The world of elearning can feel like a foreign language at times. Terms like “microlearning” and “instructional design” get thrown around, leaving business owners wondering what it all means. Fear not!
This handy glossary will equip you with the essential e-learning terminology you need to navigate conversations with elearning providers and make informed decisions about your company’s training programs.
Accessibility:
It is essential to make online courses inclusive of all learners. This includes features like closed captions for videos, transcripts for audio content, and keyboard navigation for those using screen readers.
Assessments:
These are evaluations that measure a learner’s understanding of the material covered in an elearning course. Assessments can take various forms, including quizzes, assignments, and practical exercises. They help identify areas where learners might need additional support and ensure the training program is achieving its objectives.
Blended Learning:
A combination of e-learning with traditional classroom instruction. Blended learning offers the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of face-to-face interactions. This approach can be particularly effective for complex topics or those requiring hands-on practice.
Branching Scenarios:
This technique allows learners to personalise their learning experience by making choices that affect the storyline. Branching scenarios create a sense of agency and keep learners engaged as they explore different paths and consequences.
Gamification:
The skill of adding features of games to e-learning, such as leaderboards, badges, and points.. Gamification makes learning fun and fosters healthy competition, boosting motivation and engagement.
Instructional Design (ID):
The magic behind engaging learning! The knowledgeable people who turn information into engaging learning experiences are known as instructional designers. They structure content logically, incorporate the right mix of activities, and keep learners hooked.
Interactive Elements:
These are activities that go beyond passive learning. Think quizzes, polls, drag-and-drop exercises, and simulations. Better knowledge retention results from interactive components that motivate students to actively participate in the learning process.
Just-in-Time (JIT) Learning:
Ensuring that students receive the necessary information at the appropriate time. This approach is particularly useful for performance support tools or training on specific tasks or procedures.
Knowledge Retention:
The capacity of students to retain and use the knowledge they acquired from an online course. Effective elearning strategies, like spaced repetition and interactive activities, can significantly improve knowledge retention.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of an online course, students should possess certain particular abilities or information. Think of them as your training program’s roadmap, ensuring everyone is on the same page about what needs to be learned.
Microlearning:
Bite-sized chunks of learning that are easily digestible and perfect for busy schedules. Microlearning modules can be completed in minutes, making them ideal for reinforcing existing knowledge or introducing new concepts.
Mobile Learning (mLearning):
Tablets and smartphones are used to deliver e-learning. mLearning allows learners to access training materials anytime, anywhere, making it a flexible and convenient option for busy professionals.
Responsive Design:
Ensuring your e-learning courses look great and function flawlessly on any device, whether it’s a desktop computer, tablet, or phone. Whatever their preferred device, responsive design offers a seamless learning experience for all.
Return on Investment (ROI):
The measurable benefits of your elearning program. This could include increased employee productivity, reduced onboarding time, or improved customer satisfaction. You can prove the return on your e-learning investment by using ROI measurement.
Scenario-Based Learning:
This approach presents learners with realistic workplace scenarios and challenges. They then have to apply their knowledge and skills to make decisions and solve problems, just like they would in a real-world situation.
Storytelling:
Who doesn’t love a good story? Storytelling is a powerful tool in e-learning, allowing you to connect with learners on an emotional level and make information more memorable. Compelling narratives can bring complex topics to life and keep learners engaged.
The Takeaway
By familiarising yourself with these essential e-learning terms, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate conversations with elearning providers and make informed decisions about your company’s training programs. Remember, investing in your employees’ learning and development is an investment in your company’s success.
Ready to Transform Your Training with eLearning?
At Poncho eLearning, we’re passionate about creating learning experiences that not only inform but also excite. We leverage a variety of these terms from our e-Learning glossary to ensure your training programs are engaging, effective, and achieve real results. Here’s how Poncho eLearning can help:
- Needs Analysis: We work closely with you to understand your specific training goals and target audience. This allows us to develop e-learning courses with clear learning objectives and relevant content.
- Engaging Instructional Design: Our skilled instructional designers create learning experiences that incorporate microlearning, storytelling, interactive elements, and other techniques to keep learners engaged and motivated.
- Measurable Results: We help you define and track the ROI of your e-learning program, ensuring you see a clear return on your investment.
Contact Poncho eLearning today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your specific training needs and explore how we can transform your vision into a reality through the power of e-learning!
