The History and Significance of AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee)
AICC, which stands for the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee, was an early standard for eLearning, developed in 1988. Originally created to meet the needs of the aviation industry for standardized computer-based training, AICC became one of the first protocols to address interoperability in eLearning content and systems.
A Brief History of AICC: The Early eLearning Standard That Paved the Way for SCORM
- Founded in 1988: Created by the aviation industry to develop standards for computer-based training (CBT) and eLearning.
- First eLearning Standard: One of the earliest standards for eLearning interoperability, allowing training content to be used across different Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Focus on Aviation Industry: Initially developed to meet the unique training needs of the aviation industry, such as pilot and maintenance training.
- Used HTTP and Text-Based Protocols: AICC relied on simple communication protocols like HTTP and text files to enable content-LMS interaction.
- Support for Online and Offline Learning: AICC could deliver content via external networks, CD-ROMs, and other offline formats, offering flexibility for different training environments.
- Paved the Way for SCORM: AICC’s focus on interoperability and standardization set the foundation for later standards like SCORM, influencing the broader eLearning industry.
- Decline in Popularity: As newer standards like SCORM and xAPI were introduced, AICC became less popular due to its limitations in tracking more complex learning activities.
- Legacy Standard: Although it is no longer widely used, AICC remains a key part of eLearning history, having contributed to the development of modern eLearning technologies and standards.
AICC primarily focused on enabling content to communicate with Learning Management Systems (LMSs) through the use of simple communication protocols such as HTTP and text-based files. This allowed organizations to develop learning content that could be delivered across different systems, regardless of the LMS or platform used. This cross-system compatibility was a major milestone in the development of eLearning, setting the stage for later standards like SCORM.
One key advantage of AICC was its focus on delivering content via external networks and CD-ROMs, making it adaptable to both online and offline environments. This flexibility was particularly useful in industries with diverse training needs, such as aviation, where training was required across multiple locations and devices.
However, as technology evolved, AICC’s limitations in tracking complex learning activities and its reliance on older communication protocols led to the development of more modern standards like SCORM and xAPI. While AICC is no longer widely used, its contributions to early eLearning standards played a critical role in shaping the industry’s understanding of content interoperability.
Today, AICC is mostly considered a legacy standard, but its influence can still be seen in the development of modern eLearning technologies. Its legacy remains as a foundation that helped pave the way for more advanced systems and standards.
