Applicable Product:

Peoplefluent Learning

Applicable Release:

All

Summary:

When developing or deploying SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) courses, encountering errors in the browser’s Console tab is common during testing or user playback. These error objects can provide vital clues to why a SCORM course might not be functioning properly, such as failing to communicate with the LMS, not tracking progress, or breaking during playback.

This article explains what these console error objects typically mean, common causes, and how to troubleshoot SCORM course-related issues using browser developer tools.

Detailed Information:

What Are Error Objects in the Console Tab?

The Console tab in browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge displays messages, warnings, and errors generated by web pages including SCORM course content. Error objects specifically refer to error messages or exceptions thrown by JavaScript code or related processes while the SCORM course runs.

SCORM courses heavily rely on JavaScript to communicate with the Learning Management System (LMS), manage course navigation, track progress, and store data. Errors in this JavaScript code or in communication protocols will often appear as error objects on the Console.

Common Types of Error Objects in SCORM Courses

1. ReferenceError

• Occurs when the course tries to use a variable or function that hasn’t been defined.
• Example: ReferenceError: API is not defined
• Usually related to problems accessing the SCORM API provided by the LMS.

2. TypeError

• Happens when a script tries to perform an operation on an incompatible data type.
• Example: TypeError: Cannot read property 'Initialize' of undefined
• Often indicates the SCORM API object was not found or initialized properly.

3. SyntaxError

• Occurs if there is a mistake in the course’s JavaScript code syntax.
• Example: Missing parentheses or braces.

4. Network Errors

• Appear when the course tries to load external resources (scripts, assets) and fails.
• May show as Failed to load resource: the server responded with a status of 404 (Not Found).

5. SCORM API Communication Errors

• Errors related to the LMS API calls such as LMSInitialize(), LMSSetValue(), or Initialize() failing.
• May be indicated by messages like “SCORM API not found” or “Error calling LMSCommit”.

6. Security and Cross-Origin Errors

• Occur when the browser blocks communication between the course and LMS due to cross-origin policies.
• Example: Blocked a frame with origin "example.com" from accessing a cross-origin frame.

Why Do These Errors Occur?

• API Object Not Found: The SCORM course cannot locate the LMS API object because it’s not embedded correctly or the LMS does not expose it as expected.
• Incorrect API Calls: Calling SCORM functions in the wrong order or with invalid parameters.
• Script Loading Issues: External JavaScript files not loading due to path errors or server issues.
• Browser Security Restrictions: Modern browsers enforce strict cross-origin resource sharing (CORS) and sandboxing, which can interfere with SCORM communication.
• Legacy Code Issues: Older SCORM 1.2 or 2004 courses may use outdated APIs or methods incompatible with modern LMS or browsers.

How to Troubleshoot SCORM Console Errors

1. Check API Initialization

• Ensure the SCORM API object is correctly found by the course.
• Use browser console commands to inspect if API (for SCORM 1.2) or API_1484_11 (for SCORM 2004) objects exist.

2. Validate Course JavaScript

• Review course scripts for syntax errors or incorrect API calls.
• Use linters or code editors to identify coding mistakes.

3. Verify Network Resources

• Check if all external scripts, stylesheets, and assets are loading without errors.
• Fix any broken URLs or permissions issues.

4. Review Browser Security Settings

• Test the course in different browsers.
• Use HTTPS consistently.
• Configure LMS and course hosting to avoid cross-origin problems.

5. Use SCORM Debugging Tools

• Many LMS platforms offer SCORM debugging consoles.
• Tools like SCORM Cloud provide detailed error reports.

6. Update Legacy Courses

• Modernize older courses to support current browsers and LMS APIs.
• Consider migrating to newer standards like xAPI if possible.