The Experience API—Liberating Learning Design

After its last update in 2009, it became obvious thatSharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) was too limited. The ExperienceAPI (xAPI), formerly known as Tin Can, was created in response to the eLearningcommunity’s desire to modernize the capabilities of SCORM, which was initiallydeveloped to make courseware interoperable with learning-management systems.

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

For instructional designers and developers, the reportoffers information to stimulate thinking about new learning paradigms that arenow possible through use of the xAPI, including tools, examples, and anapproach for getting started.

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

In this new Guild Research Report, The Experience API—Liberating LearningDesign, Peter Berking, Steve Foreman, Jason Haag, and Craig Wigginsdescribe how the xAPI allows flexible tracking of a virtually unlimited numberof learning activities and experiences, and the range of opportunities thisprovides for learning practitioners.