Applies To:
- Pinnacle admins
- Content admins
Common Causes/Issues:
As a content creator, you can use this guide to determine Whether to use Pinnacle Learning Paths or SCORM content.
Solution Overview:
Use this guide to decide when to deliver training through native Pinnacle Learning Paths versus importing SCORM packages. It outlines audiences, common scenarios, strengths, trade-offs, and a quick decision checklist.
Solution Overview: Learning Paths
Learning Paths present clear course outlines that guide people through a self-paced curriculum. In addition to supplied Public Learning Paths, you can create custom Paths tailored to your organization. They’re ideal for onboarding, multi-level software training, and ongoing professional development.
Key Features of Learning Paths
- Self-enrollment options so users can upskill proactively.
- Supplied courses support novice through advanced users.
- “Just-in-time” access to materials during real project work.
- Create a clear onboarding path and track progress.
- Learners can review transcripts and print completion certificates.
- Managers assign by user or role; automated notifications for completion and past-due items.
- Reminder workflows keep learners on schedule.
- Progress tracking and reporting to identify who’s on track or behind.
- Identify skill gaps and assign targeted paths.
- Export reporting data to other systems (LMS/LXP/HRIS).
- Reuse public content and blend with your own custom materials.
Solution Overview: SCORM
SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of standards and specifications that enables E-Learning content to be created once and shared across many platforms.
Key Features of SCORM
- “Plug-and-play” deployment across SCORM-compliant platforms.
- Rich interactivity supported by many authoring tools.
- Fine-grained control over completion rules and timing.
- Relatively straightforward migration between compliant systems.
- Marketplace availability of pre-built courses.
Disadvantages of SCORM
- Older standard; can be clunky around completion/status communication.
- Newer tech (e.g., xAPI) is more flexible for analytics and experiences.
- Some packages are buggy (legacy code, old runtimes like Flash) and may fail on modern/iOS devices.
- Many packages are not fully responsive on mobile or tablets.
- Authoring tools can be costly and have steep learning curves.
- Reporting depth often lags behind modern, native LMS capabilities.
Learning Paths vs. SCORM: Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Learning Paths (Pinnacle) | SCORM Packages |
|---|---|---|
| Setup & Maintenance | Fast to build/revise natively; no external tooling required. | Requires authoring/export; updates need re-publishing and re-import. |
| Interactivity | Strong for structured, blended content; native features and links. | High potential via authoring tools (simulations, branching, etc.). |
| Mobile/Responsive | Optimized for a wide range of devices and viewports. | Varies by authoring tool; many legacy packages are not responsive. |
| Reporting & Analytics | Deep, native reporting; easy export to LMS/LXP/HRIS. | Standard SCORM data; often less granular and harder to extend. |
| Assignments & Governance | Built-in due dates, reminders, role-based assignments, certificates. | Relies on LMS layer; course itself doesn’t manage these. |
| Speed to Update | High - edit components directly in Pinnacle. | Lower - requires republishing the SCORM package. |
| Cost & Tooling | Included with platform; no extra licenses required. | May require paid authoring tools and specialist skills. |
When to Use Each Option
Choose Learning Paths if you need:
- Rapid updates, strong governance, due dates, reminders, and certificates.
- Integrated reporting and easy export to HRIS/LXP systems.
- Blending public Pinnacle content with your custom materials.
- Mobile-friendly delivery with clear, structured curricula (e.g., onboarding).
Choose SCORM if you need:
- Highly interactive simulations or legacy courses already built in SCORM.
- Vendor-provided courses only available as SCORM packages.
- Portability to other SCORM-compliant platforms without rebuilding.
Quick Decision Checklist
- Is the content stable or updated often? Frequent changes → Learning Paths.
- Do you need advanced interactivity only an authoring tool provides? Yes → SCORM.
- Is mobile/responsive access critical? Yes → Prefer Learning Paths (or ensure modern, responsive SCORM).
- Do you need robust, native reporting and governance? Yes → Learning Paths.
- Do you already own high-quality SCORM courses? Yes → Use SCORM now; plan any future rebuilds case-by-case.
Admin Tips: Pilot with a small group before rollout. For SCORM, confirm launch file, completion rules, resume behavior, and mobile display. For Learning Paths, validate assignments, reminders, and reporting filters against your groups/roles.