xAPI (Experience API or Tin Can API) is a technical specification developed by ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) that enables tracking and recording all learning activities, whether they occur in an LMS, mobile app, simulator, or even offline. This standard revolutionizes learning tracking by capturing every interaction as JSON traces stored in an LRS (Learning Record Store).

xAPI works by automatically generating 'learning traces' or statements. Each action produces a structured statement following the 'Actor + Verb + Object' model (example: 'Marie completed the sales course'). These traces are encapsulated in JSON format and sent to an LRS that stores and organizes them for analysis and reporting.

What are the differences between xAPI and SCORM?

The main differences are: 1) Scope: xAPI works everywhere (online/offline) vs SCORM limited to LMS, 2) Format: xAPI uses flexible JSON vs SCORM with rigid standard, 3) Autonomy: xAPI is independent vs SCORM dependent on LMS, 4) Reporting: xAPI tracks all interactions vs SCORM limited to score/time/status, 5) Centralization: xAPI uses centralized LRS vs SCORM siloed by LMS.

What are the benefits of xAPI?

xAPI offers several strategic advantages: universal tracking across all platforms (online/offline), granular analysis of learning behaviors, automatic personalization of learning paths via adaptive learning, interoperability with existing technology ecosystem, data centralization via LRS, and ability to track diverse learning experiences (simulators, VR, mobile, IoT).

What are examples of xAPI use cases?

xAPI is used in many contexts: digital training (detailed tracking of interactive videos, adaptive quizzes), hands-on learning (medical simulators, flight exercises, educational games), field training (geolocation, physiological indicators, offline synchronization), mobile applications, virtual reality, IoT devices, and social learning networks.

How does xAPI improve learning?

xAPI improves learning by offering a 360° view of learning paths, enabling intelligent personalization through AI, and providing advanced learning analytics. It collects granular data that feeds adaptive learning algorithms to automatically personalize paths according to each learner's profile, thus optimizing engagement and progression.

How do you use xAPI in practice?

To use xAPI: 1) Set up a certified LRS to centralize data, 2) Integrate xAPI specification into your training tools, 3) Use standardized vocabularies (IRI) and recognized xAPI profiles, 4) For traditional LMS, use the cmi5 standard as a bridge to xAPI, 5) Ensure OAuth2 security and statement validation, 6) Comply with GDPR requirements for behavioral data collection.

What is an LRS (Learning Record Store)?

An LRS (Learning Record Store) is a specialized database that stores and organizes xAPI learning traces. It receives statements from different providers (applications, content, sensors), validates them according to xAPI specification, and makes them available to consumers (LMS, analytics tools) for reporting and educational optimization. A certified LRS must pass the ADL LRS Test Suite.

What are the GDPR challenges with xAPI?

xAPI poses significant GDPR challenges as it collects extensive behavioral data: geolocation, biometrics, detailed interactions, time spent, errors made. Explicit consent from learners is required, as well as a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) before deployment. Security through OAuth2 and data governance are essential for regulatory compliance.

What is cmi5 and how is it related to xAPI?

cmi5 is a standard that bridges SCORM and xAPI for content hosted in a traditional LMS. It establishes rules for launch, security, and communication between the LMS and xAPI content. cmi5 allows organizations using SCORM LMS to progressively benefit from xAPI advantages without completely overhauling their infrastructure.

xAPI: What is it and what are the differences with SCORM?

Zaki Micky

Content Manager

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Tracking learning activities is no longer limited to traditional platforms. xAPI is revolutionizing the way we capture and analyze training experiences. This technical standard opens up new perspectives for measuring the real impact of your educational systems.
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In brief: xAPI

What is xAPI? A technical specification that enables tracking all learning activities, both online and offline.
How does it work? Through "traces" in JSON format stored in an LRS (Learning Record Store).
Main differences with SCORM: Universal tracking vs limited to LMS, flexible format vs rigid, autonomous operation vs dependent.
Key benefits: Cross-platform tracking, detailed analysis, advanced personalization, data centralization.
Use cases: Simulators, mobile applications, field training, IoT devices, virtual reality.

Definition: What is xAPI?

xAPI (also called Experience API or Tin Can API) is a technical specification (version 1.0.3, IEEE 9274.1.1 standard) developed by ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) that revolutionizes educational tracking. This application programming interface captures every type of learning interaction, whether it occurs in a Learning Management System, a mobile application, a simulator or even during practical exercises.

