603 Adding xAPI to Your RFPs: Rethinking Your Process
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 28
Data and Measurement
Salon 18
The Experience API is a marvelous enabling technology that can give you a rich picture of an individual’s learning path. Since it captures experiences in a consistent format, it opens the door for mobile, social, or offline learning. But xAPI is a terrible place to start when writing an RFP. It should not be the reason you’re buying software. xAPI is a feature—you should be buying a solution.
Ideally, the process of selecting a new technology should look like this: Identify your learning goals, uncover what your staff needs to achieve those goals, and select a technology that meets your business and technical requirements. While it’s not recommended to include xAPI in your RFP for the sake of it, this session will provide clear recommendations for how to write an RFP if you decide you need xAPI. That way, you’re well set up to select a technology provider that suits your goals and allows you to get started with xAPI.
In this session, you will learn:
- Why you shouldn’t include xAPI in your RFP just for the sake of it
- How to go about writing an RFP so that you are well set up to find a provider that offers a solution that supports your goals
- How to include xAPI in your RFP if you decide to do it anyway
- What capabilities to require of a provider
Audience:
Novice to advanced project managers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
LMSs, authoring tools, LRSs, and content management systems.
Chris Tompkins
Vice President of Business Development
Rustici Software
Chris Tompkins is the VP of business development for Rustici Software, a company that provides software to improve compatibility across the L&D ecosystem. He is an expert in the standards (like SCORM and xAPI) and uses his technical expertise to support eLearning RFP and procurement. Chris has an MBA from Belmont University, focused on entrepreneurship and negotiations. Building on previous work at HP/Compaq and XM Satellite Radio, he has over 15 years of experience matching the right technical solution to a client's needs.