What is Learning record store?
Also called: LRSDefinition
A learning record store (LRS) is a data store defined by the xAPI (Experience API) specification that receives, validates, stores and returns learning activity statements. Any system, such as an e-learning course, mobile app, simulator or LMS, can send statements like “Asha passed Credit Risk Quiz” to the LRS over a standard HTTP interface, and reporting tools can query them back. An LRS can be built into a learning management system or run as standalone software, and LRSs can forward statements to one another.
The xAPI specification sets out what an LRS must do: accept statements through a defined REST interface, validate their structure, give each one an identifier, store them without alteration, and let authorised clients retrieve them with filters by actor, verb, activity and time. It also stores state (such as bookmarks) and documents about activities and learners. ADL publishes a conformance test suite for LRS products.
For corporate L&D, an LRS is where learning data from many systems meets. With one in place, a sales simulation, a coaching app and an LMS can all contribute to a single record of what a person practised and achieved. That only pays off if the statements are designed with a question in mind, and if someone builds reports from them.
Common mistakes: confusing an LRS with an LMS (an LRS stores data but does not assign, launch or manage training); buying one before any content sends xAPI; and leaving statements unanalysed. Bodhih LMS supports xAPI in its Scale band, and an embedded LRS is on the roadmap.
Key points
- Defined by the xAPI specification from ADL.
- Receives, validates, stores and returns xAPI statements over HTTP.
- Can be embedded in an LMS or run standalone.
- Stores data; it does not assign or launch training.
- Value depends on statement design and reporting.
An example at work
A Kolkata insurance company sends xAPI statements from its agent onboarding course, a mobile quiz app and a roleplay simulator to one LRS, then builds a report showing which new agents have completed theory, passed product quizzes and practised objection handling at least three times.
Where this is used at Bodhih
Related terms
xAPI
xAPI is an e-learning standard that records learning experiences as “actor, verb, object” statements sent to a learning record store, inside or outside an LMS.
cmi5
cmi5 is an xAPI profile that defines how an LMS imports, launches and tracks courses, combining SCORM-style packaging and launch with xAPI data.
Learning management system
A learning management system (LMS) is software that delivers, assigns, tracks and reports on training, from e-learning courses to classroom sessions and certifications.
Learning experience platform
A learning experience platform (LXP) is software that helps people discover learning content through recommendations, search and curation, rather than through assignment.
More about Learning record store
What is the difference between an LRS and an LMS?
An LMS manages training: it hosts content, enrols learners, launches courses and reports completions. An LRS only stores and returns xAPI learning statements from any source. An LMS may contain an LRS, and an LRS may feed an LMS, but an LRS alone cannot assign or deliver training.
Do I need an LRS?
You need an LRS only if you use xAPI or cmi5 content, or want to collect learning data from systems beyond the LMS, such as simulators, apps or workplace tools. If all your content is SCORM, your LMS already stores what SCORM can report.