SCORM Package Management
Upload and manage SCORM packages in your LMS
Overview
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) packages are the industry standard for e-learning content. The LMS supports SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004.
What is a SCORM Package?
A SCORM package is:
- A ZIP file containing e-learning content
- Self-contained with HTML, JavaScript, media files
- Includes a manifest file (imsmanifest.xml)
- Communicates with the LMS to track progress and scores
How It Works
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is an industry standard that enables e-learning content to communicate with learning management systems. SCORM packages contain self-contained courses that can track detailed learner progress, scores, and completion status.
How SCORM Communication Works
When a user launches a SCORM course:
- Package Extraction - System extracts the ZIP file and locates the manifest
- Manifest Reading - Reads imsmanifest.xml to understand course structure and entry point
- API Initialization - SCORM content connects to the LMS through the SCORM API
- Session Establishment - Creates a tracking session for the learner
- Content Launch - Loads the HTML entry point in an iframe or new window
- Progress Tracking - Content sends progress updates to the LMS in real-time
- Data Storage - LMS stores progress, scores, and completion status
- Session Close - When finished, content signals completion and closes the session
Supported SCORM Versions
SCORM 1.2
- Older, widely compatible standard
- Simpler data model
- Basic completion and score tracking
- Tracks: completion status, score, time spent
Best for: Simple courses with basic tracking needs
SCORM 2004
- Newer, more feature-rich standard
- Advanced sequencing and navigation
- More detailed tracking capabilities
- Tracks: detailed progress, interactions, objectives, sequencing state
Best for: Complex courses with advanced tracking and sequencing
Package Structure
A SCORM package contains:
- imsmanifest.xml - The manifest file defining course structure, resources, and organization
- HTML Files - Course content and pages
- JavaScript - SCORM API wrapper for LMS communication
- Media Assets - Images, videos, audio files, CSS stylesheets
- Metadata - Course title, description, version information
Automatic Detection and Configuration
When you upload a SCORM package:
- Version Detection - System automatically detects SCORM 1.2 or 2004
- Manifest Parsing - Extracts course metadata (title, description) from the manifest
- Entry Point Identification - Determines which HTML file to launch
- Resource Mapping - Maps all assets needed for the course
- Launch Configuration - Sets up the launch URL and tracking parameters
Tracking Capabilities
SCORM packages can track:
Progress Tracking
- Completion status (not started, incomplete, completed)
- Location within course
- Time spent
- Last accessed date/time
Assessment Tracking
- Score (raw and scaled)
- Pass/fail status
- Minimum/maximum scores
- Individual question responses
Tip
The LMS automatically detects SCORM version and handles communication. You don't need to configure anything - just upload the ZIP file and the system does the rest.
Supported SCORM Versions
SCORM 1.2
- Older, widely compatible standard
- Simpler data model
- Good for basic completion and score tracking
SCORM 2004
- Newer, more feature-rich standard
- Advanced sequencing and navigation
- More detailed tracking capabilities
- Multiple editions (2nd, 3rd, 4th)
Tip
The LMS automatically detects which version your package uses.
Uploading a SCORM Package
1
Access Course Management
- Log in as an Admin
- Go to Admin → Course Management
- Click Add Course or edit an existing course
2
Prepare Your Package
Ensure your SCORM package:
- Is a valid ZIP file
- Contains imsmanifest.xml at the root
- Is under the size limit
- Works in modern browsers
3
Upload the ZIP File
- In the course form, find the SCORM File section
- Click Choose File or drag and drop
- Select your .zip file
- Wait for upload to complete
4
Automatic Detection
The system automatically detects:
- SCORM Version (1.2 or 2004)
- Entry Point (which file to launch)
5
Complete Course Setup
Fill in the remaining course details:
- Title and description
- Category
- Duration
- Pass score (if applicable)
6
Save the Course
Click Save to create the course with your SCORM content.
Replacing a SCORM Package
To update an existing course's SCORM content:
- Find the course in Course Management and click Edit
- Upload a new ZIP file (this replaces the old SCORM content)
- Previous progress data is preserved
- Click Save to apply the new package
Warning
User progress is maintained, but if content structure changed significantly, users may need to restart.
How SCORM Tracking Works
Data Tracked
| Data Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Completion Status | Not started, Incomplete, Completed |
| Success Status | Passed, Failed, Unknown |
| Score | Raw score from assessments |
| Time | Time spent in the course |
| Suspend Data | Bookmark data for resuming |
| Interactions | Quiz responses (SCORM 2004) |
Progress Sync
- Progress saved automatically during course
- Syncs when user navigates or exits
- Resume capability from last position
Creating Your Own SCORM Content
Using the Course Builder
The LMS includes a built-in course builder that creates SCORM 2004 packages:
- Go to Admin → SCORM Builder
- Create a new project
- Add content pages, videos, quizzes
- Configure theme and settings
- Export as SCORM package
- Upload to a course
See Course Builder for details.
Third-Party Authoring Tools
Popular tools for creating SCORM content:
- Articulate Storyline / Rise
- Adobe Captivate
- Lectora
- iSpring
- Camtasia
Best Practices
Testing Before Upload
- Use a SCORM testing tool
- Verify in multiple browsers
- Check all tracking points
- Test resume functionality
Optimise Media
- Compress images (JPEG, WebP)
- Use appropriate video codecs
- Consider file sizes for users on slow connections
Version Your Packages
- Keep versions of your SCORM packages (v1.0, v1.1, v2.0, etc.)
- Document changes between versions
- Store originals for reference
Troubleshooting
"Invalid ZIP file"
- Ensure file is a valid ZIP
- Don't rename other file types to .zip
- Try re-zipping the content
"No manifest found"
- imsmanifest.xml must be at the root of the ZIP
- Don't put content in a subfolder inside the ZIP
- Check the manifest file exists
Content doesn't load (blank screen)
- Check browser console for errors
- Verify entry point is correct
- Test in a different browser
Progress not saving
- Check content calls LMSCommit (1.2) or Commit (2004)
- Verify no JavaScript errors
- Check network connectivity
Course not resuming (starting from beginning each time)
- Content must request and use suspend_data
- Verify LMSGetValue/GetValue calls work
- Check content implements bookmarking
Related Guides
- Adding Courses - Course creation
- Course Builder - Create SCORM content
- Adding Policies - PDF-based policies (not SCORM)