SCORM & xAPI introduction
IDOL Podcast #10 - Instructional Design Jargon Defined with Rachel Hudish - has a good description SCORM and xAPI (and a bunch of other things).
SCORM (shareable content object reference model) is a specification for how authoring tools package learning materials in a standard way so LMSs can use them. LMSs use the specification to know how learning materials are packaged (so it can load and run the course) without needing to know which authoring tool created them.
SCORM Homepage SCORM wikipedia What Is SCORM
xAPI (experience application programing interface) is a specification for reporting learner activity to a "record store". The specification is open and flexible allowing any type of learning experience to report activity. This allows monitoring of learning experiences outside of traditional courses. For example - a traditional elearning module could report that learner "Jim" has completed "Module 1", and later when Jim visits the workshop to practice his new skills, the badge-scanner reports how long he spent in the lab.
xAPI Homepage xAPI wikipedia What Is xAPI
LRS (learning record store) is the database which stores information about learning experience activities. It allows tracking of formal and informal, traditional and non-traditional learning activities no matter when or where they occur.
LRS Reporting tools allow users (such as the training team) to reports about activities of the organizations learners. For example - a manager could have a report that shows employees who have completed a particular elearning module and how long they have spent in the practice workshop since completing the module.
SUMMARY
It is SCORM which makes elearning portable so it can be used on any (compatible) LMS.
It is xAPI that lets organizations track and understand learning that occurs outside of the formal "courses" that they offer.