e-Learning Mega Glossary

World's biggest, or at least most irreverant,
e-Learning glossary!

Other sites of interest:
- Net Lingo
- Emoticon Universe
- Training Dictionary
- Techtionary

Active Server Pages (ASP)
A programming language that extends standard HTML-based web sites to include database content management. The Microsoft standard as opposed to CGI/Unix programming languages and environment.

Adaptive
Adaptive training programs adapt themselves to the skill level or preferences of the learner. Haven't seen one in over ten years. At best, some programs use the pre-test to enable students to "test out" of certain lessons.

ADDIE Model
Classic model of an instructional system design process that includes the steps Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation from which the acronym is taken. Most corporate trainers drop the "A". Who needs analysis lets just start building stuff!

Adult Learning Theory
Principles and practices of providing instruction to the adult learner. Primarily concerned with an adult's well-defined learning goals, wealth of experience and ability/desire to direct his or her own learning. See andragogy. Hmmm, the more you learn about andragogy, the more you start wondering if kids don't actually learn the same way.

AI
See Artificial intelligence. Why is this term here? No e-learning program uses AI -- except in the marketing literature.

AICC
Acronym for Aviation Industry CBT Committee. An emerging set of standards The AICC sets guidelines in the development, delivery, and evaluation of e-learning programs. These guidelines are developed specifically for the aviation industry, but are being widely adopted in a variety of other industries. See www.aicc.org for more details. Already becoming old-school -- SCORM is the new kid on the block.

Alpha Version
An alpha version of a program is also known as a "pilot" version, which can be tested for overall usability and training effectiveness. You know, the pilot version, where the program is actually tested by a real sample population and then refined before final roll-out. What? You've never done that?

Analysis
The first step in the classic A-D-D-I-E model of Instructional System Design. In the analysis phase the audience is defined and performance improvement needs are identified. Often the phase that discovers that the performance problem really isn't a training problem at all, but what the heck, we have budget to build something for it...

Andragogy
The opposite of pedagogy. A European term introduced into the English vocabulary by Malcom Knowles, it is the art and science of helping adults learn. A prime contributor to most theories of adult learning, andragogy as set out by Knowles emphasizes an adults' capabilities to direct and motivate themselves, utilize past knowledge to assist learning and evaluate the contents of training for relevance and quality.

Animation
The rapid sequential presentation of slightly differing graphics to create the illusion of motion. Animation can have greater purpose in illustrating a process than a static visual, but it requires more information to be processed by the computer and thus higher bandwidth. Compare to audio, video, text, and graphic.

Applet
A small program, that runs on the Internet or an Intranet, written in the programming language known as Java. Also known as a rarely used program that keeps getting stopped by your corporate firewall and causing all kinds of end user complaints. (Come on Java fans, where's your sense of humor? Don't send me any hate emails!)

Application Service Provider (ASP)
Internet hosting service provider. A company that hosts a program on behalf of its clients. Many training programs and learning management systems are now offered on an ASP platform. The ASP model is under heavy scrutiny right now as e-learning vendors are folding up with little notice in the dot-bomb crash. Many customers have found that they are losing access and student data with very little notice.

ARCS Model
A theory about the best way to instill learner motivation, developed by John Kellar, PhD. The four steps in the model are: gain learner Attention, describe the training's Relevance, instill Confidence in the learner that the training can be successfully completed, and leave the learner Satisfied after a learning goal has been achieved. Invaluable in practice and easy to implement, but sadly it is seldom used.

Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence. The range of technologies that allow computer systems to perform complex functions mirroring the workings of the human mind. Gathering and structuring knowledge, problem solving, and processing a natural language are activities possible by an artificially intelligent system. Why's this word in the glossary? AI in e-learning programs? Yea, right -- only in the marketing spin.

Assessment Item
A question or exercise on a test, quiz, or other evaluation. Well why don't we just say it's a "question"? Who invented the word "item" for "question" anyway?

Asynchronous Training/Learning
A learning program that does not require the student and instructor to participate at the same time. Typically self-paced, online tutorials.

Attitude
A disposition toward a certain behavior. Psychological theories hold that attitudes are revealed by examining behaviors and shaping attitudes can in turn influence behaviors. Training to change attitude is bunk. As the old saying goes, hire attitude and train skills.

Audience
The intended end user population of a training product. Careful consideration of audience factors such as learning styles, level of education, preferences, background, and job responsibilities helps create more successful e-learning.

Audio
The medium of delivering information to be processed by a learner's ears. Compare to text, video, graphics, and animations.

