Tin Can API, also known as Experience API or xAPI, is considered the successor to SCORM. It expands the ability to capture data about both offline and online experiences—essentially, any quantifiable, trackable, and shareable learning activity. Tin Can API reduces reliance on an LMS by storing experiences in a Learning Record Store (LRS), opening up new possibilities for measuring employee development and tying learning to performance.

SCORM – the precursor to Tin Can API

The Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) has long been the industry standard for eLearning and the foundation for countless LMS platforms. Developed by Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), SCORM sought to standardize and modernize training by establishing strict requirements: content must be accessible, reusable, interoperable, and durable. Over the years, SCORM’s updates have given learning providers more control over content use and learner tracking. Today, almost every LMS and eLearning authoring tool is SCORM compliant, allowing creators to publish content for a broad range of platforms using SCORM authoring tools.

Free authoring tools like CogniSpark AI make it fast and simple to build SCORM- and xAPI-compatible content—even for users new to eLearning development.

Why Move Beyond SCORM?

While SCORM brought enormous advantages—standardization, basic progress tracking, and compatibility—its scope has become somewhat outdated as the need for richer learner insights has grown. SCORM tracking is limited to specific achievements, such as course progress, completion/incompletion, and pass/fail status.

Advantages of Tin Can API

Tin Can API enables highly detailed tracking, collecting data from desktops, mobile devices, and a wide variety of learning experiences. This enhanced tracking capability provides organizations with a much richer and more comprehensive understanding of learner progress.

With Tin Can API, learning activities are documented as “statements” structured in an “actor-verb-object” format (for example, “John attended Tedx seminar”). These statements are stored in a Learning Record Store (LRS), which can be integrated into an LMS to support all SCORM features—plus additional advanced capabilities. For a quick overview, see Tin Can in a Nutshell.

Key Feature Comparison Table

Benefits of Tin Can API

• Tracks formal and informal learning experiences—not just LMS content.
• Covers non-traditional activities: watching learning videos, attending conferences, writing blog posts, interacting with social media.
• Developers have flexibility to create content on any platform.
• Data can be gathered from computers, mobile devices, gaming simulations, and social media.
• Supports offline and mobile learning by storing data locally and syncing to the LRS once online.
• LRS can share data with other LRSs and analytics/reporting tools, enabling deeper performance measurement and optimization.

LRS, LMS, or Both?

An LRS stores e-learner data as “actor-verb-object” statements, which Tin Can API records even if you aren’t logged into an LMS or LRS. LRSs can stand alone or be built into an LMS, but lack some LMS features such as:

• Course scheduling
• Certification management
• Resource and instructor management
• Course delivery/sequencing

If your course library isn’t optimized for Tin Can API, or you have recurring training/certification needs, sticking with an LMS may be best. For simulation-heavy, cross-platform, or mobile-first learning, an LRS with Tin Can API could be ideal. Paradiso LMS allows you to combine both approaches—supporting advanced standards and seamless course management.

Your organization’s requirements should determine if you use an LMS, an LRS, or both.

Real-World Use Cases

Organizations use Tin Can API for:

• Mobile field training and compliance (e.g., healthcare, sales)
• Advanced simulations and gamified programs
• Multi-platform tracking of informal and social learning
• Gathering and analyzing data from a variety of learning activities, even outside the LMS

Limitations and Considerations

• Legacy LMSs may lack native xAPI/LRS support—check compatibility.
• LRSs alone do not handle scheduling, certification, or resource management.
• Migration from SCORM to xAPI may require hybrid approaches and new course development.

Which Solution Is Right for You?

The choice between Tin Can API (xAPI), SCORM, an LMS, or an LRS depends entirely on your organization’s needs. If you require structured course delivery, certifications, and resource management, an LMS with traditional SCORM tracking remains vital. For tracking diverse learning experiences—such as informal, mobile, simulation, or game-based activities—an LRS with Tin Can API offers powerful flexibility and deeper analytics.

For many organizations, a blended approach that combines both an LMS and LRS delivers the best results: the structure and compliance of an LMS with the comprehensive tracking and modern capabilities of Tin Can API.

Evaluate your training goals, technical infrastructure, and future learning plans to select the approach that aligns with your vision for e-learning success.

Conclusion

Tin Can API (xAPI) takes learning analytics far beyond SCORM, enabling flexible tracking across mobile, simulations, and informal experiences. For structured training and certifications, SCORM in an LMS remains essential. Most organizations benefit from a combined approach—leveraging the strengths of both LMS/SCORM and Tin Can API—to achieve complete, future-ready learning and deeper insights.