xAPI Content Player

Our client is a global provider of cloud-based learning management systems (LMS) for millions of students and teachers worldwide. They also provide educational institutions with a range of technical services, from one-off training sessions through to full-scale system implementations.

In 2017, the client asked us to deliver a solution for playing xAPI-packaged content. One of the educational institutions using the LMS had large volumes of course materials that were created using xAPI.

Their core need was to upload and play xAPI-packaged materials in LMS. Besides, it was expected that the LMS will be able to report on the data, including usage and other metrics tracked by xAPI.

The solution was to add SCORM engine with xAPI support as a part of LMS application. The engine was to handle the import, launch, and tracking of a learner's progress through a course.

We considered several alternative ways of implementing this request and finally settled on Rustici SCORM Engine. Among its advantages, it has rich features (including LRS and xAPI support), it is cross-browser (JS-based) and can be integrated through Web APIs. It is also properly documented.

We developed a stand-alone .NET web application, which included a set of REST services for integrating with an existing LMS web application. The application enabled the client's product to import, launch, and track SCORM 1.1, SCORM1.2, SCORM 2004 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions) AICC, and CMI5 via xAPI standard.
Additionally, the application included an xAPI-conformant Learning Record Store (LRS).

The developed solution allowed us to make minimum changes to the client’s existing codebase. It took about 4 months from the initial client's request to the actual release.

More than 20 educational institutions are still actively using SCORM-based learning content. They upload 400+ packages each month and play some of them using Rustici. Possibility to use such content saves the educators much time and money, and thus makes the interoperability vitally important for the LMS to hold a significant part of the market.