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“We expect the online training market to nearly double in size every year through 2003, reaching approximately $11.5 billion by that time.” |
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Glossary
of e-Learning Terms
A B C
D E F
I L M
O P R
S V W
| A |
assessment
Evaluating a learner's actual skill or knowledge level based on the
expected skill or knowledge for a person in the same job, position,
or assignment.
assessment item
A questionnaire or measurable activity used to determine if the
learner has mastered a learning objective.
asynchronous
learning
A self-paced learning event. Learners are online at different times
and cannot communicate without time delay. Examples: courses taken
via Internet, CD-ROM, Web presentation, or videotaped classes.
authoring tool
Software application used to produce interactive learning materials
that bring together all components of a course, such as text
presentation, graphics, tracking, and links.
|
| B |
broadcast
Transferring learning content to many learners simultaneously, as
in a satellite broadcast or an IP multicast. In an IP multicast,
numerous learners can participate in a learning event that is
broadcast over the network using the Internet Protocol from a
single source.
|
| C |
certification
Recognition and acceptance as a qualified professional in a specific
area. Certification comes after the learner has successfully
completed training and has passed an assessment with a minimum
acceptable score. To increase validity and assure authentication,
the certification process should be overseen by an independent
agent.
class
Scheduled learning event that can take place at a centralized
location or in a virtual environment.
cognitive level
A designation that identifies the knowledge and skills (mental or
physical) a learner must display to prove mastery of a given
reusable information object (RIO).
computer-based
training (CBT)
Any instructional event that can be accessed via a standalone
computer.
content item
Information stored in a database and used to communicate skills or
knowledge. It can be in any media format, including text, graphics,
animation, video, audio, and HTML plug-in. It is combined with
practice items and assessment items to create a RIO.
content on
demand (CoD)
Immediate availability via the network of an offering packaged in a
media format such as audio on demand (AOD) and video on demand (VOD).
course
Activities and information, combined in electronic or print format,
designed to help learners develop proficiency in a skill or gain
knowledge about a given topic.
curriculum
A predefined series of learning events designed to meet a specific
goal, such as certifying in a particular area or achieving required
job skills and knowledge.
|
| D |
delivery
Any method of providing education. Methods include instructor-led
training, Web-based distance learning, online laboratories, CD-ROMs,
interactive TV, videos, and books.
distance
learning
Situation in which the instructor and students are separated by
time, location, or both. Courses are delivered to remote locations
via synchronous or asynchronous means.
|
| E |
e-book
Information and graphics that have been organized in electronic or
computerized lessons or chapters and made available via computer.
e-learning
Education via the Internet, network, or standalone computer.
Network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. e-learning refers
to using electronic applications and processes to learn. e-learning
applications and processes include Web-based learning,
computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital
collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet,
intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM.
electronic
classroom
A classroom equipped with multimedia devices that are used to
enhance learning.
evaluation
Any method used to gather information about the impact or
effectiveness of a learning event. Measurements might be used to
improve the offering, determine if the learning objectives were
achieved, or determine if the offering has been of value to the
organization.
|
| F |
feedback
Interaction between the learner and the instructor or system.
Feedback increases the quality of the learning experience.
|
| I |
instructional designer (ID)
An individual who, using systematic methodology and instructional
theory, creates content for learning events.
instructor-led
training (ILT)
A scheduled event conducted by an instructor, either in a
classroom or on the network. Sometimes called leader-led training
(LLT) or lecture/lab training (if the course includes hands-on lab
exercises).
|
| L |
lab
A physical or virtual hands-on activity designed to help learners
meet skills-based learning objectives.
learner
Anyone who accesses information to increase his or her skills and
knowledge.
learning event
An activity in which a learner increases his or her skills and
knowledge.
learning
objective
A statement that establishes a measurable outcome. An objective is
used as an advanced organizer to indicate how the learner's
acquisition of skills and knowledge will be measured.
Learning
Objective (title)
Information, based on RIOs, overviews, summaries, and assessments,
that supports a specific learning objective.
localization
Modifying an offering to meet the specific needs of a geographic
area, product, or target audience. For example, America uses
avoirdupois weight units while Europe uses metric units.
|
| M |
metadata
Information about content that allows it to be stored in and
retrieved from a database.
|
| O |
offering
Any learning event or service that is made available to a person as
either an on-demand event (the offering can be accessed by the
learner at any time) or a scheduled event (the offering is made
available at a predetermined time).
|
| P |
portal
A specific view into a Web site. The view identifies available
offerings that match a person’s request.
practice item
A question or learning activity that gives learners immediate
feedback, allowing them to determine whether they can apply the
skills and knowledge just learned in a RIO.
practices
Activities that reinforce the material being learned and give the
learner an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge. Some practices
provide feedback and mentoring. The learner’s performance may or
may not be affected by the results of the practice activities.
Practice activities include case studies, learning activities,
practice quizzes, practice tests, testing quizzes, and practice
labs.
prescriptive
learning
Matching a learner with offerings designed to fill gaps in the
learner’s knowledge and skills.
private sector
Any business or organization that is not a member of the public
sector (public education or government agency). public sector Any
public education or government agency.
|
| R |
remediation
Using feedback to increase a learner's knowledge and skills relative
to a specific learning objective
reusable
information object (RIO)
A collection of content, practice, and assessment items based on a
learning objective.
reusable
learning object (RLO)
Information, based on RIOs, overviews, summaries, and assessments,
that supports a specific learning objective.
|
| S |
self assessment
Process in which the learner determines his or her level of
knowledge and skills.
self-paced
learning
Learning in which the pace and timing of content delivery are
determined by the learner.
subject-matter
expert (SME)
An individual who has substantial knowledge about and skills in a
specific subject.
synchronous
learning
Real-time learning situation that can include immediate, two-way
communication between participants.
|
| V |
virtual classroom
(VC)
A scheduled offering that is available at multiple locations (either
desktop or classroom) via a network.
|
| W |
Web-based training (WBT)
Any instructional event that can be accessed via the Internet or the
Web.
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Most e-Learning terms were
compiled from Cisco’s e-Learning Glossary.
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