You use the import and export features to transfer learning objects, content files, and tests across applications, or from one learning management system to another. The Import and Export functions work with XML files and adhere to industry specifications such as IMS and SCORM for sharing content and test information. If you have a content server set up in the application, you can import and export the actual content files along with the content structure, using the SCORM specification.
Third-party content providers often supply their content with XML files that conform to the industry specifications. If your application supports these specifications, you can use the XML files to import the content into you application. The import and export utilities enable you to load content quickly and easily, instead of manually creating the content structure and the content files.
The Import and Export functions use the following key concepts:
You can transfer learning objects, tests, and content hierarchies comprising learning objects and tests, using the import and export features. For details see: Import and Export Utilities
OLM supports industry specifications such as IMS, SCORM, and AICC, which ensure that you can reuse content across learning platforms without making significant changes. See: Supported Specifications
You can import and export learning objects using XML files that adhere to IMS or SCORM specifications. You can import learning objects using text files that adhere to the AICC specification. If integration is set up between OLM and Oracle WebCenter Content (OWCC) to use OWCC, formerly Oracle Universal Content Management, as a content server for OLM content, then an administrator has the option to select an OWCC server to store the content that is imported.
For more information see: Learning Object Import and Export
The IMS Question and Test Interoperability (QTI) specification enables you to import and export tests. See: Test Import and Export
A non-standard option specific to OLM applications, enables you to import and export a hierarchy containing both learning objects and tests as a one-step process. For further details see: Content Hierarchy Import and Export
The Upload function enables you to load content files to your content server. For more information see: Content Upload
The import and export utilities simplify the content transfer process and eliminate the need to manually create the content structure and the content files.
You import content into your application when the content structure or content that you require exists in another application or learning management system, or you have purchased online content from a third party content provider or have built the content yourself with an authoring tool. You can import the required objects into your application and organize them within your course catalog to make it available to learners.
You can import and export learning objects, tests, and content hierarchies using XML files that adhere to the SCORM or IMS specifications. You can also import content that complies with the AICC specification. You cannot however export AICC content from the application, as the Export function does not support the AICC specification.
The e-Learning community needs guidelines and specifications for creating and sharing online content. You can create, manage and better distribute online content across learning platforms if the content adheres to common industry specifications. Industry specifications such as IMS, SCORM, and AICC enable reuse of common content across applications without any significant changes.
The import and export utilities enable you to import and export the following:
Learning Objects: You can import and export a single learning object or a hierarchy of learning objects. When you export learning objects, the application creates and stores the information in XML files, zipped in a zip or jar file. The XML files include the information required to create the content structure and the learning objects in the imported application. Similarly, on importing learning objects, the application creates the content structure and the learning objects from the information in the XML files. If you have a content server set up in the application, you can also import the actual content files along with the content structure.
Tests: You can import and export tests, test sections, question banks, questions and responses using the IMS Question and Test Interoperability (QTI) specification. When you import test objects, the application creates tests based on the information available in XML files.
Content and Assessment Hierarchy: A non-standard utility enables you to transfer content hierarchies between OLM applications. You can transfer a content hierarchy comprising learning objects and tests as a one-step process, instead of transferring these objects separately and then reconstructing the hierarchy.
Adhering to specifications enables you to share your online content across learning platforms without making significant changes. OLM supports the following specifications for importing and exporting content and tests:
IMS
Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)
AICC (Import only)
IMS is a consortium of learning institutions and vendors that formulates standards for learning servers, learning content, and the integration of these capabilities. IMS develops and promotes open specifications for:
Using and distributing online content
Tracking learner progress
Reporting learner performance
Sharing learner information between learning management systems
In OLM, you can import and export learning objects and tests using the IMS specification. For more information about IMS, visit the IMS website at http://www.imsproject.org/.
The SCORM specification was developed by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) group. ADL collaborates with governments, academia, and the industry to promote effective online learning.
SCORM is a set of interrelated specifications, designed to enable interoperability among content providers. SCORM combines features from other specifications such as IMS and AICC to enable the reuse of online learning content across multiple environments and products. OLM enables you to import and export learning objects as well as the physical content files using SCORM. For more information about SCORM, visit the SCORM website at https://www.adlnet.gov/.
AICC is an international group of technology-based training professionals who create guidelines related to computer-based training (CBT) for the aviation industry. Because these guidelines apply to any CBT, they are also used by other industries for managing their learning requirements. OLM supports importing content using AICC specification but does not support exporting of AICC content. For more information about AICC visit the AICC website at https://www.aicc.org/.
You can import and export learning objects using IMS, SCORM (SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 Edition 4), or AICC (import only) specifications. If your application has a content server set up, you can use the SCORM specification to import the content files along with the learning objects.
Note: You cannot import or export values in descriptive flexfields. The import and export utilities ignore descriptive flexfields.
