After its last update in 2009, it became obvious that Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) was too limited. The Experience API (xAPI), formerly known as Tin Can, was created in response to the eLearning community’s desire to modernize the capabilities of SCORM, which was initially developed to make courseware interoperable with learning-management systems.

The xAPI introduces a new paradigm for tracking and recording learning-related data. It tracks learners as they perform work tasks, produce work outputs, communicate, collaborate, and engage in just about any other online activity.

For instructional designers and developers, the report offers information to stimulate thinking about new learning paradigms that are now possible through use of the xAPI, including tools, examples, and an approach for getting started.

For training executives and managers, the report contains information on the organizational benefits of the xAPI, strategic criteria for xAPI decision-making, enabling tools, and an approach for organizational adoption.

In this new Guild Research Report, The Experience API—Liberating Learning Design, Peter Berking, Steve Foreman, Jason Haag, and Craig Wiggins describe how the xAPI allows flexible tracking of a virtually unlimited number of learning activities and experiences, and the range of opportunities this provides for learning practitioners. 

Resources

All Contributors

Peter Berking

Senior Instructional Designer, Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative

Steve Foreman

President, InfoMedia Designs

Jason Haag

Consultant/Co-founder, Veracity Technology Consultants

Craig Wiggins

Community Manager, Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative