If a term you're looking for isn't listed, please contact me via the Distance Learning Forum or the contact form and I'll add your term to the glossary.
- Asynchronous: Not synchronous; not occurring or existing at the same time or having the same period or phase. Asynchronous discussions are forum discussions. Everyone doesn't have to be there at the same time. Instead, users add comments and posts on their own time.
- ATutor: learning management system and suite of online learning tools. Open Learning, freeware.
- BlackBoard: learning management system and suite of online learning tools.
- Chunking:a strategy of grouping items into smaller chucks of seven, plus or minus two 'chunks.' By chunking ideas, concepts, and materials, learners will have an easier time approaching and retaining the learning materials. (See Chunking in Online Design)
- Classroom Management System (CMS): often part of an LMS, enables the management of the online classroom and class content.
- Constructivism: Jean Piaget articulated mechanisms by which knowledge is internalized by learners. He suggested that through processes of accommodation and assimilation, individuals construct new knowledge from their experiences.
- Distance Learning (DL): any learning that takes place at a distance, without the learner (student) and facilitator (teacher) in the same physical place at the same time.
- e-Learning: any learning that takes place using electronic media (email, computers, phones, digital, audio, video, etc.). The learner (student) and facilitator (teacher) may or may not be in the same physical place.
- Icebreaker: getting to know you exercises that create fun, safe learning environments.
(See Icebreakers Build Learning Communities and Six Icebreaker Concepts)
- Learning Management System (LMS): enables the management and delivery of online content to learners (i.e., BlackBoard, WebCT, Moodle, ATutor, etc.); the database framework behind the UI.
- Moodle: learning management system and suite of online learning tools. Free, open source software.
- Online Learning: any learning that takes place online, without the learner (student) and facilitator (teacher) in the same physical place.
- OTL: Online Teaching and Learning
- Questia: extensive online library.
- SCORM: Sharable Content Object Reference Model.
- Synchronous: chat and discussions that happen when the group is assembled a pre-determined, synchronized time.
- User Interface (UI): what users see and interact with. For example, a web page, online classroom, discussion board, etc.
- User Testing: testing a user interface for navigation, usability, accomplishment and enjoyment.
- VARK Inventory: a guide to learning styles. The VARK questionnaire is a popular starting point for understanding an individual's learning styles (Visual, Aural, Read/write, Kinesthetic).
- WebCT: learning management system and suite of online learning tools.
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Content copyright © 2009 by Gregory A. Kompes. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Gregory A. Kompes. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Elizabeth Stuttard for details.
This content was written by Gregory A. Kompes. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Elizabeth Stuttard for details.
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