What is SCORM
The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning and defines how content may be packaged into a transferable ZIP file.
SCORM is becoming an increasingly popular method for delivering electronic educational content into the classroom. One of the downsides of SCORM is the current trend for content providers to produce very large files, many well over 200MB with some as large as 7GB, which are not well suited to a web environment.
When evaluating SCORM content for use in a web hosted solution, taking the size of SCORM files into consideration is important. As a guideline we have observed that SCORM files much in excess of 100MB may encounter problems. The types of problems include:
• Slow upload times or even timeouts when adding the SCORM file to the platform.
• High school/LA network bandwidth utilisation which can lead to a general slowdown of the network.
• Slow download times when viewing the SCORM resource, particularly when many users are accessing the same content.
Using SCORM files with the cLc
The cLc fully supports the ability to upload and play SCORM files. In line with the general guidelines provided above UniServity recommend not directly uploading SCORM files in excess of 100MB (see the rules below if your files are bigger than this).
To assist schools we have produced the following rules for managing your SCORM content depending on the size of the file:-
• 1MB – 100MB: Upload files directly into the platform. If you encounter any problems please fill in the SCORM Questionnaire below and send to UniServity for uploading
• 101MB – 500MB: Send files to UniServity for uploading. Files much larger than 100MB may encounter problems when uploading. If this is the case UniServity are offering a free service to upload SCORM files on your behalf. Simply complete the SCORM Questionnaire below and send it along with the content (electronically or in the post) for us to upload.
• 500MB+: Not recommended. Although supported by UniServity, the download speeds and usage profiles of such packages make using very large SCORM files very difficult in a web environment.
Please note that these are limitations imposed by current Internet limitations over which UniServity have no control, but we are currently working with a number of content providers to determine the best way to work around these technology limitations in order that these problems are best resolved moving forward.
In addition to the issues described above, please be aware that loading large SCORM files into the cLc will use up large quantities of storage space available to schools within the cLc. You will need to check your current contract to confirm the storage space available to your school (this may need to be provided by your Local Authority).
SCORM Questionnaire
In order that we can upload your file most effectively, please provide information for the following:-
1. Contact details. Please provide the following details
• Nominated point of contact (name & contact details)
• School name and Local Authority
• cLc group ID (copying the URL from the address bar in your browser when logging into your cLc will also do)
2. SCORM file details. Please provide the following details in relation to your SCORM file
• File name
• Author/company/provider
• File size
• Location of/path to media (including username and passwords if necessary)
• Location in the cLc you would like us to upload the file to
3. If you have previously attempted to upload your SCORM file, please provide the following details;
• Location/device you attempted to upload the file to (e.g School LAN, the cLc)
• Issues encountered (e.g. timeout, error messages)
4. Any other information
• Please provide any additional information you feel is relevant to assist us uploading your file.
