This article covers frequently asked questions regarding Call Simulator integrations, Learning Management System (LMS) packages, and deep links. Please also see Using Call Simulator with Learning Management Systems.
Q - What LMS integration standards does Call Simulator support?
A - Call Simulator now supports SCORM (2004, 3rd Edition) and cmi5 (xAPI).
Q - What does SCORM stand for?
A - SCORM stands for Shareable Content Object Reference Model. If you would like to learn more about SCORM, see this Wikipedia article.
Q - What is the difference between SCORM and cmi5 options for Call Simulator content?
A - Both content options are available to Call Simulator Builders and others using Scenario Studio to create and publish voice and chat simulation content.
The SCORM standard is broadly supported across LMS providers, but has technical limitations due to being an older standard. Notably, SCORM measures duration as the amount of time the SCORM window is open and not necessarily the specific duration of the Learner’s simulation. And if the organization wants their LMS to get a simulation score and updated completion information sent from Call Simulator via SCORM, then SCORM requires the LMS-launched training window to remain open until the simulation data is sent by Call Simulator back to the LMS - at which time the Call Simulator SCORM window should automatically close.
By contrast, the newer cmi5 standard is based on xAPI and, as a newer standard, is more technically robust. However, cmi5 and xAPI are supported by fewer LMS providers. With cmi5, Call Simulator passes the actual simulation duration back to the LMS, unrelated to the window open-time. And the Learner is not required to leave the LMS-launched training window open after the simulation is complete. Whether the window is left open or closed, the completion and score data are sent back to the LMS asynchronously as soon as they are available.
Q - What are the differences between Call Simulator LMS integration standards support and previous Call Simulator deep links?
A - The main differences are that Call Simulator deep links only allow for launching of simulations, whereas the LMS integrations allow for launching of simulations and automatic return of simulation completion and scoring data back to the LMS. Deep links tend to be more DIY (do it yourself) where they can be used almost anywhere with web access, whereas LMS integrations are specifically designed for use within an LMS.
With both deep links and LMS integrations, Call Simulator can run simulations and hold the score data and other results in Call Simulator. However, only the LMS integrations can automatically pass completion status and a score for the simulation back to the LMS after the Learner runs a simulation launched from the LMS using the integration standards.
Call Simulator deep links remain a simple and flexible way to include simulation training in any user interface, system, email, document, or content that can contain an HTML link. Deep links are available for Call Simulator Scenarios as well as Playlists.
When a Learner clicks a Call Simulator deep link, the Learner is checked for pre-authentication, such as via single sign-on (SSO), or asked to authenticate. If the Learner, after authentication, has access to the content behind the link, then Call Simulator will automatically launch the Call Sim Player for the Learner. And from there, the Learner clicks “Play” to run the voice or chat simulation or run a Playlist of voice and/or chat simulations.
A new capability with Call Simulator Scenario deep links is to run in either pop-up or embedded modes. Pop-up has the advantage of automatically sizing the Player to be small and separate from the launching system. This mode works for deep links of both Call Simulator Scenarios and Playlists. This is helpful for where Player should be off to the side of some other system or behind the other system during simulation. But sometimes, it is better to not pop out the Player, but rather embed it in place.
Embedded has the advantage of allowing the Call Sim Player to be embedded within an existing frame (for example, iframe) where that is a better user experience for Learners. Embedding currently only works with Call Simulator Scenario deep links. Neither approach is better or worse, just each is better suited for different use cases.
By contrast, the new Call Simulator LMS integration standards allow for import of Scenarios directly into the LMS. The LMS integration standards are currently only available for Scenario content, not Playlists.
With SCORM and cmi5 (xAPI) support, Builders can easily download SCORM- or cmi5-based packages for offline storage and sharing, and for import into LMS environments by standard importers. Most LMS systems can directly import a SCORM package and immediately set up a course or publish the content. This is a path that is often very familiar to learning and development (L&D) professionals. Additionally, there may be templates or presets already configured around this kind of import that makes it easier to publish and manage at scale. By contrast, a deep link is just a snippet of HTML and may need additional context surrounding it to help the Learner know what to do or what to expect when they click the link.
Q - What configuration is available for Call Simulator deep links? (Scenarios only)
A - Call Simulator Scenario deep links can be run in an “embedded mode” (see above).
- Pop-up deep links (aka legacy) will open the Call Sim Player in a pop-up window.
- Embedded deep links will open Call Sim Player within the frame, tab, or window that launched the link, without a pop-up. Learning experience designers can choose which type of deep link makes the most sense for their specific use case. Examples include use within Assima training content or Verint environments.
Otherwise, if the learning experience designer wishes to utilize their learning management platform or learning management system, they can choose to use SCORM or cmi5 packages via the Export LMS Package button, located in the Scenario action buttons.
Q - Any best practices or recommendations about LMS integration configuration with Call Simulator?
A - If cmi5 is supported by the LMS, there are advantages over SCORM (see above).
We also recommend using single sign-on (SSO) where possible, meaning connecting Call Simulator and the LMS to the same identity provider. In the case of Call Simulator, we recommend a SAML-compliant identity environment. If a different identity scheme is desired, please reach out to Support@CallSimulator.com for further discussion.
Q - Does Call Simulator support other LMS standards like AICC or LTI?
A - Not currently out of the box. If you have a need for such, please reach out to Support@CallSimulator.com for further exploration.
Q - Are these LMS standards necessary for integration with Assima for software simulation training?
A - No, the integration between Assima and Call Simulator is even simpler. Speak to your Call Simulator or Assima team for more information.
Q - When a Learner runs a Simulation from our organization's LMS, where does the score go?
A - Score is part of the SCORM and cmi5 (xAPI) standards. Likewise, duration and completion data are part of the standards. Call Simulator only passes that data back to the LMS per the mechanism within the standards. We don’t have insight into where or how the LMS uses that data. That is the nature of the standards and what allows them to be interoperable - meaning they are a black box to us at Call Simulator.
Q - If I create a Playlist, can the Playlist be Exported to my organization's LMS?
A - Yes, as a deep link. Currently only Scenarios can be exported as SCORM or cmi5 (xAPI), in part because those standards are suited for the completion, duration, and score data that comes from individual simulations. To use a Playlist within a learning context outside of Call Simulator, we recommend using the Playlist deep link feature. As Playlists don’t themselves have duration or score information, there is no additional information to pass back to the originating context, whether it was an LMS or other source for launching the Playlist link.
As always, we at Call Simulator, Inc. appreciate the opportunity to serve your organization in all of its conversation training needs! Should you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Support@CallSimulator.com or via the chat widget located in the bottom corner of this screen.