SENDING LEARNER’S SCORE TO LMS USING JAVASCRIPT IN ARTICULATE STORYLINE

ARTICULATE STORYLINE

Articulate Storyline is a software application that allows you to create interactive and engaging e-learning courses for various devices and platforms. It is part of the Articulate 360 suite, which includes other tools and resources for e-learning development. You can add animations, interactions, quizzes, simulations, and more to your courses, and publish them to HTML5, Flash, or SCORM formats. You can also use JavaScript to customize and extend the functionality of your courses.

JavaScript can enhance the capabilities of eLearning courses created in Articulate Storyline, regardless of the version used – Storyline 1, Storyline 2, or Storyline 360. By utilizing JavaScript, you can expand the functionality of Articulate Storyline tool beyond their default capabilities. We can update Storyline variables with JavaScript, but it can also be beneficial when preparing eLearning courses for integration with a Learning Management System (LMS).

Here are some examples of scenarios where incorporating JavaScript into Articulate Storyline can be beneficial:

  • Getting student’s name from LMS
  • Getting student’s status
  • Getting and setting Lesson status
  • Getting student’s Language preferences
  • Sending user score to LMS

How to Integrate JavaScript with Articulate Storyline?

We will now apply JavaScript to one of the scenarios mentioned earlier – Sending the learner’s score to the Learning Management System (LMS).

Let’s take a course developed in Articulate Storyline that includes questions or assessments. If you are using Storyline’s default assessment, some pre-defined variables will be added to calculate the score automatically.

However, Articulate Storyline does not allow access to these variables, so you cannot modify their values as Storyline takes full control over them.

To send a custom calculated score to the LMS, follow below steps:

Step 1:

Create a custom variable in Storyline

Step 2:

Adjust the Action Variable of a trigger to ‘Execute JavaScript’

Adjust Variable

Step 3:

Add the below JavaScript code in the ‘Script’ box, select when ‘Timeline starts’ on the Object ‘Results’ page and click OK to save the trigger to apply the code.

Trigger Wizard Storyline

Copy and paste the following JavaScript code in the ‘Script’ box

var player=GetPlayer();

lmsAPI.SetScore(player.GetVar(‘Score’),100,80);

lmsAPI.CommitData();

Explanation of Code: How will the code use the SCORM API to communicate with the Learning Management System (LMS)?

GetPlayer() – This code returns an object that contains the methods and variable values of Articulate Storyline.

lmsAPI – The ‘API’ is an object from Storyline’s SCORM API that contains the necessary methods and values for establishing the connection and data flow from the course to the LMS.

SetScore(score, maxScore, minScore) – Set Score is a function inside lmsAPI object that sends the score to the LMS. It accepts 3 parameters “Score, Max Score and Minimum Score”.

commitData() – The lmsAPI object contains a function that saves all the data sent to the LMS in the database.

Step 4:

If you are using Articulate Storyline default assessment, it is important to set the Tracking Option to ‘Track using number of slides viewed’ rather than ‘Track using quiz results’. Otherwise, Storyline may override your custom score with its default result variable value.

Step4

Step 5: (Optional)

When the learner exits the course by clicking a button that has a trigger on it to exit the course, for Storyline 2 update 9 and below, it will still override the score to Zero even after setting the tracking option based on the slides viewed.

In such a case, we can use a workaround to exit the course without using the default trigger “Exit the course”.

You can add a trigger on the Exit button to Jump to the URL ‘./lms/goodbye.html’ when the learner clicks on it.

Step5

Conclusion:

This is just one example of how JavaScript can be useful in Articulate Storyline courses. If you’re interested in learning more about integrating JavaScript with Storyline we invite you to check out our blog on the topic.

Articulate Storyline 360 – Free Training Tutorials

Swift ELearning Services provides a valuable opportunity for individuals who are enthusiastic about acquiring skills in the use of Articulate Storyline 360, a popular e-learning authoring tool. The company offers free tutorials that are designed to enhance the learning experience of users, making it easy for them to navigate the software and create high-quality e-learning content.

Articulate Storyline 360 is a powerful tool that enables users to create interactive and engaging e-learning courses. However, it can be challenging for beginners to master the various features and capabilities of the software. Swift ELearning Services recognized this challenge and created a solution by providing free tutorials that aim to simplify the learning process.

Through these free tutorials, individuals can access valuable resources that will help them understand the intricacies of Articulate Storyline 360. The tutorials cover a wide range of topics, including how to create animations, interactions, and assessments, among others. By following the step-by-step instructions, users can learn how to create compelling e-learning courses that meet their specific needs.

Please click on the below link to view our Articulate Storyline training videos.

Articulate-Storyline-360

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to use JavaScript in Articulate Storyline?

JavaScript can be used in Articulate Storyline to manipulate variables, interact with the LMS using the SCORM API, and perform advanced actions. You can add a trigger to run JavaScript code when an event occurs, and access Storyline’s built-in variables and methods using the LMSAPI object. It’s important to use JavaScript carefully and test your code thoroughly to avoid issues.

2. How do you send the value of a variable to an LMS?

To send a variable value to an LMS in Articulate Storyline, you can use the SetValue method of the SCORM API. Firstly, ensure that the variable is set up for tracking by the LMS. Then, access the LMS API through JavaScript and call the SetValue method with relevant parameters such as the name of the variable and its value. After sending the value to the LMS, it can be retrieved through the LMS’s reporting tools or by querying the API.

3. Does Articulate use JavaScript?

Yes, Articulate Storyline uses JavaScript for advanced actions and interactivity, allowing you to manipulate variables, interact with the LMS, and create custom interactions. With Storyline’s JavaScript editor, you can write your own code and add it to your course using triggers, conditions, and actions.

