Technical Standards

Content Standards
 

Standards Supported by SuccessFactors LMS / My Learning

It is mandatory for contents hosted in My Learning to adhere to the following technical requirements:

SuccessFactors / My Learning Configuration Specifics

Content Window Size

In the given configuration of SuccessFactors, the content window’s dimensions are scaled to 100% of the screen width. In many cases this is a good choice. But in some cases (e.g. if the learner has a very large screen and the content is not yet responsive), this might lead to a lot of blank space.

However, there is a workaround solution to providing responsive content. The content developer can change the pop-up window size by utilizing JavaScript to arrange it to suit the content size. This might best be triggered while downloading the document.

Technical Communication / API

Learning Management Systems (LMS) make it possible to track learning programs based on established technical standards. The SuccessFactors LMS supports the following standards:

• SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model)
  • SCORM Version 1.2 (Version 1.0 is not supported)
  • SCORM 2004 2nd and 4th edition (1st edition and 3rd edition are not supported)
• AICC (Aviation Industry CBT Committee)

SCORM and AICC basically support multiple learning modules in one package. However, we highly recommend creating e-learning training items consisting of only one module, in which you are still free to structure the content within the module itself. This also means that assessment / quiz sections have to be built into this single module. Single modules also make it possible for developers and designers to define the learning logic within the module (e.g. pre-tests, gating, and post-tests) as well as make learning modules compatible with most e-learning systems.

For the SuccessFactors LMS, we recommend using the SCORM standard.

If the SCORM package shall contain more than one language version of the WBT, we recommend to use SCORM 1.2, since SCORM 2004 might cause more problems with SuccessFactors.

What is the Difference Between AICC and SCORM?

Communication with the LMS can be done in AICC and SCORM.

SCORM uses a JavaScript API with a set of standard functions for communication with the LMS.

The HTTP AICC Communication Protocol (HACP) communicates between the course content and the learning management system (using HTTP GET or POST methods). One benefit of AICC is that it can also link to a content repository outside of the LMS.

More detailed information can be found on the SCORM or AICC Internet pages:

• SCORM: http://www.adlnet.gov/scorm/
• AICC: https://github.com/ADL-AICC/AICC-Document-Archive/

SuccessFactors also supplies the following documents that further detail the implementation of the SCORM and the AICC API.

• Content Development Guide 
• End User System Requirements

Minimal Requirements for LMS Compatibility

To properly work with the AICC or SCORM interface in the SuccessFactors LMS, the content needs to send certain data fields to the LMS.

• The content must not open any new windows to run the course, since the user might accidentally close the original window, which would prevent AICC and SCORM communication, thereby preventing the learning progress from being sent to the LMS
• When using the SCORM API the content must ensure the following: 
  • The content must call LMSInitialize() (SCORM1.2) or Initialize() (SCORM 2004) when the user loads the item from the LMS.
  • The content must call LMSGetValue() (SCORM1.2) or GetValue() (SCORM 2004) when the item requests a stored value from the LMS, such as when retrieving the last page visited (bookmark).
  • The content must call LMSSetValue() (SCORM1.2) or SetValue() (SCORM 2004) when the item sends a value to the LMS, such as the current page (bookmark).
  • The content must call LMSCommit() (SCORM1.2) or Commit() (SCORM 2004) to commit sent data to the server. 
  • The content must call LMSFinish() (SCORM1.2) or Terminate() (SCORM 2004) when the user exits the item content and returns to the LMS. The content must account for both direct exiting (user presses a dedicated exit link or button) as well as indirect exiting (user closes item content window).
  • The content needs to set the “cmi.core.lesson_status” (SCORM1.2) or “cmi.completion_status” (SCORM 2004) (e.g. to incomplete) directly after the module is started.
• The SuccessFactors LMS supports all standard and custom SCORM fields. When using AICC, only the mandatory fields defined in the AICC standard are supported.
• If applicable, video content should be hosted on the internal Video@Bayer platform in order to avoid performance issues on the LMS system. The videos from Video@Bayer can easily be embedded in most e-learning programs. Please be aware that any external users who belong to the target group for the training might not be able to access this. 

If you are not using a standard rapid e-learning authoring tool, you must consider the following:

The SCORM and AICC standards stipulate that the learning module is automatically set to be completed if the interface is not appropriately called directly after starting the content.

This means that the content needs to set the “lesson_status” / “completion.status” (see the list below for the standard specific field name) to a particular status (e.g., incomplete directly on the first page of the learning module).

Completion Status

In order to avoid cases where the e-learning program informs users of their successful completion of the program, but the completion status is not actually recorded in the LMS, the content logic must instruct the user to close the learning module after completing the learning content. Take care that the relevant data, including the field for completion is set to completed or passed, and the commit function is called successfully and the finish function or terminate function is called before or by closing the content window.

Interface Specifics for AICC and SCORM in the SuccessFactors LMS

Below is a list of data fields that are required or recommended:

Of course, it is also possible to include other fields defined in the SCORM standard such as cmi.entry, cmi.exit and interactions. Always use the version-specific field names, which can be found on the respective Internet pages for the SCORM standards).

Content Development Mobile Devices

Important note: External users will not be able to access the mobile Learning app. You must ensure that the content works via the Safari Browser as well.

Learn Test App

Learn Test has been developed to help learning content developers who expect their content to be distributed by the native SuccessFactors Learning app for iPad. With Learn Test, new learning content can be tested. Content developers can view and experience the learning content as SuccessFactors iPad users will experience it. Learn Test does not require BizX authentication.

Learn Test comes with a very useful example: A guide for developing mobile learning content.

Current Learn Test works with SCORM 1.2, AICC and other document type content. Content must be publicly available for download; it cannot be on a server that requires a log in.

The latest version is available in the Apple App Store.