Unlocking the Potential of xAPI: Insights from Megan Torrance

As xAPI evolves, L&D professionals are uncovering the full potential of learning analytics—beyond just tracking course completions. Recently, we hosted Megan Torrance, CEO of Torrance Learning and founder of xAPI Cohort, on our IDIODC podcast. Megan, a leading expert on xAPI, explored its real-world applications, adoption challenges, and opportunities for personalized learning and data-driven decision-making.

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Key Findings from the Conversation

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1. xAPI Enables Personalization and Learner Agency

One of the biggest advantages of xAPI is the ability to track and analyze learner behavior beyond traditional LMS data. Unlike SCORM, which is limited to tracking completion and quiz scores, xAPI allows for a more dynamic and flexible learning experience. Organizations can use it to guide learners through training based on what they’ve already completed and what’s most relevant to them.

2. Adoption Challenges: LMS Limitations and Leadership Buy-In

Despite xAPI’s advantages, adoption remains a challenge. Many LMS platforms have been slow to implement robust xAPI support, often offering only basic tracking that mimics SCORM. Additionally, organizations struggle to justify investing in a learning record store (LRS) when leadership primarily wants to see completion rates.

Megan highlighted that an LRS is often easier to implement than an LMS and provides a more comprehensive data foundation, enabling organizations to swap out learning platforms without losing valuable insights.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making for More Effective Training

xAPI enables organizations to move beyond a "sheep dip" approach to training—where every learner is put through the same experience regardless of their knowledge level. Instead, it allows for smart remediation, ensuring that learners receive the support they need based on their performance. With the right data, organizations can optimize training efforts, reduce redundancy, and focus on what actually improves performance.

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Real-World Applications of xAPI

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Adaptive Learning at Travelers

One of the most compelling xAPI use cases that Megan shared comes from Becky Goldberg at Travelers. She used xAPI to create an adaptive curriculum for diversity training based on a learner’s progress. Instead of forcing learners through a rigid sequence, the system dynamically adjusted based on prior interactions.

So when a user accesses the curriculum, the system retrieves past learning data from the Learning Record Store (LRS) and suggests new topics, ensuring learners explored new content rather than repeating what they had already seen. This kind of personalized approach helps L&D teams understand engagement patterns while giving learners control over their journey.

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Remediation and Performance Tracking

Megan also shared how Humana and other organizations are using xAPI to identify struggling learners early. By analyzing learner interactions, they can determine when intervention is needed and whether lightweight or more in-depth remediation is appropriate. This approach helps optimize training resources and ensures that learners get the right level of support.

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Hybrid Tracking for SCORM and xAPI

Many organizations hesitate to move away from SCORM-based LMS tracking. However, Megan pointed out that xAPI can be used alongside SCORM. By setting up a hybrid model, organizations can continue reporting to their LMS while simultaneously sending richer xAPI data to an LRS. This allows them to start small and gradually expand their use of xAPI without disrupting existing workflows.

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Overcoming LMS Limitations with Sidecar LRS Solutions

For organizations using LMS platforms that lack full xAPI support, solutions like middleware wrappers or sidecar LRS setups can bridge the gap. These methods allow training data to be collected and analyzed more effectively without requiring an immediate LMS overhaul.

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Moving Forward: Embracing xAPI’s Potential

Megan emphasized that xAPI adoption isn’t just about technology—it’s about bringing data to the table. Learning teams that leverage xAPI effectively can provide data-driven insights that are often more detailed than what the broader organization collects. With the rise of generative AI, even non-developers can transform and analyze xAPI data more easily, making advanced learning analytics more accessible than ever.

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Make an Impact with Data

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The Real Challenge

As xAPI continues to evolve, the challenge for L&D professionals is not just technical implementation but shifting the mindset of stakeholders. By demonstrating the value of xAPI through strategic applications and data-backed insights, organizations can move beyond basic compliance tracking and unlock the full potential of modern learning analytics.

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The Solution

With built-in xAPI functionality, dominKnow | ONE automatically generates detailed learning statements, enabling immediate data analysis without additional configuration.

This all-in-one LCMS and authoring platform empowers teams to create engaging learning experiences and leverage comprehensive xAPI data - efficiently, with ease.

Contact us to learn how dominKnow | ONE can maximize your organization's learning experience.