DR. CARL’S E-LEARNING SURGERY

Got an e-learning problem? Need a quick and dirty solution? You’ve come to the right place.

Acronym overload

Dear Dr. Carl,

I’m a new recruit in an e-learning development company and the team keep throwing acronyms and initialisms around like I’m supposed to know what they mean. I don’t suppose you could give me a handy crib-sheet so I can fake it ‘til I make it?

Dear Faker,

NP, I can do that ASAP. BRB... (LOL):

ADDIE: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation

A well-established instructional design model that provides a systematic process for creating effective training programs.

AICC: Aviation Industry CBT (Computer-Based Training) Committee

An early standard for e-learning content that specifies how it should be developed, delivered, and evaluated. It has largely been succeeded by SCORM and xAPI.

API: Application Programming Interface

A set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. In e-learning, APIs are crucial for integrating various learning tools and systems.

AR: Augmented Reality

An interactive experience of a real-world environment where computer-generated perceptual information is overlaid onto the physical world, enhancing learning by blending digital content with reality.

CBT: Computer-Based Training

Training or education that is delivered on a computer, typically offline. This was a precursor to modern web-based e-learning.

CMS: Content Management System

A software application used to create, manage, and store digital content. In e-learning, it’s used to organise and deliver course materials.

GBL: Game-Based Learning

The use of game elements and mechanics in a non-game context to engage learners and enhance their understanding and retention of information.

GUI: Graphical User Interface

A visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as windows, icons, and menus, making software more user-friendly.

ID: Instructional Design

The systematic process of designing, developing, and delivering instructional materials and experiences, both digital and physical.

ILT: Instructor-Led Training

A traditional training method where an instructor leads a class, either in a physical classroom or in a virtual, synchronous environment.

LMS: Learning Management System

A software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs.

LRS: Learning Record Store

A system that stores and manages learning records generated by xAPI. It acts as a repository for data about a wide range of learning experiences.

MOOC: Massive Open Online Course

An online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web. MOOCs are often offered by universities and companies.

SCORM: Shareable Content Object Reference Model

A set of technical standards for e-learning software products. SCORM tells programmers how to write their code so that it can “play well” with other e-learning software. It is the most widely used e-learning standard.

SME: Subject Matter Expert

An individual with a deep understanding of a particular job, process, department, or function. SMEs are often consulted in the development of e-learning content to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

VR: Virtual Reality

A simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. VR is used in e-learning to create immersive, hands-on training scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.

WBT: Web-Based Training

Training that is delivered over the internet or an intranet using a web browser. This is a common form of modern e-learning.

xAPI: Experience Application Programming Interface (also known as Tin Can API)

A newer e-learning specification that enables the tracking of a wide range of learning experiences, both online and offline. It offers more flexibility and data-gathering capabilities than SCORM.