How to Convert PowerPoint (PPT) to SCORM

PowerPoint presentations have always been the preferred way to present ideas to a broad audience. They are the standard for delivering lectures and content globally, thanks to their built-in support for different multimedia tools.

However, these traditional methods are often not as effective in delivering content on eLearning platforms (which is the new way of learning in these post-pandemic times). 

Part of it is because there’s less face-to-face interaction online. But a major part is because converting much of the traditional learning materials into online eLearning content is almost impossible. So it’s even harder to keep the learning as engaging as before. 

This brings us to the question, ‘How can we still use the same information yet make it engaging for our audience?’

The answer is SCORM or the Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It is the worldwide standard for eLearning platforms. SCORM allows for designing engaging and compatible courses that can be used across different LMS platforms.

The best part is that you can use your PowerPoint slides as they are via SCORM on the LMS platforms. Let's talk about how to convert PowerPoint (PPT) to SCORM.

The Need to Convert PowerPoint to SCORM

Although PowerPoint is excellent for delivering presentations, it lacks interactivity features and doesn't engage the online audience entirely.

Moreover, PowerPoint doesn't track user performance or analytics. You can teach a room full of the audience on PowerPoint and observe their reactions and live participation levels, but you can't track how well they’ve grasped the concepts and can apply them. 

It actually makes sense; PowerPoint wasn't designed for eLearning to begin with!

Moreover, PowerPoint is still incompatible with LMS eLearning platforms. So, what will you do? Your answer is SCORM. SCORM can convert a static slide into an interactive and trackable eLearning experience. 

You can increase learner participation in the course via quizzes, videos, or other activities incorporated into your slides while getting invaluable insights into your learners’ progress.

SCORM converts your PowerPoint presentations to make them compatible with the LMS platforms. 

It also adds certain interactive eLearning features, learner progress trackers, and tools that make gauging learner engagement and analytics easy.

What is SCORM?

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model is a set of standards for eLearning software products. It allows users to develop and deliver eLearning courses while evaluating their consistency. 

It also ensures your content is accessible and works on different devices and platforms. You can also integrate multimedia files, graphics, videos, etc., into your course via SCORM.

This way, your entire course plan will include web pages, slides, documents, and files—in fact, all kinds of material you have—which you can upload to the LMS platform. AI will then convert the material into a full-fledged course that you can track.

Why Convert PowerPoint Slides for LMS Integration?

You may be wondering why PowerPoint presentations need to be converted for the LMS platform. Why can't you upload the PPT file directly?

Some platforms allow you to add as much multimedia or other files for your course as possible. However, if you upload a PPT file directly, your animations and transitions will not work. Plus, the only analytics you’ll get is how many of your slides have been viewed. 

Some people try uploading the same file as a video file, which keeps the transitions and animations intact, but it still lacks the interactivity features.

So, the best way to get the most out of your PPT is to convert the PowerPoint slide into SCORM. This way, you can get all the performance metrics and interactive features and can still use multiple media types, such as videos, audio, voice-overs, PDFs, etc. 

SCORM is the universal translator for eLearning content. It ensures that your course materials are delivered accurately and can be tracked on the LMS platform.

Whether you’re using the presentation for training, teaching, or onboarding new employees, you can analyze the test completion rates and user engagement (all very important for evaluating the effectiveness of the training program) on your PPT file.

How to Convert PowerPoint (PPT) to SCORM on CourseBox

When you convert a PowerPoint presentation to SCORM on CourseBox, the process begins the same way as generating an AI course. Let’s break it down to the steps for ease of understanding.

Step # 1

Log in to CourseBox and go to create a course.

Describe your course first. Write about the name of the course you are creating. For example, if it's a simple typing course for beginners or a project management course, write a one-liner heading for it.

Click next.

Step # 2

Next, you will be taken to the “Create AI Courses using your Docs” screen. Here, you can upload the PowerPoint file.

It's a simple drag-and-drop process.

The platform supports PDF files, TXT docs, CSV files, and more. You can also convert your PPT files into SCORM here.

Just drag and drop the PPT file into the box as shown below:

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Click on the Next button.

Step # 3

The next window will open. It’s all about describing your learner. Here, too, you can just enter a one-liner phrase about your audience, describing whether you want the course for basic learners, those just getting started on the course, or professionals.

Click on Next. 

Step # 4

This is the course structure page.

The first thing you need to do is switch the tab for ‘Create Structure from File’ from ‘off’ to ‘on.’ 

This will structure your PowerPoint file into the course. You will get the following page, which will show your PowerPoint file.

AI will then structure the course based on the structure of your PowerPoint slides. This means whatever chapters, lessons, or gamification features, like quizzes and assignments, you have on them will become part of the course.

Click Next and wait for AI to generate the course for you.

Once it’s done, you will get the ‘Got it’ button. Click on it.

Step # 5

Now, we go to the Publish settings.

You can publish the file on CourseBox or export it to SCORM. As you can see, CourseBox currently supports SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004.

Other Tools to Convert PowerPoint (PPT) to SCORM

There are also some easier or simpler solutions for converting PowerPoint to SCORM. ScormHero is one platform where you can upload and convert your files; it's simple and quick.

Some other platforms that support the conversion of files from PPT to SCORM are:

• iSpring Suite
• CogniSpark AI
• Adobe Captivate
• Articulate Storyline

How to Convert PowerPoint (PPT) to SCORM - Tips and Tricks

Here are additional tips and tricks to keep your content engaging when converting it to SCORM.

• To make the course interactive, add as many multimedia files as possible, such as videos, podcasts, audio files, or animations.
• Check the compatibility of the SCORM file with your LMS platform. The most commonly accepted versions are SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004, which are compatible with most platforms, such as Coursebox.
• Do not use overly animated presentations filled with unnecessary transitions; they will not transfer well or convert to SCORM.
• Optimize the media files by compressing them for an easy and quick upload.
• Use standard formats and fonts available on PowerPoint. Do not use custom fonts, as they may not be rendered correctly on transfer.
• Ensure the slides are screen reader-friendly and accessible.
• Check the file after conversion for broken links, formatting issues, or missing or misplaced interactive elements.
• Make your course as accessible as possible for all learners. Use clear formatting and bigger fonts, and avoid using too many animations or cluttering the space.

Challenges in Converting PPT Files to SCORM

There are some challenges, too, that you need to be mindful of when you convert the file.

• Sometimes, formatting will be lost, and text images or videos may be misplaced, so check the file before finally publishing it.
• Interactive features like quizzes or buttons may stop working upon conversion.
• As we discussed, the SCORM version may sometimes be incompatible with the LMS platform.

Wrap Up

So, here’s everything about how to convert PowerPoint (PPT) to SCORM.

With the right tools and platforms, you can transform the PowerPoint material into an engaging study module. 

If the thought of using online platforms to convert your PPT is overwhelming, just follow the steps we discussed, and you’ll be able to save the converted file on your device. Then, you can upload the content on Coursebox (or any other platform, for that matter), where you can add various interactive features, gamification tools, assessments, and user analytics.

These will give you the engagement you need in your slides to make your course deeply involving and a fun learning experience for all kinds of learners.