xAPI (Tin Can) and cmi5 Course Development
SCORM tells you whether someone finished and what they scored. xAPI, also called Tin Can, can tell you much more: which choices learners made, where they got stuck and what they did outside the course. I build new xAPI and cmi5 courses and convert existing ones so your data answers the questions you actually care about.
What xAPI and cmi5 Add
xAPI records learning as simple statements, such as "Jordan completed the valve inspection scenario." Those statements go to a Learning Record Store (LRS), where you can report on them. cmi5 adds a set of rules for launching xAPI courses from an LMS, so you get the rich data of xAPI with the structure and tracking people expect from SCORM.
Together they let you track simulations, mobile apps, video, offline activity and on-the-job tasks, not just slides in a browser.
This kind of data helps you answer practical questions. Which part of a course causes the most trouble? Do people who finish the simulation perform better on the job? Do learners come back to the job aid when they need it? SCORM cannot answer those questions. xAPI can.
Converting Existing Courses
You do not have to start from scratch. Many Storyline and Captivate courses can be republished for xAPI or cmi5, then extended with custom statements that capture the moments you care about. I plan those statements with you first, so the data stays consistent across courses and is easy to report on. Then I test the full path from course to LRS.
Good planning matters more than clever code here. Without a clear statement plan, courses tend to send data that is hard to compare. A short planning session up front prevents that problem.
Building Custom xAPI Experiences
For projects that go beyond authoring tools, I write custom HTML5 and JavaScript that sends xAPI statements directly. That works well for:
- 3D simulations and serious games
- Performance support tools and job aids
- Blended programs that mix online and in-person activities
- Assessments that need detailed item-level data
Custom builds still follow the xAPI rules and use a clear, shared vocabulary, so the data works with any standard LRS and stays readable if you change platforms later.
AI and Learning Data
Rich xAPI data is only useful if someone reads it. AI tools can help sort large sets of statements, spot patterns such as a question most learners miss, and draft plain-language summaries for managers. I also use AI to help write and check statement definitions. People still decide what the findings mean and what to change in the training.
For teams new to xAPI, I can also build starter reports that show the most useful measures right away, such as completion trends, commonly missed questions and time spent in each section, then grow them as your questions change.
Common Questions
Do we need an LRS to use xAPI?
Yes. xAPI statements are stored in a Learning Record Store. Some LMS platforms include one, and standalone LRS products are also available. I can help you check what you already have and connect your courses to it.
What is the difference between xAPI and cmi5?
xAPI defines how learning data is recorded. cmi5 is a profile of xAPI that adds rules for how an LMS launches and tracks courses. If your LMS supports cmi5, you get xAPI data with dependable launch and completion behavior.
Can our SCORM courses be converted to xAPI?
Usually, yes. If you have the source files, many courses can be republished and extended with custom tracking. If you only have the published package, I can review it and recommend the best path.
Related reading
Have an eLearning Project in Mind?
Tell me about your course, conversion or team challenge. I will reply within one business day with next steps and a free estimate.