eLearning has always been on the forefront of innovation. The industry is constantly evolving and changing to meet the challenges of new learners and upcoming generations. The terms used last year have given way to new terms, new abbreviations, and a whole lot of confusion as industry leaders opt to use this jargon without explaining what any of it actually means. IoT? IoE? IOU, one explanation of the new eLearning industry terms. So, here’s this year’s eLearning glossary.
AR (Augmented Reality)- Augmented reality is the integration of digital information with the user’s environment in real time. Unlike virtual reality, which creates a totally artificial environment, augmented reality uses the existing environment and overlays new information on top of it.
Google glass is an example of an augmented reality product. So are the heads-up displays that show up on car windshields.
IoE (Internet of Everything)- The Internet of Everything (IoE) is a concept that extends the Internet of Things (IoT) emphasis on machine-to-machine (M2M) communications to describe a more complex system that also encompasses people and processes. The concept of the Internet of Everything originated at Cisco, who defines IoE as “the intelligent connection of people, process, data and things.” The IoE concept includes, machine-to-machine communications, machine-to-people and technology-assisted people-to-people interactions.
IoT (Internet of Things)- The Internet of things (IoT) is the inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as “connected devices” and “smart devices”), buildings, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to collect and exchange data.
Machine learning- Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides computers with the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. In eLearning, this refers to a program that self-adjusts to the learner based on algorithms. If the questions in a course are easily being answered, harder questions would be asked. Conversely, if the questions being answered are repeatedly failed, easier questions would be asked.
Micro learning– Microlearning is a way of teaching and delivering content to learners in small, very specific bursts. Microlearning aims to get people the exact information they need, when they need it. The parts are quicker than a traditional eLearning course and there are lots of benefits including putting learners in control of what and when they’re learning, providing just-in-time training.
Mobile First- The mobile-first approach is designing for the smallest screen and working your way up. It is one of the best strategies to create either a responsive or adaptive design. Mobile responsive design is an approach to web or program design aimed providing easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones and tablets.
VR (Virtual Reality)-Virtual reality is the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, or numerous other VR headsets. Today, lower cost technology has meant that virtual reality can be delivered through standard Android or iPhone mobile devices. You can now create truly immersive experiences for your users, using only an app installed on a mobile device inside the VR headset, or users can access from a desktop/laptop or over the web.
xAPI (Experience API)- xAPI, is an e-learning software specification that allows learning content and learning systems to speak to each other in a manner that records and tracks all types of learning experiences. In short, it provides a way to store and retrieve records about learners and share that data across platforms. With xAPI you can track classroom activities, usage of performance support tools, participation in online communities, mentoring discussions, performance assessment, and actual business results. The goal is to create a full picture of an individual’s learning experience and how that relates to her performance.
Was this eLearning glossary helpful? Check out our previous posts for more eLearning terms defined:
eLearning Glossary: Definitions for the Most Commonly Used Terms
eLearning Glossary Part 2: More Commonly Used Terms
Ready to find out what Digitec can do for you?
