DevLearn 2024 – Best Performance Support Award
RISC Inc and Build Capable combined the power of their products, xACTION and XCL, to win Best Performance Support at DemoFest during the Learning Guild’s 2024 DevLearn conference. As one of the premier conferences in the learning space, DevLearn highlights cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of learning and development. One of the show’s highlights for me is always DemoFest, which stands out as a showcase of innovative applications of learning technology, AI, simulations and learner-centered design. It provides an opportunity for L&D professionals to demonstrate their work and share insights on how technology is advancing the field.
For those interested in seeing the latest innovations, the list of accepted DemoFest projects for 2024 is available, along with a recorded webinar of the winning submissions. (You’ll need a Learning Guild account login for the webinar. Don’t worry if you don’t have one – you can create one for free!)
The Challenge
The success of XCL and xACTION stemmed from their ability to solve a significant training challenge. The project required delivering training to individuals across the United States, many of whom were volunteers who did not have access to a traditional Learning Management System (LMS). With a rapidly growing number of learners each month, training content, job aids, and other resources needed to be easily distributed while also ensuring that learner progress was accurately tracked. Certifications and accreditations also needed to be issued based on engagement, and timely communications were crucial to keep learners informed about their progress, new training opportunities, and critical updates.
Although these are tasks typically handled within an LMS, this project needed a solution that could function outside of that framework. That’s where XCL and xACTION came in to save the day—two complementary, xAPI-based tools designed to manage and automate these processes efficiently!
What is XCL?
Build Capable’s XCL is a patent-pending tool that simplifies content delivery by generating shareable links for training materials. When a learner accesses an XCL-generated link, xAPI data is collected in real time, tracking interactions such as completing a quiz or viewing a document. Unlike traditional LMS platforms, XCL eliminates the need for user accounts and per-user fees, making it a highly cost-effective solution. Learners can access training materials instantly without having to create an account or log into a separate platform.
But what if your content isn’t xAPI enabled? Not a problem with the XCL’s built in xAPI Translator! It converts SCORM content, videos, web pages and downloads into xAPI statements for each activity based on ADL profiles. You send out the links, XCL builds the xAPI. But what do you do with that data? This is where xACTION joins the party.
What is xACTION?
xACTION is an advanced xAPI processing tool that automates learning data workflows. It receives xAPI statements, applies customized rules and triggers outbound REST API calls to external systems. Unlike other solutions, xACTION’s patented technology processes multiple xAPI statement matches at once. This creates a more sophisticated and controlled approach to data automation. It also makes xACTION a powerful tool for bridging xAPI with enterprise systems that don’t support xAPI integration.
With xACTION, organizations can streamline essential processes. It automates digital credentialing, forwards xAPI data to an authoritative Learning Record Store (LRS), and sends targeted learner communications. It can even write records back into an LMS using REST APIs. This flexibility allows learning ecosystems to operate smoothly, even without an LMS. Want to learn more about xACTION’s capabilities? Check out the xACTION video playlist on our YouTube channel.
The Solution
Developing an LMS-free learning ecosystem with XCL and xACTION solved the challenge of needing a seamless way to deliver content without a traditional platform. XCL made training content easily accessible to remote learners. Its built-in xAPI Translator tracked all learner interactions automatically. xACTION then processed these xAPI statements in real time. This allowed for the automatic issuance of digital badges via Accredible or Credly. It also enabled the forwarding of key learning data to an authoritative LRS.
Additionally, xACTION helped streamline learner communications. It sent targeted emails based on learner activity and updated progress records in an LMS using REST APIs when needed. By integrating these technologies, RISC and Build Capable automated training delivery and tracking without relying on an LMS. This innovative approach earned us the Best Performance Support award at DevLearn 2024, reinforcing our respective company’s leadership in xAPI-driven learning solutions.
Need a Custom Learning Solution?
If your organization faces challenges with learning ecosystems, xAPI implementation, or reporting, RISC can help. Contact us today at risc@risc-inc.com or call 281-480-7910 to learn more about our solutions.
Mr. Welder’s career is founded in traditional instructional design and computer-based training development. He is a certified Development Dimensions International facilitator, a Kirkpatrick Certified Evaluator and facilitator of the Ohio State University curriculum development program. In addition to working in industry, Mr. Welder has held adjunct faculty positions at Bowling Green State University, Ohio and the College of the Mainland, Texas. Mr. Welder has been published in both Training Magazine as well as US Business Review.