The Ultimate Glossary of Elearning Terms

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Chris Dunne, Digital Marketing Manager

The elearning industry is particularly jargon heavy, which can make getting the whole picture a bit of a challenge when researching your next elearning investment.

At Learning Pool (formerly HT2 Labs) we love to break down barriers to learning, which is why we’ve curated this handy glossary of both technical & conceptual terms to help you become an expert in no time.

A

A/B Testing

In web analytics, A/B Testing is a controlled experiment with two variants [A and B]. It is a form of statistical hypothesis testing that allows the comparison of two versions of a single variable.

Adobe Captivate

An authoring tool that is used for creating elearning content in a quick and responsive fashion.

Adobe Flash

A multimedia software platform used to produce animations, applications and games, and is often used to create content for elearning.

Accessibility/DDA

Accessibility is a feature of online/digital training that optimizes content to help individuals with different impairments (e.g. a visual or hearing impairment).

It does this by supporting tools such as screen readers and screen magnifiers. It also does this by offering options such as text transcripts of videos.

Most organizations look to meet the W3C standards on accessibility.

Activity Profile API

Part of the wider xAPI specification, the Activity Profile API is used in any scenario where interaction between learners is required, such as collaboration, social or competition-type activities.

Activity Providers (AP)

The actual tools and courses that report Tin Can statements. A SCORM package is one example of an AP; an app which reports jog times is another.

Agent Profile API

Part of the wider xAPI specification, Agent Profile API deals with the definitions of agents (e.g. learners themselves) and can store documents across activities such as user settings, and personal documents such as a reflective learning journal, career plan or development goals.

Aggregation API

Allows you to compute aggregate statistics about existing table and column data

Agile 

A content/software development practice that aims to minimize development time through short, incremental projects focusing on very specific areas of the product in question. This way, alterations can be made and issues rectified as and when they appear before moving on to the next part of the overall project.

Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation & Evaluation (ADDIE)

ADDIE refers to a framework used to direct instructional designers and training developers when building effective online tools for learning, training and performance.

Application/App

A software program that runs on a computer. Web browsers, word processers, games and photo editors are all examples of applications. The term ‘application’ is often abbreviated to ‘app’ when describing software programs that are designed for mobile phones.

Application Programming Interface (API)

A set of functions and procedures that allow the creation of applications which access the features or data of an operating system, application, or other service.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Software that is capable of analyzing (both digital and real-world) stimuli to make informed, rational decisions to help perform its intended function.

In elearning, Artificial Intelligence can be used to make data driven decisions to optimize course content for an individual user, using data that is constantly being gathered around the user’s competencies, weaknesses, habits and behaviour. This predictive logic and analysis is exceptionally useful when helping maximize a user’s understanding of new concepts and ideas.

Articulate Storyline

An authoring tool that allows for the creation of interactive, animated elearning courses. Projects created with Storyline are presented using various media elements that are animated together, often using motion paths, to deliver a visually rich customized online course.

Asynchronous Learning

The ability for learners to access and consume an online course at different times. This is a core concept in elearning and Web Based Training (WBT) and allows a course to be delivered at a pace that suits each individual learner.

Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability (ACID)

A set of primary attributes ensured to any database transaction, as described in ISO/IEC 10026-1:1992 Section 4.

Augmented Reality (AR)

The addition of superimposed, computer generated interfaces, graphics or objects to a user’s vision, often delivered via camera enabled mobile hardware such as smartphones or digitally enhanced glasses/goggles to create a digitally altered view of the real world.

Authentic Learning

Refers to a wide variety of educational and instructional techniques focused on connecting what students are taught in school to real-world issues, problems, and applications.

Authoring Tool

Learning Pool Authoring is an authoring tool that allows you to create fully responsive, multi-device, HTML5 e-learning courses that display effectively on tablet devices and smartphones (as well as PCs and laptops).

With a deep scrolling approach, as opposed to clicking through a long list of pages, Learning Pool Authoring stands out from other authoring tools.

Learn more about Learning Pool Authoring here.

B

Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data that can be transferred across a connection.

You will often hear people talk about bandwidth when discussing their  internet connection speed.

This can be an important factor when considering your solution type as some locations may have low bandwidth or unreliable internet connections.

