This emerging technology report describes the Experience API (xAPI), a new e-learning specification designed to support the learning community in standardizing and collecting both formal and informal distributed learning activities. Informed by Activity Theory, a framework aligned with constructivism, data is collected in the form of activity statements with the flexibility to describe a wide array of learning experiences from museum exhibits to learning environment interactions. Fast adoption by private sector tool developers and the majority of learning management systems used in academia suggests the specification may have long-term implications. This report summarizes major educational research opportunities and key challenges to implementation.