eLearning: What's inside a CMI5 package?

In this post and the accompanying video, we peel back the layers. The example file we are looking at was exported from Articulate and is being used by the AlonLearn LMS, which utilizes SCORM Cloud to handle its content dispatch and tracking.

The Anatomy of a cmi5 Package

At first glance, a cmi5 package is just a standard ZIP file. However, its internal structure serves a very specific purpose: bridging the gap between your Learning Management System (LMS) and the modern xAPI tracking standard.

Watch the Walkthrough

In the video below, I open the Articulate-exported package to show you exactly where these files live and how they interact with AlonLearn.

Here is what you will typically find inside:

1. The "Brain": cmi5.xml

This is the most important file. While SCORM uses an imsmanifest.xml file, cmi5 uses cmi5.xml.

• What it does: This is the "map" for AlonLearn. It tells the system the name of the course, how to launch it, and most importantly, where the content is hosted.

• The "Secret Weapon": Unlike SCORM, the content doesn't have to be inside the ZIP. The XML file can simply point to a URL on a completely different server.

2. The "Engine": The SCORMDriver Folder

If you export from Articulate, you will notice a folder named scormdriver. Don't let the name fool you!

• Why is it there? Articulate uses the industry-standard "driver" developed by Rustici Software (the creators of SCORM Cloud).

• The Translator: This folder contains the JavaScript that acts as a translator. It takes the actions happening inside your Articulate course and translates them into xAPI statements that cmi5 requires.

3. The "Body": The SCORMContent Folder

This is typically where the actual "stuff" lives.

• Content: Here you will find your HTML5 files, images, CSS, and videos.

• Organization: Articulate groups the media and assets here to keep them separate from the technical "driver" files.

Why the "SCORM" labels?

If this is a cmi5 package, why do the folders still say "SCORM"? It usually comes down to:

• Legacy naming: Technology providers kept the naming conventions for compatibility.

• Compatibility: Because AlonLearn uses SCORM Cloud as its engine, these files are recognized instantly, ensuring that your score and time spent are tracked with 100% accuracy.

Key Takeaways: SCORM vs. cmi5 Tracking

While you can see time spent and scores in both formats, cmi5 (combined with the power of SCORM Cloud) offers a level of depth that older formats struggle with:

• Robust Status: Better handling of "Passed" vs. "Completed"—no more "stuck" status in the LMS.

• Detailed Analytics: It uses xAPI in the background, allowing you to track specific button clicks or video interactions, not just the final score.

• Flexibility: The ZIP file can stay small even if the course is huge, as cmi5 allows for external hosting.