Blackboard

Blended learning is how we would describe an approach that combines different forms (modalities) of learning. For example, if a course utilises both face-to-face training and e-learning. Or, a course features different online learning elements (e.g. e-learning course, a learning game, and some support videos) to form a digital blend.

Blended Learning 

An educational syllabus that combines multiple media types with a combination of offline and online learning; often a blend of classroom environments and elearning.

Brinkerhoff Success Measures

A method for evaluating the success of a learning initiative, developed by Robert Brinkerhoff. This method uses 5 steps, working toward identifying the critical causal difference between successful learning and learning that was not successful.

Plan Evaluation  >  Create an ‘Impact Model  >  Conduct a Survey  >  Conduct Interviews  >  Collect and Analyze Data

Browser

A browser is a software application used to access information on the web suchs as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer and Safari.

Browsers can affect the way that content appears on screen so it’s important that you establish what browser your learners will be using to access the web.

C

Classroom Learning 

A style of learning delivery that typically adopts a traditional teacher/learner format. Although self directed learning methods are not at play in a classroom setting (with learning being directed by the teacher), each learner is often given an individual workstation.

Cloud Delivery

The delivery of software via the internet (usually accessed via a web browser) with no localized installations necessary.

cmi5

Part of the wider xAPI specification, cmi5 is essentially a set of rules providing all capabilities of SCORM of xAPI at the same time, and allows for SCORM-like data to be captured using xAPI.

Compliance Training

A form of training that employers are obligated to deliver to their employees to reduce the risk of health and safety or data security related incidents. Compliance training is often delivered using elearning.

Cognitive Presence

When used in the context of an online environment such as an elearning plaform, cognitive presence refers to the construction of meaning through sustained communication between users. This ultimately contributes to a higher order of knowledge on the subject in question through the collaborative accumulation of recorded ideas and solutions.

Cognitive Overload

Cognitive overload occurs when a learner is challenged with learning or memorising too much information at once. Or, when a learner is required to process too much information at once (e.g. trying to read something and listen to audio at the same time).

There are methods to minimising cognitive overload such as:

• keeping your learning simple
• break your learning into bite-size chunks
• change up your mode of delivery or presentation where possible.
• Avoid presenting competing information at the same time (e.g audio and text at the same time)

Collaborative Learning 

When a common learning task is undertaken by multiple learners, enabling them to benefit from one another’s skills, resources, experiences and evaluation.

Computer Based Training (CBT)

A general term describing the use of information technology in an educational/training context. This term also includes CMI (Computer Managed Instruction) and CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction).

Content Management System (CMS)

A system that facilitates the creation, organization and consumption of digital content. An LMS is likely to contain a CMS function, to allow the internal curation of educational content.

Corporate Open Online Course (COOC)

Similar to a OLX, a COOC is simply delivered in a corporate context for businesses of any size.

Courseware

A term used to describe software with an educational purpose.

Curation

The sourcing, organization and presentation of content or media. In elearning, the curation process is often a core part of creating online courses, in which a diverse range content is collated from internal and external sources. Curating learning content can drastically reduce the time taken to create an online course and enables course content to stay highly topical and relevant.

Custom Content 

In elearning, custom content refers to learning resources that is tailored to a specific audience and created with the company’s goals and objectives in mind in order to achieve their desired results.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

A digital operation that allows a company to profile, organize, value and communicate with their customers on a large scale.

D

Digital Learning Objects

A re-usable multimedia resource used to deliver a single learning outcome, often via a Learning Management System (LMS). Videos, quizes, animation, text/articles/reports, images, or audio clips are are examples of digital learning objects.

Differentiated Learning

A learning framework that aims to provide learners with different avenues to learning to best suit their individual needs. Various aspects of learning can be ‘differentiated’, including content, processes, assessment or the learning environment itself.

Directed Learning 

An instructor-initiated learning exercise, undertaken in a controlled environment and adherent to a pre-determined agenda or syllabus.

Distance Learning

This occurs when instructors/teachers are in a different geographical location to their students, and is facilitated through learning technology platforms. This type of learning can be delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous fashion.