Authoring
Similar to "programming", developers assemble discrete media components using a tool called an authoring system.

Authoring System or Authoring Tool
A program, like Macromedia Authorware, designed for use by a non-computer expert to create training products. An authoring system does not require programming knowledge or skill to operate. Enables non-programmers to create e-learning programs. Although there are over 100 authoring systems on the market, Authorware, Director, Toolbook, and DreamWeaver are among the most common (yes, I know, DreamWeaver isn't technially an authoring system).

Bandwidth
The measure of amount of information that can flow through an information channel. Commonly measured in bits per second. Modem connection to an internet server is a typical example of a low-bandwidth connection; an Ethernet connection within a LAN is an example of a high-bandwidth connection.

Baud
A measure of the quantity of information transmitted on a communication line; largely replaced by the use of bits-per-second.

Behavior
An action or set of actions performed by a person under specified circumstances that reveal some skill, knowledge or attitude. Training seeks to increase desirable behaviors or introduce new behaviors and/or eliminate undesirable ones.

Benchmark
A standard of reference used for comparison. The performance of a learner is measured against a benchmark such as the performance of an expert. The performance of a technology-based training product is measured against a benchmark such as the training procedures it replaces.

Beta Test
An important function of quality control and one of the last steps before release of a software product. Beta testing involves the use of a product by selected users to create a formal documentation of content errors, software bugs, usability, level of engagement, and other factors. Also the term used by your vendor when you call them to report errors in your review copy ("What, you found 10 errors? Uh, well, that was just the beta copy, we know it has errors.")

Bit
The elementary constituent of digital information, the value of which can take only the forms 0 or 1. Bits are often measured by adding prefixes to signify a value. One kilobit contains approximately 1,000 bits; one megabit contains approximately a million bits; one gigabit contains approximately one billion bits.

Bits-per-second (bps)
A measure of the speed of the information transmission over a communication line; often confused with baud.

Blended Learning
A training curriculum that combines multiple types of media. Typically, blended learning refers to a combination of classroom-based training with self-paced e-learning. The defacto buzzword of 2001 and 2002 -- will this jargon creep ever stop?! Why didn't we call it "blended" learning when workbooks came with audio tapes?

Blog / Weblog
"Blog" is short for "Web Log" and refers to short messages that are posted onto a web site by an author. Blogs are typically informal and personal messages, almost like daily diary entries. Blogging has caught on as a cheap form of knowledge sharing and expert communication. See www.blogger.com for more information.

Bloom's Taxonomy
A hierarchical ordering of affective and cognitive learning outcomes developed by Benjamin Bloom. Hello, out there, anyone ever hear of Bloom?

Branching
A tutorial structure that progresses through material in a path that depends on the learner's response to questions.

Broadband
Digital signals delivered (along with analog signals) over copper medium to businesses and households. Typically refers to an internet connection via a cable modem or DSL line with speeds 1 Mb/s to 10 Mb/s.

Browser
Also called a Web Browser. A program used to access the text, graphic, audio, video and animation elements of the Internet and Intranets. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are the most commonly used browsers. If your student audience uses both IE and Netscape, and your e-learning program uses Javascript code, look out; subtle differences in browsers will bite you in the butt.

Bulletin Board System
Also known as BBS. The computer equivalent of a public note board, messages can be posted to a BBS for viewing by other users and other computers. A BBS is often called a threaded discussion.

Byte
A word made up of eight bits of information. One byte is the amount of information required to represent one character.

Cable Modem
A device that connects a computer to the Internet through a Cable TV coaxial cable. Cable modems are considered to be a high bandwidth, or high speed connection.

CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read Only Memory. An optical disc, recorded on and read by a laser, used to store large quantities of information. One CD-ROM has 650 Mb of storage capacity. Due to our current state of "bandwidth blues" CD-ROM delivery as a subset of e-learning will be around for long time.

Certification
A formal evaluation process conducted by a neutral third party on a fee-basis, typically using a rigorous, accurate, reliable, validated software test suite and evaluation methodology. Certification is for a specific version only of the product being tested. Certification may lapse after a specific duration. Certification can be lost or revoked. Certifying body stands behind its evaluation of the product or service.

Chat or Chat Room
Text-based group communication on the Internet. Multiple users can type their questions and answers for everyone to see. This form of group communication occurs in real-time. Sounds great but fairly messy for e-learning. Synchronous web-casts or threaded discussions better.

Chunking
The process of separating learning materials into brief sections in order to improve learner comprehension and retention.

