is compatible.
Clarity programs are SCORM 1.2 compliant and SCORM 2004 compliant.
2. I have opted for SCORM integration. How will I receive the programs and what do I do with them?
A quick step-by-step:
We send you, on request, a set of SCORM objects. These are tiny ZIP files containing an LMS manifest. A manifest file basically contains all the information the LMS needs to deliver the content. In more technical terms, it is an XML file used for making an output file that can be applied for all LMS environments.
You would then save all these objects in your LMS shared repository so that any teacher/course creator can access them.
When you are building a course, you import the units you want as a SCORM object.
As the LMS manifest contains the information to identify your account, you can begin accessing the program whilst it is hosted on Clarity’s server.
3. I want to have all the programs in my LMS, but there are so many learning objects and it is too time-intensive to import them all. Is there a quicker way?
Clarity’s default is to generate the program as learning objects at a unit level, giving you the opportunity to pick and choose what you want to include. However, we know that this can lead to a lot of files to import into your LMS — especially in the case of a program like Tense Buster or Clear Pronunciation.
Clarity can make the SCORM objects available at a ‘level’ basis. For example, one SCORM object for the whole of Tense Buster Elementary. This means that there would only be a handful of objects to import. It is important to bear in mind that because the level is one SCORM object, you will only receive one score through the LMS built-in report of the student’s completion. But more detailed reports can be generated through Admin Panel if you need them.
4. I want to use SCORM integration to run my Clarity programs, but my LMS is not SCORM-compliant. What can I do?
If you wish to integrate the programs into a LMS that is not SCORM compliant, you can explore a SCORM plug-in. For example with a WordPress website, you can use SCORM Cloud for WordPress. It is also still possible to use Clarity programs through their direct link — it’s quick and easy to set up and use.
5. How will the programs work once I have integrated them into my LMS through SCORM?
The process is in two parts. First, Clarity will save all the progress data. Before you start, make sure you have purchased a Learner Tracking licence to integrate with SCORM. In order to see your students’ progress, it is essential they use their LMS logins. As learners work their way through the exercises, their learner details will be passed to the Clarity program which in turn sends progress data back to your LMS’s built-in reports for you to see.
Second, SCORM handles all the login details. Your students should already have existing accounts on your LMS that will allow them to access the integrated Clarity programs. The first time users access the programs, the Clarity program will add their details to the database and check off one licence (you are now tracking this learner). When the same student runs the program or accesses it again, the same details will be picked up and they will automatically be able to run that unit.
If you have any questions or concerns, the best thing to do is have a chat with your Account Manager. They’ll be able to talk you through the different options available to you and find a solution that best fits with your needs.
