Approved for public release; distribution in unlimited. / The thesis research examines the emergence of Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) architecture currently under development by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative established by the Department of Defense (DoD). SCORM is a collection of specifications adapted from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive suite of E-Learning capabilities that enable interoperability, accessibility, and reusability of Web-based learning content. To understand better the implementation issues of SCORM architecture, the authors analyze all versions of SCORM to understand the evolution of this emerging architecture. It contrasts the evolving requirements for shareable content objects with concerns of copyright issues. The authors address development and implementation issues surrounding the maturation of SCORM architecture and the ADL initiative. The authors recommend that DoD, international, and civilian business partners join in improving E-Learning by embracing technology, such as SCORM, that allows for shareable content objects to be used and reused within civilian and military education and training Learning Management Systems (LMS) across the World Wide Web. / Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy / Lieutenant, United States Naval Reserve

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / This thesis critically analyzes the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) within higher education and examines SCORM's limitations within a realistic application environment versus within a theoretical/conceptual platform. The thesis also examines environments better suited for implementation of SCORM technology. In addressing the research questions, it was discovered that from the current standards set forth by Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), SCORM is not well suited for higher education. SCORM technology will prove of greater utility within the Navy Training environment than in higher education. In their effort to share information, higher education institutions would benefit more from a Content Management System in conjunction with a Learning Management System. Subsequent chapters addressed the limitations of SCORM, provided a comparison of the applicability of SCORM within the separate domains of naval Education and Training, and provided a prototype of a Content Management System for institutions of higher learning. / Lieutenant Commander, Hellenic Navy / Lieutenant, United States Naval Reserve