Presentation from #xapicamp at #devlearn

1. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Dollar Photo Club 57351201
Day Hikes in
the xAPI
Megan Torrance
xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015

2. Megan Torrance
CEO, TorranceLearning
Connect with me
mtorrance@torrancelearning.com
@MMTorrance
linkedin.com/in/megantorrance

3. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
What is a day hike?
Those first-step projects that:
• Show real impact
• Help you figure out your data issues
• Prove your point
• Free or very low cost
• (Maybe even under the radar)
Things you can pick up and do
without breaking other things.

4. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Why do you need a day hike?
You can’t sell xAPI. (no one cares)
You can sell the connection between improved learning
data and better organizational outcomes.
You probably need a proof-of-concept.
You have to show it.

5. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Three hikes for you
1. SCORM on steroids
2. The hypomnema
3. Experience learning to do list

6. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
But before we dive into the trails …
Here are some trail markers to make it easier.
The markers help you sort out:
• The nature of the experience
• The nature of transactions
• The context of the situation
• Who the initiator of the transaction is
• The purpose for the evaluation

7. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
The experience is …
Social
Activity is (can be) shared with and followed
by others
Activity is consumed horizontally across the
organization
Encourages learning from others (high
performers)
Personal
Activity is (relatively) private
Activity is primarily consumed by the learner
and vertically with leaders
S P

8. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
The transactions are…
Predictable
We know the triggers and when to expect
them
We know the possible range of statements
Variable
Triggers are “random” or at least not
prescribed
Verbs and direct objects are unknown until
used
P V

9. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
The evaluation is …
Formative
What do you know?
What don’t you know?
Data is used to determine learning gaps
(and ultimately fill them).
Summative
What have you learned?
What can you do with it?
Data used to certify that learning has
happened.
F S

10. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
The context is …
Learning
Transactions document the learning process
and/or performance simulations
Source of transactions has (often) been
created by the L&D team
Performance
Transactions document actual performance
Source of transactions has been created by
(or in) another source and sent to or
imported by the learning system
L P

11. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
The initiator is …
The learner
The learner chooses when
to document the
experience.
An observer
An observer chooses when
to document the
experience.
The environment
The experience is
documented behind the
scenes.
The learner may not be
overtly aware of it.
L O E

12. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Experienceis…Transactionsare..Contextis…Initiatoris…Evaluationis…
USECASES
WHYxAPI?
Traditional SCORM Elearning
Learners access elearning in a learning management system (LMS).
Important metrics include completion, score, status, location.
If this works for the situation, there may
be no need for an xAPI solution.
Traditional compliance course
Info & test-based course
E
L
P
P ersonal
redictable
earning
nvironment
S ummative

13. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Experienceis…Transactionsare..Contextis…Initiatoris…Evaluationis…
USECASES
WHYxAPI?
SCORM on steroids
Track all the things.
You need to track more, and more easily, than could ever be done with
SCORM.
This formal learning environment is still a private experience.
You need to track multiple people doing the same thing together.
Document more about learning Student groups working together
Don’t want an LMS login
L
L
P
P
S
ersonal
redictable
earning
earner
ummative

14. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
SCORM on steroids
Where can I get it?

15. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Experienceis…Transactionsare..Contextis…Initiatoris…Evaluationis…
USECASES
WHYxAPI?
Personal organizer
Class assignment to collect resources
The hypomnema
Personal learning diary
Learner bookmarks web pages and experiences to create a personal
diary.
Others can see or follow the path. High performers can be followed.
Tag and comment on pages.
Creates a personalized & transferrable library.
Document more about learning
L
L
V
S
earning
earner
?
ocial
ariable

16. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
The hypomnema
Where can I get it?
TorranceLearning/
xAPI-Gnome
tincanapi.com/
bookmarklet/

17. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Experienceis…Transactionsare..Contextis…Initiatoris…Evaluationis…
USECASES
WHYxAPI?
The experience learning to do list
Personal learning checklist
The learner has a checklist of things to accomplish as part of a curriculum.
SCORM and non-SCORM items can be on the checklist.
Two-way communication with the LRS means the learner can initiate some
checks, and others can be gathered “hands-free.”
Track learning outside the LMS
Learn more about the learning process
Support performance
New hire checklist
Coaching checklists
Deli counter prep checklist
L
L
P
P
F
ersonal
redictable
earning
earner
ormative

18. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
The experience learning to do list
Where can I get it?
TorranceLearning/
xAPI-Gnome

19. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
!
Designasolutiontomeetstated
needs
!
Respond toquestionscorrectly
!
Decidea courseofaction
!
Collect &enterdata
accurately
!
Nailroofshinglessafely
Practice in Training
Know . . .
Business Goal
thatsolvesa
Business Problem
Adapted from: Cathy Moore
Be honest about what you’re measuring

20. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Be honest about what you’re measuring
Knowledge,
Skills, Abilities
Practice Behaviors Results
Level 2 Level 2 Level 3 / 4 Level 4 / 5
!

21. Day Hikes in the xAPI – Megan Torrance – xAPI Camp at DevLearn 2015
Megan Torrance
CEO, TorranceLearning
Connect with me
mtorrance@torrancelearning.com
@MMTorrance
linkedin.com/in/megantorrance