E

Elearning / e-learning / eLearning

Elearning refers to the delivery and consumption of education content, as well as the analysis of learning performance as facilitated by information technology. Elearning has valuable application in both corporate and education environments through its ability to record and analyze rich data about user activity, engagement and competence through the xAPI.

E-Portfolio

The accumulation of evidence demonstrating an individual’s work, accomplishments, as hosted and displayed on a web-based or digital platform.

Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS)

An online system that provides learners/employees with a complete range of information, guidance, advice and assistance to enable maximum job performance with minimal intervention from others.

Experience Application Programming Interface (xAPI)

xAPI develops on existing API functions by recording data in a consistent format using a universally applicable vocabulary. Learning in both online and offline environments can be recognised and recorded using xAPI, which also allows for vastly different systems to communicate this learning data securely and efficiently.

The xAPI vocabulary format consists of an ‘Actor > Verb > Object’ structure. In simple terms, this may look like; John Smith > Completed > Learning Activity.

F

Face-to-Face Learning

Face-to-face learning refers to an environment in which both teacher and learner are physically present and able to converse naturally with no need for digital intervention. This is a traditional method and retains merit through ease of discussion, adaptability and engagement. However, face-to-face learning requires physical resources and can only be delivered on a small scale.

Flash

Flash is a multimedia software platform used to create animated and interactive web content and web applications.

Viewers need to download the Flash ‘plugin’ to view content created in Flash in their web browser.

The software is being deprecated at the end of 2020, which means it will become a thing of the past.

G

Gamification

Gamification is where elements of game design are used to enhance a learning experience. These are often seen in the form of offering challenges, fun narratives, points/scores, leaderboards, and rewards.

You can gamify real-world activities too, such as gamifying how sales people meet their targets.

Game-Based Learning

Game-based learning is where actual games are integrated into a learning experience to motivate learners and increase engagement.

In fact, an entire learning solution can be a game – for example a fun, online knowledge quiz competition.

Guerrilla Learning

An unstructured, unconventional and informal approach to learning built around the individual requirements of a learner. Learning content is sourced or curated on an ad hoc basis from the immediate learner’s environment. An example of this is solving a problem by searching for an instructional video on YouTube.

Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)

A set of numbers and letters in a standard format that can uniquely identify something in an application/system. A GUID usually looks like this: d2d2c1f9-5248-40ef-8add-65c1b81b5414.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A type of user interface that is built around graphical icons and visual indicators, such as windows, tabs, tiles & folders, as opposed to a purely text based interface.

H

HTML5 Package (H5P)

A free and open source content collaboration framework based on Javascript that aims for the creation and sharing of interactive HTML5 content. The framework consists of a web-based content editor that enables users to add and replace multimedia files and text content.

Hybrid Learning 

A similar concept to blended learning (which focuses on a blend of online and offline content), hybrid learning focuses on curating the right mix of all possible learning content regardless of whether it sits online or offline.

I

Identity Provider (IdP)

In a Single Sign On environment, the IdP is the service that holds the directory of users and is where authentication usually takes place; using a password or a set of other pre-determined credentials.

Informal Learning 

Learning that occurs outside of structured, planned learning initiatives. This learning often occurs naturally as an individual spends time in the appropriate environment, such as a new job.

Instructional Designer

Someone who creates learning content based on instructional learning theory and design principals.

Instructor Led Training (ILT)

Training that follows the traditional a ‘teacher/learner’ structure.

Internationalized Resource Identifier (IRI)

Similar to URIs and URLs, but able to use international characters and still be unique.

Interoperability 

The ability of software or hardware components to work together.

J

JavaScript

An object-oriented computer programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers.

JavaScript Object Notification (JSON)

A lightweight data-interchange format that’s both easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate.

K

Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model

A model designed to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of training in a team or organization. It consists of the following levels:

Reaction  >  Learning  >  Behaviour  >  Results

L

Learning Analytics

The measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of data accumulated during an online learning activity. Learning analytics allow for deep insight into the behaviors, competencies and experiences of learners in addition to accurately identifying areas for improvement in both the learner and the learning environment.

Learning Data

Information that is produced about an individual or group of learners during the completion of an online learning course. It is traditionally captured in the SCORM (see SCORM) format, with more recent elearning iniatives capturing learning data in the xAPI (see xAPI) format.

Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

A Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is a cloud-based learning solution that focuses on delivering a personalized user experience. Building on the foundations laid by the LMS, the LXP looks to curate and aggregate content, create learning/career pathways, and build on skills development in the workplace.

Learning Management System (LMS)

A software platform for the delivery and reporting of training courses or educational programs. In an LMS, learning content is centralized and can be made available to users 24/7, in addition to the tracking and analysis of learning data for enhanced performance and continued learner improvement. Content can be changed or upgraded directly with very minimal administrative resources needed.

Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI)

A standard of cross-system operability created by the IMS Global Learning Consortium. It exists to connect learning systems, such as the LMS, with external tools in a way that is standardized; enabling enhanced accessibility of learning content across many institutions.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

LDAP is used as a Single Sign On method in large organizations.

Learning Record Store (LRS)

A database that stores, manages and performs analysis on learning data. An LRS can be part of a Learning Management System (LMS) that supports the xAPI data format, or a standalone system.

A key example is Learning Pool LRS, the most widely installed LRS in the world.

M

Machine Learning 

The ability of computer programs to gather information and utilize it to make decisions without being explicitly programmed to do so. Personalized product or content recommendations in services such as Amazon or Netflix are a key example of machine learning.

Mahara

An open-source e-portfolio and social networking tool used in education institutions.

Massive Open Online Course (OLX)

An online course delivered to large numbers of users at any one time, OLXs can be applied for both corporate training and the delivery of educational content. In addition to the delivery of content, OLXs often facilitate collaborative discussion and interactions between students and teachers, or instructors and learners.

Microlearning 

A digital learning format where training is delivered in short, ‘bite-sized’ chunks related to specific learning objectives.

These chunks or modules are typically 10 minutes or less.

Micro-learning can be videos, animations, audio files, or e-learning.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

In product development, the minimum viable product (MVP) is a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and to provide feedback for future development.

Mobile learning

Mobile learning refers to any e-learning delivered on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.

The content is adapted to display effectively on different devices meaning it’s suitable for ‘on-the-go’ access.

Moodle

A free and open source Learning Management System widely used in education institutions. Moodle is vastly customizable with the use of plugins and allows for learning environments to be tailored for the specific needs of institutions

N

Near Field Communication (NFC)

The ability of two devices to wirelessly interact with each other and exchange data when placed in a near proximity. An example of near field communication is a contactless card payment.

Not SQL (NoSQL)

Typically refers to a type of database that is non-relational, but instead stores everything in a “document” format. For instance, Mongo is a NoSQL database.

O

Off-the-Shelf Content

Content that is designed and sold as is, with no personalization or modification, to a training provider. Often used in the case of compliance training, where universal rules and instruction are applicable.

Online Learning AKA: e-Learning, Digital Learning

This is any kind of training or resource delivered online.

This format allows learners to access it anytime and anywhere on an electronic device – PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone – and isn’t time or location bound like traditional classroom training.

Open Badges

An accomplishment recognition initiative developed by the Mozilla Foundation. ‘Open Badges’ refer to a method of packaging information about achievements and fulfilled goals which is embedded it into a portable image file; acting as a digital badge.

Open Source 

A piece of software with a source code that is freely available for the public to modify to suit their individual needs. Often, changes are shared and the software is collaboratively improved upon.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

A term often used in E-Learning as ‘OEM License’, referring to software that is sold to computer builders and hardware manufacturers (OEMs) in large quantities, for the purpose of bundling with computer hardware.

P

Personas

Personas (or Learner Personas) are considered and detailed profiles designed to reflect the goals, interests, education background and specific skills of learners. They are used by Instructional Designers to help understand their audience when designing courses or learning initiatives, ensuring courses are engaging and relevant to the end user.

Proximity Beacons 

The Proximity Beacon API is a cloud service that allows you to manage data associated with your Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons using a REST (see Representational State Transfer) interface. In elearning, proximity beacons can be used to designate ‘learning zones’, and deliver educational to content to people’s mobile devices once they have entered the designated zone.

Q

Quantified Self

Tracking and analyzing personal data in a numeric format to gain a deeper understanding of behaviors with a view to implementing changes and improvements.

