Platforms like troodi offer numerous advantages for modern learning & development (L&D): they enable effective and scalable upskilling while keeping administrative efforts low – especially when no digital learning infrastructure exists yet.
However, many organizations already have an LMS or LXP in place. This article provides an overview of how to integrate e-learnings, including web-based training, into existing systems.
Integrating e-learning content into organizational learning platforms
What types of learning platforms exist?
A basic distinction is made between two types of learning platforms: the learning management system (LMS) and the learning experience platform (LXP).
The LMS is the proven industry standard. This is a software solution that learners can use to access e-learning content. Internal organizational administrators manage users and learning content and monitor learning progress and completion rates.
An LXP, on the other hand, focuses on the learners and their experiences:
This solution focuses more on active exploration of the digital learning opportunities and interactions between users. Many of these systems focus on the possibility of creating learning materials by users (user-generated content) or detailed recording of learning progress (learning analytics).
The boundaries between the two types are blurred.
Why integrate content into your organization’s learning platform?
Using an external learning platform such as troodi means less administrative work for HR managers. However, there are good reasons why some organizations prefer to offer learning content on their own platform. An LMS or LXP is often introduced with the aim of acting as a central point of contact for employees when it comes to training and development. To encourage employee interaction with the platform, it can make sense to offer e-learning content directly internally. This means that learners only have to log in to a single system, which is usually designed in the organization’s corporate design.
In addition, both internally created and external content can be integrated into an LMS. Sometimes organizational guidelines also require learning activities to be recorded in the internal system. In this case, those responsible can track and document learning progress and manage further measures.
What are the main e-learning content standards?
SCORM 1.2
was developed in 2001 and is still the most widely used version. It records basic data (course started/completed, points achieved, duration). Learners can navigate through the course in a purely linear fashion. This standard is also supported by older LMS.
SCORM 2004
allows greater flexibility in course creation and tracking. It allows for a more complex learning path design where content can be dynamically adjusted based on the learner’s actions and progress. It also allows for more sophisticated reporting.
Companies such as Sky already rely on the targeted integration of e-learning via SCORM.
„We were looking for and found an innovative addition to our digital learning content for the further training of our managers: the troodi Select learning programs offer relevant future skills in a varied format that is particularly appealing thanks to the authentic trainers and the selected practical examples. I was also impressed by the solution-oriented advice on how to easily integrate the learning programs into our LMS via SCORM .“
Stefanie Meier, Senior Manager Training at Sky Germany
xAPI
released in 2013 as Tin Can API, xAPI enables data exchange and storage across multiple learning sources. Unlike SCORM, it is not limited to traditional e-learning courses. Learner data is stored in a learning record store (LRS), which some modern LMS and LXP platforms integrate. xAPI allows for greater flexibility but requires a more complex technical setup.
cmi5
is based on xAPI but tailored for LMS environments. While xAPI requires an LRS and technical specifications for LMS use, cmi5 defines additional technical rules to ensure seamless integration. Released in 2016, cmi5 is still emerging and not yet widely adopted.
Summary
SCORM vs. xAPI vs. cmi5
SCORM
Advantages: widespread use
Disadvantages: low flexibility, no further development
xAPI
Advantages: Integration of external sources, high flexibility
Disadvantages: Technically complex implementation, not possible with all systems
cmi5
Advantages: high flexibility with improved interoperability, “the best of both worlds”
Disadvantages: less widespread to date, not yet supported by all LMSs
How can the integration of e-learning content be successfully designed?
For a successful integration, it is important to know the technical possibilities of the organization’s internal learning platform. Which SCORM versions are supported, is the LMS cmi5-capable? If the platform is a modern LXP, it probably offers a higher degree of flexibility in the use of the various standards. When selecting the platform, it is therefore important to consider the key use cases.
Should learners develop flexibly and in a self-directed manner and use content from different sources? And should this learning progress be recorded in detail? Or should the platform primarily offer traditional media such as texts, videos and learning programs?
In our e-learning projects, we at troodi provide our customers with various test versions on request. This allows us to check compatibility before the start of a learning project and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Do you want to integrate external content into your LMS or LXP or find out more about SCORM, xAPI and cmi5?
The troodi L&D consulting team will be happy to advise you on your individual requirements.