To import learning objects, you use XML files stored in a zip or jar file, that adhere to the IMS, SCORM, or AICC specifications. You can specify during import if the application should create new objects or update existing learning objects. You can use one of the following specifications for importing learning objects:
Import Content and Assessment Hierarchy: Imports all learning objects and tests contained within the selected hierarchy or folder
Note: Use this option for importing into an OLM application only.
SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004 Content Aggregation: Imports both learning objects and content files. Ensure that you have access to an OLM content server before attempting to load content files using this option.
AICC Metadata: Imports an AICC specification file
OLM provides default content tracking at the learning object level, for example the application tracks the usage, time spent, and completion status for a learning object. AICC content contains CMI objectives that enable greater level of content tracking such as resetting the topic completion status based on logical conditions defined within the content. When importing learning objects using the AICC specification, you also can import the CMI objectives contained in the learning object. After importing, you can view the CMI objectives for the learning object and verify that the content was correctly imported.
If integration is set up between OLM and Oracle WebCenter Content (OWCC) to use OWCC, formerly Oracle Universal Content Management, as a content server for OLM content, then an administrator has the option to select the OWCC server to store the content that is imported.
See: Importing Objects
During import, the application creates learning objects from the information available in the XML files. Imported learning objects appear in the content hierarchy, just as any other learning object that you create directly in the application. The XML file must include the required information to create a learning object, specifically Identifier and Title. Your XML file can also include the Starting URL, Description, Audience, and other optional attributes for a learning object.
The application updates existing learning objects during import, by matching the identifier values (External ID and the External Src tags) found in the XML import file. The "Attempt to Update the Matching Object" box specifies whether the import always creates a new object, or first attempts to update an existing object. To ensure that the import utility always creates a new object, even when the identifier is the same, deselect this box. In this case, the import process creates duplicate objects.
You can export an individual learning object, a folder comprising learning objects or a hierarchy of learning objects. The Export function supports the same specifications as the Import function with the exception of AICC, which is valid only for import. When you export learning objects, the utility creates and stores the information in XML files, zipped in a zip or jar file. If your application has a content server, you can also export the content files associated with the learning objects that are exported. The "Download physical content files with metadata" box is visible on the Export: Specifications page only if you have a content server set up.
You can import and export test objects adhering to the IMS Question and Test Interoperability (QTI) specification. You can also import and export a content hierarchy comprising learning objects and tests using the Content and Assessment Hierarchy specification.
Note: You cannot import or export values in descriptive flexfields. The import and export utilities ignore descriptive flexfields.
When you export tests, the utility creates and stores the test information in XML files, zipped in a zip or jar file. This information includes both required and optional attributes of a test object. When you import tests, the application creates test objects from the information available in the XML files. You can import and export the following test components in OLM:
| Test Component | Properties of the component that are imported |
| Test | Name, type, feedback message, time allowed, test instructions |
| Sections | Name, feedback message, number of questions |
| Questions | Question text, score, question type, feedback message |
| Responses | Response text, correct response |
You can update existing test objects by matching the identifier values (External ID and the External Src tags) found in the XML import file. When you select the "Attempt to Update the Matching Object" box for updating an existing test object, it updates only the test object, but not the test sections and questions inside. The External ID and External Src tags are not available for test sections and questions. So, if you import the same test more than once, the import process updates the same test object, as opposed to creating a new test, but it creates new sections and questions every time.
You use the Content and Assessment Hierarchy specification to import or export a content hierarchy comprising learning objects and tests. This option eliminates the need to transfer learning objects and tests separately and then reconstructing the hierarchy. Unlike specifications such as IMS and SCORM that are industry specific, this specification is applicable only to OLM.
You import a content hierarchy into the application using the Import Content and Assessment Hierarchy specification. During import, the application creates learning objects by reading XML files that conform to the IMS or SCORM specifications. Similarly, it creates test objects by reading XML files that adhere to the IMS QTI specification. These XML files are stored either in a zip or a jar file.
The Export Content and Assessment Hierarchy specification exports learning objects and tests that are present together in a content hierarchy. The Export function creates a zip or jar file containing IMS or SCORM compliant XML files for learning objects and QTI compliant XML files for test. Administrators can use the zip or jar file to import the content hierarchy comprising learning objects and tests into another OLM application.
OLM provides a separate option for you to upload your physical content files onto the content servers, when the learning objects already exist. Unlike the Import function, the Upload function enables you to load only the content files onto the content servers, without creating the content structure from the XML files.
If integration is set up between OLM and Oracle WebCenter Content (OWCC) to use OWCC, formerly Oracle Universal Content Management, as a content server for OLM content, then an administrator can upload files to an OWCC server from OLM.
You can upload a single content file or multiple content files to the OLM content server. You can upload multiple files either one at a time, or put them in a zip file and load them all at once. You must specify the location of the single content file or the zip file during upload. If it is a zip file, the application automatically unzips the contents on the content server. During upload, your content files are transferred from your local directory onto the content server. The application updates the content properties of the learning object with the new location, if the content is uploaded from the learning object properties page.
