LETSI is a new organization working on the future of SCORM. LETSI had a call for white papers that asked members of the e-learning community for the best ideas for a future version of SCORM called SCORM 2.0. I submitted a paper called SCO 2.0: The Lucas Proposal – SCO-based Sequencing. The white paper proposes that we eliminate simple sequencing and replace it with SCO-based sequencing.
Simple sequencing sound simple but its not. Simple sequencing is the SCORM 2004 way to define how a learners interaction will the SCOs in the course will affect navigation, completion, success (pass/fail) and the score of the course. Simple sequencing is described in a 250 page specification. The specification is a tough read and it is difficult for most developers to use to create real courses.
I am proposing a much simpler solution called SCO-based sequencing. The LMS launches just one SCO for a course. That SCO can launch child SCOs if needed. The parent provides a SCORM runtime API to the child SCOs so it can receive all of the information provided by the child. For example, the child tells the parent that the learner has completed the SCO with a passing score of 90. The parent SCO can use the information provided by the child to make sequencing decisions.
SCO-based sequencing allows a course to be in full control over its user interface. Course developers will not have to worry how their multi-SCO will look and behave in different LMSs. Learners will not be confused by 2 sets of navigation (one provided within a SCO and another by the LMS).
SCO-based sequencing has other advantages. It allows a multi-SCO course to be developed in other web languages such Flash and Silverlight.
Please post comments to the white paper on the LETSI web site.