R

Relation Database Management Service (RDBMS)

A relational database is a very typical database format which splits up data into different “tables” that can be “related” with IDs. SQL is a relational database.

Representational State Transfer (REST)

A software architecture style consisting of guidelines and best practices for creating scalable web services.

Responsive vs Adaptive

Responsive layout is designed to respond to the size of the browser window or device screen at any given point. Responsive content will resize dynamically based on the size of the browser window or device (so the content looks equally good on a PC and a smartphone).

Adaptive layout has a series of specific points of ‘sizes’ that the browser window or device screen will adhere to. The screen will not respond to resizing until it meets the dimensions of one of the smaller ‘sizes’

S

SCORM

SCORM is a development standard for tracking learner progress and assessment scores on e-learning courses.

It ensures that any SCORM-compliant e-learning course can be hosted on any SCORM-compliant Learning Management System (so customers have freedom on switching between different LMS systems, if they wish).

There are a few different versions of SCORM but most online courses and LMSs use SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004.

Secure Assertion Markup Language (SAML)

Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML, pronounced sam-el) is an XML-based, open-standard data format for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties – typically in the context of Single Sign On.

Self Directed Learning 

A learner-initiated learning exercise in which an individual recognizes their own learning needs, develops personal goals, identifies appropriate resources and evaluates their learning outcomes. This learning is performed independently without the guidance of an instructor.

Self Paced Learning 

When a learner is able to consume educational content at a rate which suits them, as facilitated by instructional design that allows the learner to control the rate of content delivery.

Semantic Analysis

In linguistics, semantic analysis is the process of relating syntactic structures, from the levels of phrases, clauses, sentences and paragraphs to the level of the writing as a whole, to their language-independent meanings.

Sentiment Analysis 

Sentiment analysis refers to the use of natural language processing, text analysis and computational linguistics to identify and extract subjective information in source materials.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

An agreement between a service provider and its customers that defines obligatory performance standards and which services will be provided during the working relationship.

Service Provider (SP)

In a Single Sign On environment, the SP is the service that talks to an IdP in order to get user information. Can be used in the context of SAML e.g. “Your Active Directory system will act as the SAML IdP, whereas Learning Pool Platform (formerly Curatr) will be the SAML SP”.

Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)

An XML-based framework used to define and access information about learning objects so they can be easily shared among different Learning Management Systems (LMSs).

Single Sign On (SSO)

An authentication service that allows users to sign into multiple platforms using a single set of credentials.

Situated Learning 

Learning that occurs in a classroom situation with specific physical and social contexts. Knowledge is facilitated by learners interacting with the setting.

Social Learning

A learning concept recognizing that undertaking training/educational courses in a collaborative forum in which ideas can be discussed and concepts freely explored contributes to much higher engagement and retention than more traditional teacher/learner environments.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software that is licensed to a company or individual on a subscription basis. SaaS has notable benefits, such as cost savings resulting from the absence of hardware installations, maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, SaaS products are easily scaled to suit the precise needs of the customer as the software is hosted externally by the vendor. This benefit extends to development and upgrades, as SaaS users can simply log on to a service that is consistently maintained.

Solutions Architect

Usually sitting within the solutions development team, a solutions architect is often responsible for the design of one or more applications or services within an organization. They help provide strategic direction in solving technical problems while working closely with clients and customers to ensure their specific product needs are met.

Spaced Learning 

Spaced practice is a method of delivering learning (reinforcing or rehearing learning) over an extended period of time with the end goal of reducing the forgetting curve (discovered by Ebbingaus).

An example would be an individual being prompted to test themselves at various points to see if they can still recall information.

Though it’s quite long, this video featuring Will Thalheimer offers great insight into the theory of spaced practice.

SPOC

Small Private Online Courses

State API

Part of the wider xAPI specification, State API allows learning activities without their own database to store some basic bookmarking data or settings.

Statement API

Statement API is essentially the heart of ‘Tin Can’ (xAPI) and deals with the tracking and reporting of learning activities.

Storyline

Storyline is an authoring tool used to create interactive e-learning courses. It enables sophisticated levels of interactivity including game-based solutions and gamification elements. It also allows varied and engaging multimedia presentation of content.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

A standardized language used in database management. Various versions exist: MSSQL, MySQL, SQLite.

