Presentation Overview The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) provides a common framework for the development of reusable instructional objects for online learning. Beyond being a popular buzzword, however, very few understand how to create SCORM-compliant interactives that integrate with Blackboard. In this presentation, learn the basics of simple SCORM development using such standard development tools as Macromedia Flash, Captivate, and the Reload Editor. Also, learn how to place your shareable content objects (SCOs) in your online curriculum so that they report to the Blackboard gradebook. What is SCORM? According to Advanced Distributed Learning (http://www.adlnet.org/scorm/index.cfm ): "SCORM is a collection of standards and specifications adapted from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive suite of e-learning capabilities that enable interoperability, accessibility and reusability of Web-based learning content." When did the idea for SCORM come about?

According to Advanced Distributed Learning ( http://www.adlnet.org/scorm/index.cfm ): "In 1997, ADL was given the responsibility of finding ways to use new and emerging technologies to improve performance and reduce costs in the Department of Defense's (DoD) education and training efforts. In the process, ADL also found that the federal government at large, the private sector and academia had similar performance and cost savings needs. These needs or the requirements to meet them became known as the "ilities," which are interoperability, affordability, durability, reusability and accessibility. These "ilities" address the needs within the DoD training/education/performance support communities, as well as in the rest of government, academia and industry. ADL knew that any solution would have to provide a wide applicability and had to work with all stakeholders. Working from this perspective, ADL partnered with government, academia and industry to find common ways to meet common needs."

Why SCORM integration is valuable Many developers consider true SCORM compliance to be the "grail" of instructional design. Rather than be reliant upon the capabilities and limitations of a learning management system to create complex learning interactions, SCORM compliance would allow developers the opportunity to develop their Shareable Content Objects (SCOs) in other, dedicated applications (such as Flash or Captivate). These SCOs would also be shareable among a variety of applications (conforming to federally established standards) and free from proprietary restrictions.

Simple SCO Development Easy: Using Flash Learning Interactions ( http://www.macromedia.com/support/flash/applications/learning_interactions/ )

Macromedia has developed Learning Interaction components that are easily incorporated into Flash projects. These components are self-grading and easily customized. Question types include drag and drop, fill in the blank, hot object, hot spot, and multiple choice. Question types can be mixed within a single learning interaction.

Process: 1. Open a selected question type in Flash, select the associated graphic on the stage and follow the directions. Drag additional question type components to blank frames.

2. Publish the final Flash movie with SCORM settings enabled.

3. Flash will produce six separate files upon publishing. These files must be "wrapped" as a SCORM object. The Reload Editor (described later) can be used for this purpose.

Easiest: Using Macromedia Captivate ( http://www.macromedia.com/devnet/captivate/articles/output_scorm.html )

Perhaps the easiest way to develop SCORM-compliant learning interactions is with Macromedia Captivate. In addition to providing templates for multiple choice, true/false, fillin-the-blank, short answer, matching, and likert question types, Captivate also automatically creates the XML manifest necessary for SCO creation and packages the resultant files as a single ZIP file (immediately ready for inclusion in a SCORM-compliant LMS). Process: 1. Open Captivate and create a new blank movie. Insert a new "Question Slide." 2. Configure your question via the resulting dialogue box. 3. From the Quiz Manager, enable SCORM output options under the Reporting tab. 4. Publish your final movie as a ZIP file and export HTML.

Wrapping your SCORM-compliant object using The Reload Editor ( http://www.reload.ac.uk/editor.html ) In order for learning interactives to be SCORM compliant, an XML manifest must be generated and all resources must be bundled as a .PIF (generally ZIP) formatted file. Although there are numerous applications that perform this function, The Reload Editor is relatively easy to use and straightforward. A good resource for learning this tool is the "Step by Step to a first Content Package" document: http://x4l.virtualsite.co.uk/resources/reload/ReloadSSv1.pdf Process overview: 1. Open the Reload Editor application. 2. Create a new ADL SCORM package.

3. Set up the workspace (which includes adding the schema and the schema version). 4. Add an organization. This identifies entry points for the learning interaction. 5. Add content and resources to the manifest. 6. Drag files for inclusion in the final package. 7. Add appropriate metadata to the manifest. 8. Save the final output file by selecting "Zip Content Package."

Adding SCORM-compliant learning interactions to Blackboard Although Blackboard doesn't genuinely report actual scores directly to the Gradebook, SCOs can be added to content areas. Reported scores must be handgraded. Process: 1. In Display View mode, begin the process by choosing "SCORM Content" from the "Select" drop-down menu.

2. In the "Add SCORM Content" screen, title the SCO, navigate to the PIF file, and select appropriate options. If Gradebook scoring is desired, select "Add Gradebook Item" and identify the number of points possible.

3. Students will see the SCO added to the content area, click the appropriate link, and a new framed window will open.

4. Once the SCO is complete, an exclamation mark will be listed for that student in the Gradebook.

5. As with subjectively graded assignments (such as essays), instructors must click the exclamation mark in the Gradebook, then click "View" to see actual scores.

6. Scores must be manually entered in the Gradebook itself!

Presenter Biography Currently the Instructional Technologist/Blackboard Administrator for Spokane Public Schools' online learning program, Michael Wilder is a veteran developer of Web-based instructional content. Prior to working with SPS, Michael taught for various Eastern Washington colleges and universities and was the primary Web developer for numerous national distance education programs.