Many corporate organizations new to eLearning are confused about whether to opt for SCORM based eLearning compliance. There are many pros and cons associated with it. It’s based on their training requirements for some organizations while the rest try to make their eLearning course advance. Popular authoring tools like Adobe Captivate or Articulate storyline build SCORM based courses. But, before drawing any conclusion, we suggest you read this post carefully. Here, we have compiled a few pros and cons of SCORM compliant solutions that you should consider before making any decision.
Pros of SCORM based content
- SCORM based content makes eLearning solutions more interactive. Adding several authoring tools to your content makes it engaging. It directs learners to click on the image and other screen elements, render dynamic results and ask them to expand onscreen components before they start with the next section. Activities like mini-puzzles and quizzes are embedded within a course. The more you make interactive and engaging content for learners, the more they will retain and understand the content and complete it.
- With the SCORM compliant solutions, eLearning developers can combine course and assessment materials to better user experience. If you evaluate your course with a final exam, for example, an authoring tool will allow you to place it directly after the content of your time and return the score to your LMS. Many clients prefer it as the entire syllabus (content and test) is in a single SCORM unit. This will make life easier for learners who do not have to go for a particular exam after completing the course.
Cons of SCORM based content
- Authoring tools for SCORM based eLearning compliance are expensive. Companies look to reduce the cost of training operations and other expenses. But, SCORM base content can be a significant investment for them. Popular authoring tools like Adobe Captivate 9 costs $ 1099 per user, whereas Articulate Storyline 2 costs $1400. Organizations can’t let financial resources flow only for training. Hence, from a cost point of view, it can be an expensive deal for them. However, organizations can opt for cloud-based authoring tools that allow multiple instructional designers to work on a course simultaneously.
- Learning new things takes a bit of time. In SCORM based content learning about authoring tools can take time. If you want to create a sophisticated courses for learners, you need expertise in authoring tools’ function and features. It is not a negative sign that you opt for SCORM format. We understand that your aim is to develop slick content with lots of interactions. But, creating a masterpiece requires proper training and knowledge. Investing time and resources in a training course can add up the training cost along with the license fee. Therefore, it is advisable to train yourself before opting for SCORM based content.
Final thoughts
SCORM courses are a great idea if you have ample time and money to invest in. However, before choosing it, figure out your training requirements and know your strengths and weaknesses.
