eLearning Glossary

Assessment
The process used to systematically evaluate a learner's skill or knowledge level.
Asynchronous learning
Learning in which interaction between instructors and students occurs intermittently with a time delay. Examples are self-paced courses taken via the internet or CD-ROM, Q&A mentoring, online discussion groups, and email.
Blended learning
Learning events or programs which combine two or more delivery strategies to provide a more integrated and effective learning experience. A common blended learning approach in the business skills area is to provide instruction on basic concepts and principles via self-paced online learning modules, followed by classroom training to provide opportunities for practicing skills in a simulated, group context. (For further information, please see How to Design Effective Blended Learning.)
Browser
A software application that displays World Wide Web pages originally written in the text-based HTML language in a user-friendly graphical format.
Cable modem
A modem that uses cable television's coaxial cables to transmit data at faster speeds than modems using telephone lines.
Distance education
Educational situation in which the instructor and students are separated by time, location, or both. Education or training courses are delivered to remote locations via synchronous or asynchronous means of instruction, including written correspondence, text, graphics, audio- and videotape, CD-ROM, online learning, audio- and videoconferencing, interactive TV, and FAX. Distance education does not preclude the use of the traditional classroom. The definition of distance education is broader than and entails the definition of e-learning.
eLearning (electronic learning)
Term covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via internet, intranet/extranet (LAN/WAN), audio- and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more.
Flash
Developed by Macromedia, a multimedia plug-in used to provide interactivity features to web applications that aren’t normally available on a regular web page.
http
Hypertext transfer protocol - part of the web address that indicates the format of a resource.
Hybrid
The term hybrid is often used when a course is given partially in person and partially in a Distributed Learning setting. One example is when the class meets in person two or three times during the semester but the remainder of the time the instruction, the communication and all other activities take place via the internet or other virtual medium.
Instant Messenger (IM)
Software that lists users' selected "buddies" (friends, family, co-workers, and so forth) who are online and enables users to send short text messages back and forth to them. Some instant messenger programs also include voice chat, file transfer, and other applications.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Corporation/Institution that provides access to the internet (ex: AOL, Frontier, Time Warner, Juno, etc.).
Java applet
Developed by Sun Microsystems, a small Java program launched through a browser used to provide interactivity features to web applications that aren’t normally available on a regular web page.”
Just-in-time eLearning
Characteristic of e-learning in which learners are able to access the information they need exactly when they need it.
Module
A unit of study.
Online office hours
Place for private communication with the faculty member.
Search engine
A tool that searches the web for specific resources.
Synchronous learning
A real-time, instructor-led online learning event in which all participants are logged on at the same time and communicate directly with each other. In this virtual classroom setting, the instructor maintains control of the class, with the ability to "call on" participants. In most platforms, students and teachers can use a whiteboard to see work in progress and share knowledge. Interaction may also occur via audio- or videoconferencing, Internet telephony, or two-way live broadcasts.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
A browser dependant software system that enables online interaction between learner and tutor. It combines methods of online communication (such as chatroom, discussion boards and e-mail) with the ability to deliver learning materials (such as documents, articles and assessments).