Classroom Training
Any training conducted where the students and facilitator interact in a real, physical classroom. Unlike "Instructor-led Training (ILT)" which, although there is an instructor, could still take place over an Internet connection. Also, known as the preferred method of learning by many students because of the perks (e.g., day out of the office, meet new friends, and most importantly, free donuts).

Clip Media
Pre-existing pictures, audio files, videos clips that can be "clipped" out and pasted directly into a computer program. Also known as "stock media".

Cognitive Loading
The process of placing elements into a person's short-term memory. Great term for impressing colleagues and prospecive clients (e.g., "Although this looks like a boring, passive text screen, we are actually cognitively loading the word items into the learners STM. STM? Oh yes, short-term memory...")

Collaborative Learning
Learning through the exchange and sharing of information and opinions among a peer group. Computers excel in mediating collaborative learning for geographically dispersed groups.

Competencies / Competency Model
A structured list of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required for job performance. Competencies are used as the foundation to guide needs analyses and evaluations. Unfortunately most competencies end up in a filing cabinet to be referenced only when updating job descriptions. Used properly, they are powerful drivers of assessment and training.

Compliance
A 'self-test' software test suite is available to both implementer and user. Software test suite usually designed to rigorously test inputs, processes, and outputs of a guideline, recommendation, specification, or standard: Know the source. Provider of test suite may or may not allow users of test suite to claim more than conformance (no formal Endorsement).

Compression
A technique used to encode information so that it fits in a smaller package for easy storage or transmission. In other words, "we have to compress this audio or video file so it will download faster on a low bandwidth connection. Yes, the quality will be terrible but we have no choice."

Computer Based Education
A generic term for a computer program used by a learner to acquire knowledge or skills. See e-learning.

Computer Based Learning
A generic term for a computer program used by a learner to acquire knowledge or skills. See e-learning.

Computer Based Training
A generic term for a computer program used by a learner to acquire knowledge or skills. See e-learning.

Computer Managed Instruction
The components of e-learning that provide assessment, student tracking and personalized lesson plans.

Computer Supported Learning Resources (CSLR)
The parts of a e-learning product other than those that instruct, test, or track progress. These include glossaries, bulletin boards and chats, bibliographies, databases, etc. Nobody really uses terms like these, ignore it!

Condition
One of the three required parts of a properly composed learning objective, as defined by Robert Mager. Circumstances under which the performance will be tested and materials that will be provided to the student are described in the condition statement. This is one of the parts of Mager's learning objective guidelines that is always ignored, and with good reason.

Conformance
The implementer asserts adherence to guidelines, recommendation, specification or standard. User tests assertion by inspecting results. No form of testing is used other than evaluating actual results against expected results.

Cookie
A small file placed on a user's computer by a visited web page. Many e-learning programs will store the student's name, history, and score information in a cookie file. Also, the sweet bakery items given to classroom students right before they complete their workshop evaluations so they won't bash the instructor.

Cost Avoidance
Component of analyzing competing business alternatives based on reducing or eliminating costs, such as student travel and instructor fees. Return-on-investment studies take account of cost avoidance in calculating final returns. Also, the term to describe corporations refusal to spend any real money on e-learning (and then wondering why they have a bunch of boring page turners).

Cost-benefit Analysis
Method of analyzing competing business alternatives based on comparing total costs to total benefits. A proper cost-benefit analysis takes into account all benefits, including productivity, savings, and motivation, and weighs them against all costs, including expenditures, overheads, and lost opportunities.

Course
Term used to describe the collection of elements that make up training on a given subject. Usually a course is broken up into lessons, sections, or modules but course is sometimes used interchangeably with these terms.

Course Map
Usually a flow-chart or other illustration, a course map details all of the component elements of a course. Course maps often illustrate the recommended order that students should complete the training.

Courseware
Software designed specifically for use in a classroom or other educational setting, containing instructional material, educational software, or audiovisual materials. "Courseware" is a term used to describe software resources which are used for Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL). to mediate or support a course or module.

Criterion
One of the three required parts of a properly composed learning objective. The performance level that must be achieved by the student along with a concrete measurement for the performance level are described in the criterion statement.

Criterion Referenced Instruction
A system of instruction developed by Bob Mager. Synonym for performance based instruction; instruction whose value is measured by the ability of the end-user to meet specified criterion after completion. Another classic and effective system that seems to be forgotten or ignored too often in the world of e-learning.

Delivery Method
Term describing the way in which training is distributed to learners. Print-based workbooks, classroom, video, audio tapes, CD-ROM, and Internet are all sample delivery methods. See also the term "blended solution" which is the in vogue jargon describing using a mix of media elements to deliver a course or curriculum.

