Glossary

Asynchronous learning

This occurs when interaction between student and/or tutor is delayed over time. For example, students study at times convenient for them; they communicate via email or discussion thread. This form of learning is often used in e-learning.

Blended learning

Blended learning brings together e-learning with more traditional forms of distance and face-to-face learning. This approach means you can deliver flexible training to globally distributed learners and maintain quality.

CD delivery

Using CDRoms/DVDs for specific information that students access via their own computer. Large files (such as video) are often delivered this way to avoid long download times. These resources may also use the internet to carry out tasks such as retrieving more up-to-date information, providing online assessment for the student, progress reports.

Courseware

Software for educational means to teach or learn using a computer. This often comes as educational material, in the form of ready-made tutorials for students. Could also be software that allows an e-learning course to be built by a teacher or tutor.

Distance learning

Distance learning is characterised by the tutor/instructor and the students being in physically separate locations. There may also be a separation in time (see asynchronous learning above). Traditionally printed materials would be sent out to students, and they would communicate with their tutors via the post or telephone.

E-learning

Also known as electronic learning. Uses electronic technology, for example: internet, computer, mobile phones etc to support learning and deliver instruction. E-learning can take place in conventional classrooms where learners and instructors/tutors are present physically, but it is commonly thought of as a model in which tutors and learners are separated by time and/or space.

Educational design

The process of creating an effective learning environment. The educational designer will work with content to produce learning materials that foster the learner's interaction with the subject matter and promote the active learning state. They usually work closely with subject experts so the end product is factually complete as well as technically accurate.

Instructional design

Another term for educational design (see Educational design, above).

Interactivity

A component of the e-learning content that requires the learner to do something. Good interactivities stimulate learner interest as well as providing practice and reinforcement. Usually combine two or more of the following elements: text, graphics, animation, video, still images, and sound.

Learning management system

A learning management system (LMS) is a software tool that supports the delivery and management of learning. Different systems have different functionality but typically they will be able to track and report on student progress, record assessment results from quizzes and tests, and track course completions.

Multimedia

This term refers to the video, audio and interactivities that you include in e-learning. Using multimedia allows material to be presented in a variety of different learning styles.

Online learning

Term often used when referring to e-learning (see E-learning, above).

Synchronous learning

This happens when there is live interaction between students and tutor, for example, during a webinar. This form of learning is being used more in e-learning.

Video for web

Video for web has been optimised for fast download and viewing via a computer screen. A well-produced video can include tacit messages, like emotional cues, that are impossible to replicate in other media. When learning is supported by high quality video, a rich learning environment is created that not only caters to a wider range of learning styles, but results in a very flexible resource.

Webinar

A seminar conducted remotely over the Web. Learners gain access via their web browser and hear the presenter’s commentary over their computer speakers. Webinars allow interaction between the presenter and the audience. With some systems, participants can also "chat" to each other.