{"id":4531,"date":"2015-05-27T09:59:13","date_gmt":"2015-05-27T14:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paradisosolutions.com\/blog\/?p=4531"},"modified":"2026-04-09T18:32:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:02:45","slug":"tin-can-api-evolution-scorm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paradisosolutions.com\/blog\/tin-can-api-evolution-scorm\/","title":{"rendered":"Tin Can API (xAPI): The Next Evolution of SCORM in eLearning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tin Can API<\/a>, also known as Experience API or xAPI, is considered the successor to\u00a0SCORM<\/a>. It expands the ability to capture data about both offline and online experiences\u2014essentially, any quantifiable, trackable, and shareable learning activity. Tin Can API reduces reliance on an\u00a0LMS\u00a0by storing experiences in a Learning Record Store (LRS), opening up new possibilities for measuring employee development and tying learning to performance.<\/p>\n

SCORM \u2013 the precursor to Tin Can API<\/h2>\n

The Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) has long been the industry standard for eLearning and the foundation for countless LMS platforms<\/a>. 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\u2019s 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\u00a0SCORM authoring tools.<\/a><\/p>\n

Paradiso Authoring Tool<\/a> is a free platform that enables you to quickly build SCORM- and xAPI-compatible content without requiring eLearning development expertise.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

SCORM Ready Authoring Tool<\/h2>\n

Effortlessly create, publish, and track interactive eLearning content compatible with any LMS. Build powerful courses using a free authoring tool designed for the next evolution in online learning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Get Started Free<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why Move Beyond SCORM?<\/h2>\n

While SCORM brought enormous advantages\u2014standardization, basic progress tracking, and compatibility\u2014its scope has become somewhat outdated as the need for richer learner insights has grown.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.<\/p>\n

Advantages of Tin Can API<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

With Tin Can API, learning activities are documented as “statements” structured in an \u201cactor-verb-object\u201d format (for example, \u201cJohn attended Tedx seminar\u201d). These statements are stored in a Learning Record Store (LRS), which can be integrated into an LMS to support all SCORM features\u2014plus additional advanced capabilities. For a quick overview, see Tin Can in a Nutshell<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Key Feature Comparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nSCORM<\/th>\nxAPI (Experience API)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Tracking Scope<\/td>\nLMS courses, completion, scores, time<\/td>\nAny device\/platform, online\/offline, VR\/AR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Data Storage<\/td>\nLMS only<\/td>\nLearning Record Store (LRS), cross-system<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interoperability<\/td>\nHighly with LMS, less beyond<\/td>\nWorks with LMS, apps, devices, IoT, VR, AR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reporting<\/td>\nBasic (score, time, completion)<\/td>\nAdvanced, granular, team & long-term data<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Implementation<\/td>\nEasier, widespread support<\/td>\nNeeds API integration, more technical setup<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Security<\/td>\nBasic<\/td>\nImproved (OAuth, decentralized LRS)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Use Cases<\/td>\nTraditional eLearning solutions<\/td>\nMobile, simulation, blended, informal, VR\/AR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limitations<\/td>\nBrowser reliant, no mobile\/offline<\/td>\nNeeds LRS setup, newer, fewer tools support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Benefits of Tin Can API<\/h3>\n