The Objectives data model element can be used to track a learner's progress or mastery based on the learner's performance against an objective defined for a Sharable Content Object (SCO). It is important to understand that the Objectives data model element can serve a slightly different function than the objectives an instructional designer creates. The Objectives data model element is used to report information back to the learning management system (LMS) while instructional objectives state the purpose of the content and help determine a learner's mastery of that content. The Objectives data model element could also be used to directly map the instructional objectives to the Objectives data model element.