Design
The second step in the classic A-D-D-I-E model of Instructional System Design. The design phase builds on the analysis information and includes the formulation of a detailed plan for the instruction, known as the Design Document. Sometimes Design is broken into "high level design" for the design doc and "low level design" which culuminates in a script or storyboard.

Designer
Used to describe any member of a training project team, usually referring to creators such as writers, graphic artists, and programmers. Technically, this term should refer only to instructional designers, but it is often used synonomously with the term developer.

Developer
Used to describe a member of a training project team involved in development activities or the project team as a whole. Could refer to an instructional designer, graphic designer, writer, etc.

Development
The third step in the classic A-D-D-I-E model of Instructional System Design. The development phase follows the plans created in the design phase to create materials ready for several iterations of testing and refinement.

Digital
Opposite of analog. Computer signals, the information manipulated by a computer and transferred on the Internet, are digital. A digital signal varies by discrete values only; that is any point defined within a digital signal will have the value of either 1 or 0.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Refers to high speed Internet connections obtained through a special service of the phone company, using their standard telephone line.

Domains of Learning
Three divisions used to classify types of learning: psychomotor (physical), cognitive (mental), and affective (emotional).

Drill and Practice
An interactive exercise used to develop basic skills like keyboard operation. Involves the repetition of short sequences of practice, chained together to make up more complex processes. Although extremely effective, this method is usually now avoided as an instructional technique because it is considered boring, simple, and unglamorous. Isn't it amazing how so many care about style over results?

Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory. Like a CD-ROM, an optical disc recorded on and read by a laser, but used to store even larger quantities of information, specifically 8.5 gigabytes

E-Learning
Broad definition of the field of using technology to deliver learning and training programs. Typically used to describe media such as CD-ROM, Internet, Intranet, wireless and mobile learning. Some include Knowledge Management as a form of e-learning. Took awhile for the right term to come about, circa 1995 it was all called "Internet based Training", then "Web-based Training" (to clarify that delivery could be on the Inter- or Intra-net), then "Online Learning" and finally e-learning, adopting the in vogue use of "e-" during the dot com boom. The "e-" breakthrough enabled the industry to reaise hundreds of millions from venture capitalists who would invest in any industry that started with this magic letter.

Electronic Performance Support System
A program that provides on demand assistance on a discrete task. Considered to be a support tool or job aid. A good example of an EPSS is the built in help functions of many software programs. Term coined by Gloria Gery one of the greats in the business.

E-mail
Short for electronic mail. The process of one user employing a computer to send a text message to an electronic mailbox to be retrieved and viewed by another user. Also, the message itself. Also, the most popular form of Knowledge Management. Many will blast an entire distribution group with a question, and receive a dozen excellent e-mails offering answers or help. While helpful, this unstructured form of KM doesn't leverage or store experts and their answers.

End-to-end Solution
Term used by e-Learning companies to describe a complete set of products and services, typically including learning management systems, off-the-shelf content, and custom services. Don't believe the hype. Most companies that off everything, don't excel at anything.

Entry Behavior
The prior knowledge, skill or attitude that is a pre-requisite to a given course, or that is assumed to be present by course designers.

Ethernet
A means of connecting computers in a local area network with high-bandwidth coaxial or optical cable connections. Sometimes called 10baseT. This is most common network in your corporate office -- considered to be high bandwidth and capable of great e-learning experiences (rich video and audio, etc.).

Evaluation
The final step in the classic A-D-D-I-E model of Instructional System Design. The evaluation phase involves formative evaluations, evaluations of the product during development, and a summative evaluation, the final evaluation of the effectiveness of the training in solving the instructional problem.

Events of Instruction
The nine steps outlined by Robert Gagne that correlate to and address the conditions for effective adult learning. In brief, each lesson should (1) capture attention, (2) inform the learner of the objective, (3) stimulate recall of prior learning, (4) present material, (5) provide guidance, (6) elicit performance, (7) provide feedback, (8) assess performance, (9) enhance retention and transfer. A great model for instruction, again often ignored in the world of e-learning. Also, we should be wondering what happens when we create reusable content objects launched independently from a LCMS -- will students still learn from isolated chunks, or do we need a 9-step "lesson" to be the smallest chunk for best learning results? Time will tell.

Expert System
An artificial intelligence program in which a decision tree is created based on an experts decision criteria. Huge potential for KM and e-learning but unfortunately provider companies are pooring all their money into sales and marketing instead of R&D.