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

A person with a high level of authority and expertise in a certain field of application. Not to be confused with the common usage of ‘SME’ when referring to a Small/Medium Enterprise.

Successive Approximation Model (SAM)

An Instructional Design Model that has been introduced as an alternative to ADDIE (see ADDIE). Although like ADDIE it emphasizes collaboration, efficiency and repetition, SAM is a more cyclical process which can be scaled and extended to suit varying needs.

Synchronous Learning 

A course structure that dictates that learners must access and consume an online course simultaneously, regardless of geographical location. Synchronous learning allows for real time interaction among instructors and learners, whereas Asynchronous learning does not.

T

Talent Management System (TMS)

HR focused software that facilitates four key areas of talent management: Recruitment, Performance Management, Learning and Development, and Compensation Management. It develops on traditional HR management systems with the ability to provide strategic assistance to organizations when meeting long term, human capital focused business goals.

Technical Architect

A technical architect is generally responsible for defining the overall structure of a program or system, identifying the technical needs of their organization and those of their clients, and completing large scale projects. They are also responsible for testing systems to satisfy quality standards.

Tin Can

Commonly used to refer to the (experience) xAPI.

U

Urchin Tracking Module (UTM)

A UTM code is a simple code that you can attach to a custom URL in order to track a source, medium, and campaign name. This enables Google Analytics to tell you where searchers came from as well as which campaign directed them to you.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

The last phase of the software testing process. During UAT, actual software users test the software to make sure it can handle required tasks in real-world scenarios, according to specifications.

Unique User Identifier (UUID)

An identifier unique to a user in a system. Commonly will take the GUID format.

V

Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA)

VUCA is an acronym for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. These terms refer to unfavourable business environments that sometimes cannot be avoided. For instance, a business that operates globally is subjected to vastly varied regulations, values, cultures, currencies and markets; which can be considered a complex environment.

Video Learning 

The delivery of learning content via video. Considered an effective method, elearning videos are designed to be short, engaging and thought provoking in order to maintain the attention of the audience.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

A web based platform to organize resources, courses and users, often within an educational institution.

Virtual Reality (VR)

The computer generated construction of a 3D environment that can be interacted with by a user, often with a headset and/or gloves fitted with sensors to allow for the realistic interaction and manipulation of objects. Virtual reality has application in online compliance training as it can safely simulate dangerous scenarios.

W

Waterfall

The waterfall approach is a linear process where a project is completed in clearly defined, pre-planned stages. In online learning, the stages are typically: Analysis, Design, Development, Deploy and Evaluate.

Using this method, the working product is delivered only at the end of the project, all in one go. It is a good method for allowing effective planning and risk-control, but is not as quick as Agile methods.

Wearables

Wearables refer to hardware that can be worn and interacted with on the body. Examples include smart watches, fitness trackers, pedometers and smart glasses.

Web Based Training (WBT)

Delivery of learning content via a web-based application or internalized intranet. Content may be hosted within a web-based application (such as an LMS), or retrieved from external sources to allow a diverse and up-to-the-minute consumption of learning content.

Webinar 

An online workshop, in which an individual or multiple people ‘host’ a session which is then broadcast to participants. The host will ‘share’ their screen to all participants, enabling them to explore subjects and dictate learning visually, and in real time. Webinars are often used for software demonstrations and are a common communications tool in the elearning industry.

X

xAPI (Tin Can)

xAP (the eXperience API) is the next evolution of the SCORM standard.

It tracks and records learners undertaking a wide range of learning activities (e.g. listening to a podcast, taking e-learning, reading a web page).

It can offer more detailed tracking than SCORM, and does not simply record ‘completion’ or assessment scores. This enables it to provide a more detailed record of individuals’ learning.

360 Video

360 video is a fully immersive, spherical video used to capture footage in every direction. It is shot using an omnidirectional camera and when viewed offers an entirely panoramic experience. The viewer can move the ‘point of view’ of the video by touching (or clicking on) the video and moving it around.

The Discovery Channel has created a great example of this showcasing a rollercoaster ride. Click here to watch.