What does xAPI mean?
xAPI, which is short for Experience API, was created in 2013 and is gradually superseding SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model). This technical specification establishes a framework for recording rich information about a course and learners.
It makes it possible to record, process, store and exchange data about learning experiences. xAPI supports mobile learning, social learning, offline learning and collaborative learning.
Suitable for all media, this is the best method for gathering metadata relating to training modules.
Key features of the xAPI standard
Using the xAPI specification empowers trainers to improve and develop training content for e-learning contexts. These learning activities provide essential information to learners.
Nevertheless, xAPI training should not be treated as a tool or software. This is a rule-based specification. To understand how it works, we need to consider the following two criteria:
- Format: xAPI can be used with all kinds of media to collect comprehensive information about a training course, including learning experiences in particular. To make the data meaningful to users, this technical specification is expressed as a statement with the “subject-verb-object” structure. For example, xAPI can be used to indicate that Mary successfully completed all the training exercises, that Pete shared a document, or that Paula scored 86% on the quiz.
- Mechanisms: Data is collected on various digital devices and channels, for example via the application, the social network, e-learning materials, etc.
Keep in mind, however, that mentoring is based on a difference in expertise between the tutor and learner. The idea behind this type of training support is to pair an expert with a beginner. In any case, whether for mentoring or tutoring, online or face-to-face, the main aim is to help a learner overcome one or more specific challenges.
Why use xAPI?
In 2017, LinkedIn conducted a survey of 500 learning & development professionals to better understand and analyze learning in the workplace. Based on the survey results, only 8% of business leaders planned impact measures and 4% reported a positive return on investment. Implementing xAPI gives companies access to more data to help them improve these percentages.
Faced with the impact of digital technologies, training provision has had to adapt and evolve. Implementing xAPI has opened the door to extensive new functionality:
- Learners can access e-learning lessons without using a browser
- Training content is available in an application
- Course designers have more control over all the provided content
- Security is enhanced
- Games and simulations are supported
- All participants have access to collaborative e-learning solutions
Developers need specific, in-depth knowledge in order to leverage these benefits, however.
Additionally, the course design must be more structured, and organized hierarchically in order to determine what information the xAPI should record.
The xAPI approach is transforming the digital training creation process, as it is now possible to collect all relevant information about learners. The purpose of this strategy is to create personalized online lessons.