Extranet
An internal, private website that has restricted access to certain outside users as well. For example, an organization may create a parts Inventory web site to support their internal manufacturing efforts, while giving read-only access to their outside vendors who need to know when to re-supply their parts.

F2F
Face-to-Face. Example: We're going to do some initial training F2F and then distribute CD-ROMs for post-work.

Facilitator
The politcally correct term for "instructor", "trainer", "teacher" or "class leader". Assuming adult learners actually obtain knowledge from their peers, in a classroom the instructor "facilitates" the learning experience.

Feedback
Can be positive or negative, is used to shape behaviors, and should closely follow an action for maximum result.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
Generally called FTP. One method of transferring files over intranets or the Internet.

Firewall
An application that isolates part of a network, like a company's private intranet, from access to or by other parts of the network, like the public Internet.

Formative Evaluation
An evaluation performed at a late development stage, used to revise and improve an training program before launch. Single most important step to insuring effectiveness and bug-free programs -- seldom done.

Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as FAQ. A web document made up of questions commonly asked about a particular subject or in a particular forum and the associated answers.

Generic (off-the-shelf) Courseware
e-Learning products developed for a broad audience, not for a specific organization. Most generic courseware is complete junk. But hey, it's a lot cheaper than building quality stuff that really works, and I get to cross off another course off my quarterly to do list! That will help my performance review!

Graphic
The medium of delivering static images to be interpreted by the learner visually. Compare to audio, video, text, and animation.

GIF
A file format, and filename extension, for graphics files for display on web pages. Popular format as it provides the best picture quality to file size tradeoff.

Graphical User Interface
A way of representing the functions, features and contents of a program to a user by way of visual elements, such as icons, as opposed to textual elements, such as words and character strings. The Microsoft Windows operating system is the classic example of a program with a GUI.

Hard Skills
As opposed to "soft skills", this term relates to technical or IT related skills.

Hardware
Physical equipment like computers, printers, and scanners. Compare to software.

HCI
HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) is the study of how people interact with computers and to what extent computers are or are not developed for successful interaction with human beings. A significant number of major corporations and academic institutions now study HCI.

Help Desk
A team that can be contacted by end-users for assistance with hardware and software problems. Launching any e-learning initiative should give some thought to end user support. Even well designed programs will get 1 - 2% of the target audience needing help (e.g., "Do I really need to complete this training?")

High-bandwidth
A high-bandwidth connection, like a cable modem, will allow transmission rates in the range of Gigabits per second and allow the use of data intensive information like video, audio and complex animation. e-learning will always be somewhat limited in quality until we all have high-bandwidth access everywhere -- see Cable Modems!

Hosting
The verb describing the physical storage of a Web page or other Internet content. As in, "we are hosting our program on our in-house computers."

Hypermedia
Hypermedia links text, graphics, video, audio, and animation and leaves the control of navigation through its elements in the hands of the user.

Hypertext
Text elements within multimedia documents, classically underlined and in colored font, that can be clicked on by the user to follow a path to a new location in a document, supplemental material like a graphic or another page on the net. Many so-called e-learning programs are just former word documents that have been converted into HTML with some cross links put in. Hypertext is a nice feature, but is a poor substitute for task analysis, instructional design, practice and feedback.

Hypertext Markup Language
More commonly referred to as HTML. The standard programming language for web documents meant to be accessed by browsers.

Icon
A simple symbol representing a complex object, process, or function. Icon-based user interfaces have the user click on onscreen buttons instead of typing commands.

Implementation
The fourth step in the classic A-D-D-I-E model of Instructional System Design. The implementation phase involves the delivery of the training to the intended audience and the use by that audience.

Information Architecture
The organization and categorization of online content. The rules and structure of where and how to store content. Especially relevant for knowledge management programs and corporate intranets where users must be able to quickly find desired information.

Instructional Designer
The person who applies instructional learning theory to the organization and design of learning programs. Many graduate programs produce these in droves, but some of the best are routinely self-taught (not to be confused with SME's though!)

Instructional Systems Design
Term describing the systematic use of principles of instruction to ensure that learners acquire the skills and knowledge essential for successful completion of overtly specified performance goals.

Instructor Led Training (ILT)
Training mediated by a live instructor, such as classroom training or live classes delivered over an web-based conference system.

Interactivity
An program feature that requires the learner to do something. Should help to maintain learner interest, provide a means of practice and reinforcement. Poor quality interactivity = clicking the right arrow to continue and challenging true/false questions. Good interactivity = open questions, simulations, instructional games, tools and calculators. Remember, engage the mind not the mouse finger!