Contrary to SCORM format (Sharable Content Object Reference Model), xAPI works standalone. It collects and centralizes data in an LRS, creating a holistic view of learning. This approach goes beyond technological silos to offer a unified analysis of training paths.

The strength of xAPI lies in its ability to transform any activity into usable data. A gesture on a tablet, a physical interaction, a resource consultation: everything becomes traceable and analysable.

How does xAPI work?

The xAPI mechanism is based on the automatic generation of “learning traces”. Each action produces a xAPI trace (called statement or Statement), structured according to the “Actor + Verb + Object” model: “Marie has completed the sales course”.

These traces are encapsulated in the format JSON, a lightweight and universal web standard. The data then goes to a LRS who stores and organizes them. This architecture allows for rapid retrieval and in-depth analysis of information.
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Note

xAPI's JSON format enables maximum interoperability with modern analytics tools, facilitating integration into your existing systems.

The process relies on “suppliers” (applications, content, sensors) that feed the LRS. The “consumers” (LMS, analysis tools) then exploit this data for reporting and educational optimization.

Concrete examples of using xAPI

Advanced digital training

Detailed follow-up of the parties consulted in an interactive video
Recording answers and errors on an adaptive quiz
Measuring the time spent on each page of a course

Practical learning and simulation

Capturing technical gestures on a medical simulator
Tracing decisions taken during pilot exercises
Analysis of interactions in educational games

Field and mobile training

Geolocation during external practical exercises
Measurement of physiological indicators during training
Offline activity tracking with delayed sync

This diversity of applications transforms xAPI into a Swiss Army knife for learning analytics.

The strategic advantages of xAPI

Universal and flexible tracking

xAPI transcends the limitations of traditional platforms. Is your user using a mobile application, a simulator, or working offline? Each activity is traced and centralized, offering a complete vision of its journey.

Granular analysis and personalization

xAPI data allows a detailed understanding of learning behaviors. This wealth of information feeds algorithms. Adaptive learning to automatically personalize the courses according to the profile of each learner.

Interoperability and scalability

The open format of xAPI ensures compatibility with the current and future technological ecosystem. This sustainable architecture protects your investments and facilitates the integration of new solutions.

xAPI vs SCORM: what are the differences?

Criteria	SCORM	xAPI
Tracking scope	Limited to LMS	Universal (online/offline)
Data format	Rigid standard	Flexible JSON
Technical autonomy	Dependent on LMS	Independent
Reporting depth	Score/Time/Status	All interactions
Centralization	Siloed by LMS	Centralized LRS

How to use xAPI in concrete terms?

Technical architecture

Implementing xAPI requires an LRS to centralize the data and then integrating the specification into your training tools. This modular architecture adapts to your existing ecosystem.

Before large-scale deployment, make sure that your LRS complies with the ADL LRS Test Suite (1,300 spec tests, certificate possible) and that you are using validated xAPI Profiles (verb & activity IRis, extensions). These two validations guarantee the interoperability and reusability of your training data, by avoiding a multiplication of formats and vocabulary that are incompatible with each other.

Structuring the traces

Each xAPI trace follows a precise syntax using standardized vocabulary (IRIs). Verbs and activities must respect recognized xAPI profiles to ensure interoperability between systems.

For content hosted in an LMS, the cmi5 standard acts as a bridge between SCORM and xAPI, setting the launch and security rules.
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GDPR Warning

xAPI collects extensive behavioral data (geolocation, biometrics, interactions). Explicit consent and a GDPR impact assessment are required before deployment.

Exploitation and analysis

The information collected feeds into your existing reports or specialized learning analytics solutions.

Attention: the implementation of a certified LRS represents a cost (hosting, license, maintenance) and requires technical expertise to exploit the data.

OAuth2 security and statement validation by the LRS are critical to ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance.

xAPI and the future of digital learning

The adoption of xAPI is accelerating in professional e-learning, although SCORM is still the dominant standard. Large companies are gradually adopting this specification to improve their training management on a large scale.

This xAPI standard makes it possible to record learning events from various media: mobile applications, serious games, social learning networks.
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