To understand the SCORM and how it fulfills ADL's high-level design requirements, it is important to recognize that the SCORM assumes a Web-based infrastructure as the basis for its technical implementation.


The Advanced Distributed Learning initiative made this assumption for several reasons.

  • Web-based technologies and infrastructure are rapidly expanding and provide a mainstream basis for the delivery of learning materials.

  • Web-based learning technology standards do not yet exist in widespread form.

  • Web-based content can be delivered using nearly any medium (e.g. CD-ROM, stand-alone systems, networked environments).

This approach embraces industry's transition to common content and delivery formats. Computer operating systems now natively support Web content formats. The trend is toward the use of common formats that can be used locally, on intranets or over the Internet. The SCORM extends this trend to learning technologies.