Internet
The modern network of tens of thousands of interlinked computers, evolved from the US government's ARPANET project of the 1960's. The public Internet encompasses the world wide web, the popular multimedia portion, as well as the e-mail, FTP, gopher, and other services.

Internet-based Training
The term most commonly used in the mid 1990's to describe web-based learning programs. Unless you're being intentionally retro as a fashion statement, "e-learning" is the hip term today.

Internet Explorer (IE)
The Internet Web browser developed by Microsoft, which is also the most commonly used browser today. Typically called just "IE". For example, "Do your students use IE or Netscape to access the web?"

Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A company that providers Internet access and hosting services.

Intranet
A network owned by an organization that functions like the public Internet but is secure from outsider access and regulated by representatives of the organization often called system administrators.

Java
A programming language invented by Sun Microsystems that is intended to be operational on any hardware/software system. Also, the stimulating beverage consumed in large quantities by the development team that is working late at night before the final deliverable.

Java Applet
A small program (i.e., application) written in Java. Java applets are sent from the host computer to the end user's computer (known as the client) and is then run (or "executed"). Warning: many organizations have a network security system known as a "firewall" that blocks Java Applets from running.

Job Aid
A tool which can exist in paper form or on the computer which provides on-the-job instruction for a specific task.

JPEG
A popular file format for photographs intended for display on web pages. The file extension is JPG.

Just In Time
Popular term to described the benefit of e-learning's accessibility. As in, "Our sales force can access our online, just-in-time training whenever they have a question about a product; no longer do they have to enroll in, and wait for, a classroom training program."

KIRKPATRICK
Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model refers to the four step training evaluation methodology developed by Donald Kirkpatrick in 1975. Level 1 refers to the students to reaction to the training (derisively called "smile sheets"). Level 2 refers to the measurement of actual learning (ie, knowledge transfer). Level 3 measures behavior change. Level four measures business results.

Learning Content Management System (LCMS)
A web-based administration program that facilitates the creation, storage and delivery of unique learning objects, as well the management of students, rosters, and assessments. Hey, everybody finally figured out what LMS' are for so we had to come up with something else complicated for the marketplace.

Learning Management System
A program that manages the administration of training. Typically includes functionality for course catalogs, launching courses, registering students, tracking student progress and assessments.

Learning Objective
The clear and measurable statement of the behavior that must be observed after training is concluded in order to consider the training a success. According to Robert Mager's work, a learning objective contains a condition statement, a performance statement, and a criterion statement.

Learning Service Provider (LSP)
A third party company that hosts e-learning programs/content on it's own servers. Clients pay to access, or to "lease", these programs.

Learning Style
An individual's unique approach to learning based on strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Though experts do not agree how to categorize learning styles, an example of a categorization system is one that separates learners into auditory learners, visual learners, and kinesthetic learners. Though spoken as gospel, where's the current research that this isn't all bunk?

Lesson
A unit of learning concerned with a specific skill. This term is sometimes interchanged with the terms section or module.

Local Area Network
A network of computers in a confined area, such as a room or a building. A LAN accessed with internet technologies can be considered an intranet. Typically LAN's operate at what is considered to be a high bandwidth speed.

Localization
The process in which a program is converted for delivery in a different country. Unlike "translation" which connotes a simple re-writing of words, localization includes re-writing for cultural and social differences as well. Can we say McTraining?

Log-in
Procedure performed by a user to declare that a specific system or application is going to be used. Log-in information is used by the computer to mark and track information specific to the user. It can also be used to declare to other users that an individual is presently active on a network.

Low-bandwidth
A low-bandwidth connection, like a telephone line, will allow transmission rates in the range of kilobits per second and restrict the use of data intensive information like video and photo quality graphics. If you've got a low bandwidth connection, don't even try to do audio and video -- the marketing hype outpaces the R&D reality for now.

LRN
Microsoft's commercial implementation of e-learning standards to identify, catalog, launch, and track course objects. Based on the IMS standards. Even though Microsoft typically dominates anything they get involved in, they're currently asleep behind the wheel of this one. SCORM is where it's at.

m-Learning
Stands for "mobile learning" and refers to the usage of training programs on wireless devices like cell phones, PDAs, or other such devices. As if we've already figured out how to effectivelly use our normal computer devices for learning. m-learning will happen, but not for awhile.

Mastery Learning
Also known as criterion referenced instruction, in which students are evaluated as having "mastered" or "not mastered" specific criteria or learning objectives.

Meta Data
Information that provides macro-level details about a course object, such as author, title, subject, date created, etc. Typically meta data is recorded in XML files and are read by LMS and LCMS systems.

