Glossary of Distance Learning Terms

 

 

The following are some of the terms commonly used in distance learning.

 

Click here for a more extensive glossary of terms from

the eLearners.com website. 

 

Asynchronous Learning - Any learning event where interaction is delayed over time. This allows learners to participate according to their schedule, and be geographically separate from the instructor. Could be in the form of a correspondence course or e-learning . Interaction can use various technologies like threaded discussion.

Blended Learning - A learning solution created through a mixture of face-to-face and online learning delivered via a mix of different media.

 

Computer Based Training (CBT) - Training or instruction where a computer program provides motivation and feedback in place on a live instructor. CBT can be delivered via CD-ROM, LAN or Internet. Creation is done by teams of people including instructional designers, and often has high development costs.

 

Correspondence Course - A course completed from a distance using written correspondence for interaction and to submit assignments. Correspondence classes became popular in the 1890's.

 

Distance Education - The formal process of distance learning . This term has traditionally implied the higher education level.

 

Distance Learning - Learning where the instructor and the students are in physically separate locations. Can be either synchronous or asynchronous . Can include correspondence , video or satellite broadcasts, or e-Learning . Usually implies the higher education level.

 

Distance Training - A reference to distance learning for the corporate or professional levels. More commonly referred to as distributed learning , WBT or e-Learning .

 

Distributed Learning - Distance learning that makes use of information technology. Includes most types of distance learning but not plain correspondence (very similar to e-Learning )

 

e-Learning - Any learning that utilizes a network (LAN, WAN or Internet) for delivery, interaction, or facilitation. This would include distributed learning , distance learning (other than pure correspondence ), CBT delivered over a network, and WBT . Can be synchronous , asynchronous , instructor-led or computer-based or a combination.

 

e-Learner - Any learner taking part in an e-Learning course or program.

 

Instructor-led Training (ILT) - A learning event which is led by an instructor , and either held in a physical location or delivered via a network ( WBT , e-Learning ). Usually implies the professional or corporate level and synchronous learning.

 

Online Learning - e-Learning over the Internet (as opposed to a local or wide area network).

 

Online Training - Same as online learning , only it implies the professional or corporate level.

 

Synchronous Learning - Any learning event where interaction happens simultaneously in real-time. This requires that learners attend class at its scheduled time. Could be held in a traditional classroom, or delivered via distributed or e-Learning technologies.

 

Web Based Training (WBT) - Training which is delivered over a network (LAN, WAN or Internet). Can be either Instructor-led or Computer Based . Very similar to e-Learning , but it implies that the learning is in the professional or corporate level.