AICC vs SCORM - which is better?

AICC and SCORM are two different technical standards for eLearning. They define how content is packaged and communicated between e-learning authoring tools and learning management systems.

It's the age-old question. AICC vs SCORM. which eLearning standard should you use? 

Of course, the question isn't as fun as the Marvel vs DC question, but it's still an important question to answer. The good news is that there is a clear winner in this fight: SCORM. Here's why.

AICC vs SCORM: Early years

The origins of the rivalry between AICC and SCORM can be traced back to the early days of eLearning standards. AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee) was the first, debuting in 1988. SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model), on the other hand, did not appear until a few years later, in 2000. From the outset, these two standards were created with different objectives. AICC was designed to be simple and easy to implement, while SCORM was built to be more flexible and adaptable.

AICC vs SCORM: Today's day

Today, both AICC and SCORM are still widely used eLearning standards. Having said that, there is no denying that SCORM has emerged as the clear winner. One of the most important reasons for this is that SCORM supports responsive design. This means that your eLearning courses will automatically adjust to fit any screen size, whether it's a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. AICC, on the other hand, not so user-friendly. On that note, the AICC group was also disbanded in 2014.

Another big advantage that SCORM has over AICC is that it's much easier to update and modify existing SCORM courses than it is to update and modify AICC courses. This gives you the flexibility to make changes on the fly without having to start from scratch every time something needs to be updated. 

Finally, SCORM integrates seamlessly with most major LMSs (learning management systems) while AICC does not. In fact, most recent LMSs don't support AICC at all! So, if you are using AICC courses and an AICC only LMS, you will have extensive problems in the future if a need arises to change either the authoring tool or the LMS. 

Winner?

When it comes to this discussion, there is no competition between AICC and SCORM-SCORM is the clear winner. It's more flexible and adaptable than AICC, it supports responsive design, and it integrates seamlessly with most major LMSs, and there are many. So, if you're looking for an eLearning standard that serves your needs now and in the future, look no further than SCORM!

SCORM vs AICCSCORMAICC
Adoption RateGlobalLimited and losing support
CompatibilityExtensive (over 800 LMSs worldwide)Reduced
Easy to update coursesEasyHard
Probability of future functionalitiesSeaAlmost impossible
Tracking results for coursesExpandedLimited

To start producing SCORM e-learning content, we invite you to activate a free LIVRESQ account.

  

Picture of Alex Malureanu

Alex Malureanu

Author
Co-founder & CMO
eLearning company Ascendia

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