xAPI - Learning Record Store FAQ - What to know about xAPI LRS

A Learning Record Store, or LRS, is a data storage system used to receive, store, and return learning records. The data stored in an LRS comes from various learning experiences, including job execution, mobile apps, and real-world activities. LRS’ are supported by xAPI, or Experience Application Programming Interface, which allows communication between learning content and learning systems while tracking data from learning experiences.

How an LRS Works

As stated, an LRS has data sharing capabilities that allow multiple systems to communicate and report learning activity outcomes. An LRS can store large amounts of data and comprehensively analyze learning activities and program efficiency.

AN LRS can also record data to track individual learner progress over time. An LRS is usable in virtually any industries’ training to increase employee engagement, improve comprehension, and increase learned skills retention.

Where xAPI Comes In

The xAPI is then the conduit for all of this amassed data to flow in and out. It tracks activities that utilize computers, such as social media interactions, regular work duties, data from learning games or simulations, and virtually any other pursuit with quantifiable data.

In the terminology of xAPI, learning activities will post as “statements.” Each of these statements contains:

An actor, which is the person who performs the action

The action, which is the activity performed by the actor

An object, which is the matter accomplished

Here is an example scenario for a bit more clarity: The actor in this scenario will be named John, the action will be him inputting data, and the object will be a completed expense report. The statement from this activity would be: John completed an expense report.

This is an elementary example but shows the format of a statement. If John’s next statement read, “John filed the expense report”, the tracking ability of xAPI becomes a little more clear.

Into the Future

The use of Learning Record Stores is expected to continue to skyrocket, especially as Experience API’s prepare to burst onto the scene in the near future. The bar is continually being raised for tracking and storing learning records and technology is exceeding expectations.

If you need any assistance with your LRS or learning and development strategies, contact our team to learn more about your options and what is best for your learners.

Please note this article was updated by our team on 05/06/2021.