Mixed-media
The combination of different delivery media like books, audiotapes, videotapes and computer programs in one curriculum. Not to be confused with multimedia, where different media are integrated into one product. See blended learning.

Model
A representation of an object, process, behavior or attitude used by a learner for comparison/contrast and duplication/avoidance. Both positive and negative examples can serve as models.

Modeling
The activity of recreating the functions and aspects of a model. When a novice sales person watches an expert make a sales call, and then mimics the expert's tone and wording, he or she is exhibiting a modeling process.

Modem
A piece of hardware used by computers to transfer and receive information. The term is taken from the full title MOdulator-DEModulator.

MPEG
A file format digitized video. Largely being replaced "RealVideo" and the Microsoft Media Player.

Multimedia
The integration of different media, including text, graphics, audio, video and animation, in one program. Also referred to as newmedia.

Negative Reinforcement
Encouraging a correct behavior by punishing any behaviors other than it. An example is putting a child into "time out" after she throws a tantrum. According to most adult learning research negative reinforcement is not recommended for most adult learning situations. Why not? A set of electrodes pluged into the serial port of my computer would have me trying extra hard at test time!

Netiquette
Stands for "Internet etiquette". Refers to the commonly accepted rules of behavior and communication in e-mails, chat rooms, bulletin boards, etc. For example, proper netiquette is to not use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in messages because this is the equivalent of shouting. GOT IT?!

Netscape Navigator
The brand of Internet browser developed by Netscape. The second most popular browser after Microsoft's Internet Explorer. (and fading fast)

Network
A collection of computers that can exchange information and share resources.

Newsgroup
An electronic bulletin board reserved for discussion of a specific topic.

Operating System
A computer program that controls the components of a computer system and facilitates the operation of applications. Windows Me, Windows XP, Linux, and MacOS are common operating systems.

Performance
One of the three required parts of a properly composed learning objective. Observable and measurable actions that should be demonstrated by the learner after the completion of training are detailed in the performance statement.

Performance Objective
The performance capability the learner should acquire by completing a given training course. Synonymous with learning objective.

Performance-based Instruction
Learning activities centered on the acquisition of skills more fundamentally than knowledge. Performance-based instruction, also called criterion-referenced instruction, relies on learning objectives to communicate what is expected to be achieved and evaluation of task completion to determine success.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
A small, handheld computer currently limited in functionality (e.g., calendar, rolodex, to do list). PDA's are expanding in their capabilities to include wireless e-mail and Internet access, thus opening opportunities for mobile learning and support (m-learning).

Pilot Test
Also known as an Alpha test or formative evaluation. A version of the training program is delivered to a sub-set of the target audience for an evaluation of its instructional effectiveness. Also known as a very simple step to help avoid disaster, which is forgotten on the majority of projects.

Pixel
Term created by joining the words picture and cell, a pixel is the basic unit of measurement for picture displays. Computer screen size is often measured in pixels, with 640x480 and 800x600 being common measurements.

Plug-in
A small piece of software that works in conjunction with a web browsers to add additional functionality, like streaming audio or video.

Positive Reinforcement
Encouraging a behavior by rewarding that behavior after it is exhibited. An example is buying a child a toy after they do well on a test. An example in adult education is congratulating a learner after a question is answered correctly, or providing a completion diploma upon course completion. As my Dad used to say, "I ain't going to give you a reward for doing something you should be doing anyway!"

Prerequisite
A basic requirement or step in a process that must be fulfilled before moving on to an advanced step. Being able to stand is a prerequisite to being able to walk. In computer training, using the mouse is a prerequisite to using a graphical user interface.

Processor
The chip or chip set that performs the operations central to a computer's functioning.

Program
A detailed set of instructions that make a computer able to perform some function. A program can be written by the user but the term is commonly used to refer to a specific pre-created software package, such as a word processor or spreadsheet.

Programmer Ready Materials
The individual components that are ready for assembly by a programmer or multimedia developer. Typically, PRMs include scripts, graphics, audio and video files. This is geek-speak, nobody uses this term anymore.

Prototype
A working model created to demonstrate crucial aspects of a program without creating a fully detailed program. Adding details and content incrementally to advancing stages of prototypes is one process for creating successful applications.

Real-time
Instantaneous response to external events. A real time simulation, like a driving simulator, follows the pace of events in reality.

Request for Proposal (RFP)
The official document produced by an organization that requests vendor bids for specific products and services. Also, the tool that many power-wielding, sadistic training managers use to inflict needless pain on naive, desperate vendors.

