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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
Any stand alone computer program.
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?
ASP
See Active Server Pages or Application Service Provider.
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).
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