4. How do I publish a Storyline course to LMS?

To publish a Storyline course to an LMS, you can select the LMS option in the Publish menu, fill in the course information and tracking options, publish the course files, upload them to the LMS, and test the course for accuracy.

Note: Specific steps may vary depending on the version of Storyline and the LMS platform you are using. You may also need to consult the LMS documentation or support team for any specific requirements or configurations.

6. How to execute JavaScript in Storyline 360?

To execute JavaScript in Storyline 360, add a trigger for an event, such as slide load or button click. Then, select “Execute JavaScript” as the action and enter your code in the provided text box. This allows you to perform advanced actions, such as manipulating variables or interacting with the LMS using the SCORM API.

7. How to get Storyline variable in JavaScript?

To get a Storyline variable in JavaScript, use the lmsAPI object provided by the SCORM API. Create a variable to hold the value of the Storyline variable and use the “lmsAPI.GetDiagValue” method to retrieve the value, using the Storyline variable’s identifier. Ensure your variable is set up to be tracked by the LMS and that you have initialized the SCORM API before accessing it in JavaScript.

8. How to Integrate JavaScript with Storyline 360?

To integrate JavaScript with Storyline 360, create a new trigger and choose “Execute JavaScript” as the action. Write your JavaScript code in the “Script” text box and save the trigger to apply the code to the selected event or object. Use the SCORM API’s lmsAPI object to retrieve and update Storyline variables and communicate with the LMS.
Note: You should test your JavaScript code thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected and doesn’t interfere with other functionality in your course.

9. How to Enhance your Articulate Storyline with JavaScript?

JavaScript can be used to enhance your Articulate Storyline course with custom navigation, interactive animations, advanced interactions, and custom SCORM tracking. Basic knowledge of JavaScript programming and online resources can help you implement your custom functionality.

10. What are the common challenges in sending learner scores, and how does JavaScript address them in Articulate Storyline?

Challenges may include LMS compatibility issues or the need for specific reporting parameters. JavaScript addresses these by allowing developers to create tailored solutions based on individual requirements.

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12 replies
  1. Bill Creger
    Bill Creger says:

    Thank you so much. I am using the Canvas LMS and for some reason it is not picking up the score . I set up an assignment and set the points possible to 30, then tried to send a score of 20 out of 30 to the Canvas grade book but it defaults to a 30/30 instead. Do you know the actions on the LMS side to get it to work?

    Thanks again for the information!

    Bill Creger

    Reply
  2. Godwin Vinny Carole
    Godwin Vinny Carole says:

    Hello Bill,

    I’m glad you found my blog helpful.

    As you know every LMS is slightly different from the other and each exhibit different behaviors when displaying scores and other details.

    For storyline courses, you need to use lmsAPI.SetScore(player.GetVar(‘Score’),100,80); function.

    Where player.GetVar(‘Score’) will fetch the value of Score variable you created in Storyline and send it to the LMS to save it as score secured by the user.

    If, you are using Storyline 2 and Update version is lower than 10 you must not use “Exit course” trigger on the Exit button to exit the course, using this button will override your custom score sent using JavaScript with the Storyline’s default score.

    I guess this is what’s happening in your case.

    Instead use “Jump to URL” trigger on the exit button and provide this url “./lms/goodbye.html” to exit the course.

    And be sure to select the Tracking option as “Track using number of slides viewed” in Report and tracking options before you publish for LMS.

    Hope this helps you out. Let me know if this works or not.

    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Swift Elearning Services
      Swift Elearning Services says:

      Yes Matthew, You are right. This blog only focuses on storyline 2. Thanks for sharing your observations. This might help future visitors using storyline 3.

      Reply
  3. Jane Lomas
    Jane Lomas says:

    I’ve been using this with much success and it makes a big difference to my learning packages, however when I’ve used this on a mobile device (both android and IOS), it doesn’t work. Is there a setting I need to change or an update to the javascript that will allow this to work on mobile devices? I’m publishing as HTML5.

    Reply
    • Swift Elearning Services
      Swift Elearning Services says:

      Jane, the code is tested on both android and iOS which works well for us. I believe you are using SL 2.

      Reply
  4. Sanjay Sood
    Sanjay Sood says:

    Hi
    I am also trying to push the score results into a SCORM LMS. I have used the code that you have mentioned. I am using Storyline 3 to develop my course.
    I am using a custom designed quiz and have used a variable called quiz1percentage. From your discussion it appears that I should use a variable called Score. So I created a variable called Score and set it equal to quiz1percantage.
    Then I copied the code and pasted it as suggested in the blog.
    However, I am still unable to parse the scores to LMS.
    The reporting and tracking are set exactly as you have suggested in the article.
    I will appreciate any help and guidance on this.

    Reply
    • Godwin Vinny Carole
      Godwin Vinny Carole says:

      Hi Sanjay,
      New Storyline 3 came with many changes under the hood.
      That’s the reason, above code “lmsAPI.SetScore(player.GetVar(‘Score’),100,80);” isn’t working anymore.
      In order to make it work with Stoyline 3 all you need to do is, just use the below code instead:

      objLMS.SetScore(player.GetVar(‘Score’),100,80);
      objLMS.CommitData();

      While all the other steps mentioned in the blog remain the same.

      Hope this helps you out.

      Cheers!

      Reply
  5. Dalip Sharma
    Dalip Sharma says:

    Hi
    I am also trying to push the score results into a SCORM LMS. Can you Please share the updated code which can be used for Storyline 360.

    Reply
  6. Caitlin
    Caitlin says:

    Your article has inspired me to experiment with JavaScript in my e-learning courses. I can’t wait to see what creative solutions I can come up with. Thanks for the inspiration and the excellent tutorial!

    Reply

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