It’s funny, isn’t it? We spend so much time crafting engaging eLearning experiences, pouring our hearts into instructional design, only to hit a wall when it comes to how that content actually talks to the learning management system. The standards that govern this communication can feel like a secret handshake, and frankly, a bit daunting for even seasoned L&D pros.
Back in the day, if you were involved in eLearning, you likely encountered AICC. Created way back in 1988 by the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee, its whole purpose was to bring some order to the way airline workers were trained using computers. It used a pretty straightforward method, the HTTP AICC Communication Protocol (HACP), basically sending simple text strings back and forth between the course and the LMS. Think of it as an early, text-based chat.
Now, you might be wondering, is AICC still relevant? Well, for many organizations, it’s still around, largely due to legacy systems. It’s not going to vanish overnight. And surprisingly, even with all the shiny new tech, AICC still has a couple of tricks up its sleeve. For one, it’s quite secure, supporting HTTPS data transfers, which is a big plus. Plus, it offers a bit more flexibility in deployment; your course content doesn't have to live on the same server as your LMS, which can be handy.
But let's be honest, the downsides are significant, especially when you look at what came after. The biggest hurdle with AICC is its tracking capability – or rather, its lack thereof. It’s pretty basic, offering the most limited reporting and progress tracking among the major standards. And because the AICC group itself disbanded in 2014, there are no more updates coming. While most authoring tools and LMSs still offer some level of AICC support, the industry is definitely moving on. Developers and designers are increasingly opting for more modern, capable standards.
Looking back, AICC is a fascinating piece of eLearning history, a testament to how far we've come. It shows us the challenges that early pioneers faced and highlights the evolution of our field. But for new projects, it’s really an outdated choice. There are simply better, more robust options available today that offer the tracking and interoperability we need to truly understand learner engagement and progress.
