E-learning Glossary

Here is a handy glossary of e-learning terms for beginners. These terms are defined in the context of e-learning, but could also have other meanings within the training field.

A

asynchronous learning – learning that is delivered with a delay in communication between instructor and participants or between participants

blended-learning - instruction that can be directly accessed by a learner using a combination of face-to-face delivery formats and e-learning formats.

C

content - instruction needed to achieve specific learning objectives
computer-based training – instruction that can be accessed directly by a learner using a computer; this term can be used either to refer to instruction that is delivered directly from a computer’s local hard drive or from a remote source connected to a network or the internet
collaborative learning - the ability for learners to communicate directly with each other or the instructor through the use of technology during a particular e-learning event

delivery platform – technology that enables the transmission of instruction from source to a user interface.

e-course – the short form for an e-learning course
e-learning - instruction that can be directly accessed by a learner electronically using computer-based devices and internet technology

F

flash file – a type of digital file that allows video or animated graphics to display easily on a web browser
formatted instruction – the way in which content is arranged and presented through the use of electronic media
formal instruction - content that is developed and delivered according to accepted instructional design standards
formal learning – learning that is obtained through formal instruction

G

golden rule of e-learning – Content is king. If your content is relevant to your audience they will be engaged. Focus on the content and not the graphics. As long as your e-course addresses learning gaps, is reasonably presentable and has a consistent flow, it should achieve its desired effect. Google is the best example of this golden rule. Search lists are not pretty, but their highly effective.

I

informal instruction - content that is developed and delivered without adherence to instructional design standards
informal learning - specific knowledge or skills that are acquired through any means other than formal instruction
instructional design – a methodology (including analysis and design) for developing and delivering training based on learning and instructional theories
intranet - private network used by companies that operates very similiar to the internet but cannot be accessed by the general public

learning technology - an electronic device that delivers formatted instruction to a learner through a user interface and delivery platform.

m-learning - instruction that can be directly accessed by a learner electronically using mobile devices and internet technology

network-based technology – a collection of cabling referred to as a network that allows digital information to be delivered from one computer-based source to another within an organization
network-based training – instruction that can be accessed directly by a learner using a computer and a private network

online learning – instruction that can directly accessed electronically by a learner using network-based technology

P

Podcast – a digital audio recording of some type of instruction that can be played directly from the internet or downloaded to a computer
PowerPoint HTML – a PowerPoint presentation that has been converted to HTML so that it can be hosted on a slide-sharing site and displayed in a web browser
PowerPoint Flash – a PowerPoint presentation that has been converted to flash so that it can be displayed in a web browser

R

rapid authoring software - software designed to allow anyone to create online self-paced instruction quickly and easily

rapid e-learning - online self-paced instruction that is created using rapid authoring software

subject matter expert - a professional that possesses advanced knowledge and skills within a particular field
screencast - a digital video recording of a computer screen to be able to show the features and functionality of a software application also known as a screencapture video
screencapture image - a still digital recording of a computer screen or a specific object displayed within it
screencapture video – also known as a screencast
simulations – 2D or 3D graphics and/or animations that allows learners to play out real-life or game type scenarios and make choices that will produce different outcomes
synchronous learning – learning that is provided with real-time communication between instructor and participants or between participants

user interface - the part of an electronic device that a user can control directly to access instruction

W

webinar – a recorded or live informational presentation conducted over the internet which may include video conferencing
web-based training – any instruction that can be accessed by a learner electronically using internet technology

video - digital recording consisting of a series of images that produce a full motion presentation