Online Learning Glossary

It might be helpful for you have a broader picture of dimensions of Online Learning. The following glossary of terms will help you grasp its different dimensions. Our site, Training Videos, specializes in #1, e-Learning, but we hope to continue to expand our scope in the future.

1. e-Learning:
Electronic Learning, or e-learning, refers to formal education delivered through digital platforms, often utilizing the internet. This term encompasses various online learning formats, such as online courses, virtual classrooms, and educational apps. Example: A student enrolled in an online degree program, completing assignments and participating in course activities entirely through an e-learning platform, would be considered engaged in e-learning.

2. Asynchronous Learning:
Asynchronous learning refers to a type of online education where students can access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace and convenience. Interaction between students and instructors typically occurs through discussion boards, emails, or recorded lectures. Unlike synchronous learning, there is no requirement for students to be online or participate simultaneously. Example: Students in an asynchronous online course can read lecture notes, complete assignments, and engage in discussions when it suits their schedule.

3. Blended Learning:
Blended learning incorporates both online and in-person instruction, aiming to combine the advantages of traditional classroom teaching with online learning. This approach allows students to access course materials and activities online while attending face-to-face classes or workshops. Example: In a blended learning course, students may watch online lectures and participate in online discussions at home, then attend in-person lab sessions or group activities at their school.

4. Discussion Boards:
Discussion boards are online platforms where students and instructors can interact and engage in conversations related to course topics. Students can post questions, respond to others’ inquiries, share resources, and exchange ideas. Example: In an online literature course, students can use a discussion board to discuss interpretations of a novel, share personal experiences related to the text, or seek clarification on challenging passages.

5. Learning Management System (LMS):
A Learning Management System is a digital platform that enables the administration, delivery, and tracking of online learning courses. It provides a centralized location for course content, assessments, grading, and communication between students and instructors. Example: Popular LMS platforms include Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard, which facilitate the organization and management of online coursework.

6. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC):
MOOCs are online courses designed to be open and accessible to a large number of students worldwide. These courses are often offered by prestigious universities, educational institutions, or online platforms, with content delivered through videos, quizzes, and interactive activities. Example: Coursera and edX are prominent platforms offering a wide range of MOOCs, allowing students to enroll in courses from renowned universities.

7. Microlearning:
Microlearning refers to learning in small, focused bursts, usually delivered through short digital modules. These modules aim to provide specific concepts or skills quickly, allowing learners to accomplish targeted learning goals in a short time, often through mobile devices. Example: A mobile app providing daily language vocabulary exercises is an example of microlearning, allowing users to learn and retain small bits of information in short time intervals.

8. Online Proctoring:
Online proctoring refers to remote monitoring of students during online tests or exams to ensure academic integrity. Proctoring methods include live proctors who monitor through webcam or recorded sessions analyzed by algorithms to identify suspicious behavior or cheating attempts. Example: During an online exam, students may be required to place their webcam on to allow remote live proctoring to verify their identity and monitor the test-taking process.

9. Open Educational Resources (OER):
Open Educational Resources are freely available educational materials that can be used, shared, and modified by teachers and learners without legal or financial restrictions. OER can include textbooks, lecture videos, quizzes, and more. Example: The OpenStax initiative offers free textbooks that can be accessed and used by anyone, including educators and students.

10. Synchronous Learning:
Synchronous learning occurs in real-time, where instructors and students engage simultaneously, with lectures, discussions, and activities happening at specific scheduled times. Interaction can occur through video conferencing, live chat, or collaborative documents. Example: A live video lecture where students can ask questions in real-time and receive immediate responses from the instructor is an example of synchronous learning.

11. Virtual Classroom:
A virtual classroom is an online environment that replicates traditional face-to-face classrooms. It allows for real-time interaction between instructors and students, utilizing video conferencing, chat features, shared whiteboards, and document collaboration. Example: Institutions often use virtual classrooms to deliver distance education, with students and instructors simultaneously joining via video conferencing tools to conduct interactive lectures and discussions.

12. Webinar:
A webinar is an online seminar or workshop conducted over the internet, typically on a specific topic or subject. It allows for interaction between presenters and participants through chat features, polls, or question-and-answer sessions. Example: A company offering a webinar on effective marketing strategies might invite experts in the field to present their insights and engage with attendees in real-time.