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Experience API

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The Tin Can API is an e-learning software specification that allows learning content and learning systems to speak to each other in a manner that records and tracks all types of learning experiences.[1] Learning experiences are recorded in a Learning Record Store (LRS). LRSs can exist within traditional Learning Management Systems (LMSs) or on their own.[2]

Summary

The Tin Can API is commonly referred to as "The Experience API" and "Next Generation SCORM." SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) has been the de facto e-learning standard for packaging e-learning content to be delivered to LMSs. However, there are several drawbacks to SCORM.[3][4] The Tin Can API allows for several new capabilities that SCORM didn't, such as:

  • Taking e-learning outside of the web browser[5]
  • E-learning in native mobile applications[1]
  • More control over learning content[4]
  • Solid security using Oauth
  • Platform transition (start e-learning on a mobile device, finish it on a computer)[5]
  • The ability to track games and simulations[2]
  • The ability to track real-world performance[6]
  • Team-based e-learning[2]
  • Tracking learning plans and goals[7]

The Tin Can API is an open source API. It is a Representational state transfer web service that uses JavaScript Object Notation for its data format. The web service allows software clients to read and write experiential data in the form of “statement” objects. In their simplest form, statements are in the form of “I did this”, or more generally “actor verb object”.[4] More complex statement forms can be used. There is also a built in query API to help filter recorded statements, and a state API that allows for a sort of “scratch space” for consuming applications.

History

SCORM is over ten years old, and Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), the stewards of SCORM, recognized the need for a newer and more capable software specification.[2]

ADL issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) asking for assistance in improving SCORM. The BAA was awarded to Rustici Software, a leader in the industry of e-learning interoperability software.[8] Rustici Software then conducted numerous interviews with the e-learning community to determine which factors were most important to improve upon, and developed the research version of the Tin Can API specification. This process was called Project Tin Can.[9]

The Tin Can API is still in development. There are currently over 40 adopters (12 Nov. 2012).[10]

Current Status

The Tin Can API is currently at 1.0.0.[11]

Previous versions include: version 0.8 (official output of the BAA)[12] and version 0.9 (research version specification) 0.95 (second research version specification).

References

  1. ^ a b Brandon, Bill. "Making History: mLearnCon 2012 Rocks Attendees". Making History: mLearnCon 2012 Rocks Attendees. Learning Solutions Magazine. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d Brusino, Justin. "THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCORM: A Q&A WITH AARON SILVERS". THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCORM: A Q&A WITH AARON SILVERS. American Society for Training and Development. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  3. ^ Whitaker, Andy. "An Introduction to the Tin Can API". An Introduction to the Tin Can API. The Training Business. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "Saltbox Developers Discuss Tin Can". Saltbox Developers Discuss Tin Can. Float Mobile Learning. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  5. ^ a b "eLogic Learning Partners with Rustici Software to be an Early Adopter of the Next Generation of SCORM Standards Known as the 'Tin Can API'". eLogic Learning Partners with Rustici Software to be an Early Adopter of the Next Generation of SCORM Standards Known as the 'Tin Can API'. SFGate. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  6. ^ Gautam, Amit. "Tin Can: My First Impressions From mLearnCon 2012". Tin Can: My First Impressions From mLearnCon 2012. Upside Learning. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  7. ^ Downes, Andrew. "I Want This: Tin Can Plans, Goals and Targets". Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  8. ^ Tillett, Jeff. "Project Tin Can – The Next Generation of SCORM". Project Tin Can – The Next Generation of SCORM. Float Mobile Learning. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  9. ^ "ADL Project Tin Can Research Summary". ADL Project Tin Can Research Summary. Advanced Distributed Learning. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  10. ^ "Tin Can API: Current Adopters". TinCanAPI.com. Rustici Software. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  11. ^ Downes, Andrew. "TinCanAPI.co.uk". Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  12. ^ "ADLnet.gov Tin Can Draft Specification". ADLnet.gov. Advanced Distributed Learning. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
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