Repurpose
To revise pre-existing training material for a different delivery format. For example, instructor guides and student manuals are often repurposed into web-based training.

Reusable Learning Object (RLO)
A specific chunk of content and code that represents an assessment, exercise, instructional content, etc. In theory, RLO's can be used in many different courses. Like the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and the famed jackalope, RLO's are frequently discussed and seldom ever seen.

SCORM
Acronym for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. SCORM is a series of e-learning standards that specify ways to catalog, launch and track course objects. The latest standards fad, but this time it might actually stick.

Search Engine
The two types of search engines, the catalog and the crawler, both locate requested information on a web site or on the whole of the World Wide Web. A catalog engine compares the user request with a collection of data that it contains concerning web sites. A crawler engine scours the contents of sites themselves to find a match to a word or string of words.

Section
A division of training concerned with one topic. Several sections commonly make up a lesson, but the term is sometimes used interchangeably with the term lesson or module. Self-paced Instruction Any instruction where the learner dictates the speed of progress through content.

Self-paced instruction
Training the enables learners to complete instructional segments on their own, without the guidance of an instructor.

Server
A networked computer that is shared by many other computers on the network. Intranets use servers to hold, or "host", web pages.

Simulation
A mode of instruction that relies on a representation in realistic form of the relevant aspects of a device, process, or situation.

Software
Programs that allow a user to complete tasks with computers, such as word processing and graphics programs. Compare to application.

Soft Skills
The informal term for non-IT related business skills. Examples include leadership, listening, negotiation, conflic management, etc.

Storyboard
A collection of frames created by a developer that detail the sequence of scenes that will be represented to the user; a visual script.

Subject Matter Expert (SME)
The member of a project team who is most knowledgeable about the content being instructed upon. Frequently, the SME is an expert contracted or assigned by an organization to consult on the training being created.

Subordinate Objective
An task or objective that must first be mastered in order to complete a terminal objective.

Summative Evaluation
An evaluation performed after development used to measure the efficacy and return-on-investment of a training program.

Synchronous Training/Learning
A training program in which the student and instructor participate at the same time. For example, an instructor-led chat session is a form of synchronous training. Common examples today include the use of products from Centra, Interwise, or others that enable web-casts of live events.

Target Population
The audience defined in age, background, ability, and preferences, among other things, for which a given course of instruction is intended.

Task Analysis
A process of examining a given job to define the discrete steps (tasks) that insure effective and efficient performance of the job's requirements.

TBL
Acronym for Technology-based Learning. Synonymous with TBT, or Technology-based Training. Just say e-learning.

TCP/IP
Transmission control protocol/ Internet protocol. The set of rules and formats used when transmitting data between servers and clients over the Internet.

Technology-based Training (TBT)
The term encompassing all uses of a computer in support of learning, including but not limited to tutorials, simulations, collaborative learning environments, and performance support tools. Synonyms include CBL (computer-based learning), TBL (technology-based learning), CBE (computer-based education), CBT (computer-based training), e-learning, and any number of other variations.

Terminal Objective
A learning objective the student should be able to master after completing a specific lesson or part of a lesson.

Text
The medium of delivering information via words to be read and interpreted by the learner. Compare to audio, video, graphic, and animation.

Tutorial
A mode of instruction that presents content, checks understanding or performance, and continues on to the next relevant selection of content. Tutorials may be linear or branched.

Uniform Resource Locator
More commonly referred to as URL. The standard address for a web page on the Internet or on an intranet.

Usability
An evaluation and measurement of a computer program's overall ease-of-use.

User Interface
The components of a computer system employed by a user to communicate with the computer. These include the equipment, such as a keyboard or mouse, and the software environment, such as the desktop of Windows or the program lines of DOS.

Vertical Slice
A program prototype that includes the development of one section, usually a complete lesson, for the course.

Video
The medium of delivering information created from the recording of real events to be processed simultaneously by a learner's eyes and ears. Compare to audio, text, graphics, and animation.

Weblog / Blog
"Blog" is short for "Web Log" and refers to short messages that are posted onto a web site by an author. Blogs are typically informal and personal messages, almost like daily diary entries. Blogging has caught on as a cheap form of knowledge sharing and expert communication. See www.blogger.com for more information.

Wireless Application Protocol
The technical specifications required to communicate and display content on wireless devices, such as WAP-enabled cell phones. Relevant for m-learning.

World Wide Web
The most popular component of the Internet which can be accessed with browser software. Offers interconnected screens containing text, graphics and occasionally other types of media.