See: Uploading Content
You can import learning objects, tests, and content hierarchies comprising learning objects and tests.
Steps to import an object
Select the folder or learning object where you want to import the new objects and click Import.
Select the appropriate options in the Import File Type and Location page. For more information see: Using the Import File Type and Location page
Note: An additional page, Import: Select Question Bank, is displayed when you select either IMS QTI or Content and Assessment Hierarchy. You use this page to select a question bank to store the test questions. Select Create New Question Bank to create a new question bank to store the test questions.
Specify the following in the Import: Content Location page:
Define path for URL access to content: specify a starting URL that will be prefixed to all existing content locations during import. This is applicable if the content contains only a directory and file location. This value will not overwrite a complete URL.
Specify content server location: specify the content server name and a directory on the server, to upload the physical content contained within the import file.
Select an Oracle WebCenter Content (OWCC) server to store the imported content.
If integration is set up between OLM and Oracle WebCenter Content (OWCC) to use OWCC, formerly Oracle Universal Content Management, as a content server for OLM content, then an administrator has the option to select an OWCC server to store the content that is imported. As an administrator, when you import content to a learning object, you can select the OWCC server. When you select the OWCC server, provide the user name and password as OWCC server login details. The username and password fields appear only if you have not previously logged in to the OWCC server. Using the OWCC server icon next to the Content Server field, you can access the OWCC account associated with the selected OWCC server. Use the search icon next to the Directory field to search for and select a library where the content is stored in the OWCC server. You can select the folder where the content will be stored. When you select a folder, the zip file selected during the import process is extracted and saved to the selected folder.
Retain learning object content location: select this option to retain the content location specified in the import file.
The Import: Analysis Results page displays the import results and errors if any. You can view the objects that the application will create or update during import.
If you continue to import, a confirmation message appears that the objects are being imported. You can cancel the import at this stage by clicking the Cancel button.
Click View Log to view the actions the import details.
You use the Import File Type and Location page to specify the filename and other import options.
Specify the file name and select the appropriate specification. If the file content does not comply with the specification, an error message appears during import.
Note: First select a specification and then specify a file name. If you select the specification after specifying the file, you must re-enter the file name.
The specification that you select governs the tracking type option that appears by default. The following table provides the list of default tracking type options that appear for the specifications:
| Specification | Default Tracking Type Option |
|---|---|
| AICC Metadata | HACP |
| IMS QTI 1.01 | SCORM 1.2 |
| Import Content and Assessment Hierarchy | Automatic HACP SCORM 1.2 SCORM 2004 |
| SCORM 1.2 Content Aggregation | SCORM 1.2 |
| SCORM 2004 Content Aggregation | SCORM 2004 |
Select one of the following tracking types:
Automatic: The application automatically tracks and records performance at the individual topic level. CMI calls, which can exist within the content, are ignored. This option is not valid for QTI or AICC specifications.
HACP: The application communicates through the HACP protocol. This is the default tracking type for the AICC specification and is not valid for other specifications.
SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004: The application recognizes CMI tracking function calls that exist within the content. The application also records performance at the individual topic level. Select this option when your content contains CMI (SCORM) function calls. This option is not valid for AICC specification.
Deselect the "Attempt to Update the Matching Object" box if the application must always create a new object and not update even if there is an existing object with a matching identifier. Deselecting this box can result in duplicate objects being created. This box is not valid for the AICC specification.
You can export learning objects, tests, and content hierarchies comprising learning objects and tests.
Steps to Export an Object
Select a learning object, test, or a folder comprising a hierarchy of learning object and tests, and click Export.
Select the appropriate specification in the Export: Specifications page (except for individual test objects which can have only the QTI specification).
The application creates and stores the information in XML files, zipped in a zip or jar file, and prompts you to save the zip file. You can change the default filename and save to a directory.
To upload the content files to an OLM content server
You can upload either at the folder level or at the learning object level. Either select a folder or a learning object whose content files are to be uploaded, and click Upload.
Specify the following details:
Content Server: Select a content server from the list of content servers set up in the application.
If integration is set up between OLM and Oracle WebCenter Content (formerly Oracle Universal Content Management) to use Oracle WebCenter Content as a content server for OLM content, then an administrator you can upload files to the Oracle WebCenter Content server from OLM. If you select the Oracle WebCenter Content server in the Content Server field, then the Oracle WebCenter Content server access and search icons appear next to the Content and Directory fields. If you have not already logged in to the selected Oracle WebCenter Content server, then you have to provide the access login details. Select the file location to upload.
Directory: Select a destination directory on the content server to extract the zip file contents. Enter the highest level directory in the Directory field as necessary, and use the Initial file field to specify the sub directories eventually leading to the starting file for that learning object.
Initial File: Specify the initial file to launch when the learner accesses the learning object from the player.
Note: If you are uploading at the folder level, the Initial File field does not apply.
File Location: Specify the location of the single content file or the zip file.
After uploading the files, the application updates the content properties to associate the learning object with the content files.