Terminology

Authoring tool:
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
A software application which allows individuals to create their own e-Learning content, without needing to have programming skills. Such tools often use a template approach or a metaphor (book, form, timeline, flow chart, etc.) to support the content creation process. Well-known
general purpose authoring tools include Authorware, ToolBook and Quest. Many other more specialized authoring tools also exist, including tools built into learning management systems or learning content management systems.

Authoring tool:
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
A software application or program used by trainers and instructional designers to create e-learning courseware. Types of authoring tools include instructionally focused authoring tools, Web authoring and programming tools, template-focused authoring tools, knowledge capture systems, and text and file creation tools.

Blended learning:
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
Learning events or programs which combine two or more delivery strategies to provide a more integrated and effective learning experience. A common blended learning approach in the business skills area is to provide instruction on basic concepts and principles via self-paced online learning modules, followed by classroom training to provide opportunities for practicing skills in a simulated, group context.

Collaboration tools:
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
This term is often used to refer to the asynchronous and synchronous tools integrated with learning management systems to support collaborative learning. Asynchronous tools include threaded discussion groups and e-mail, while synchronous tools include virtual classroom platforms, "whiteboarding", online chat and application sharing.

Collaboration technology:
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
Software, platforms, or services that enable people at different locations to communicate and work with each other in a secure, self-contained environment. May include capabilities for document management, application sharing, presentation development and delivery, whiteboarding, chat, and more.

Computer Supported Learning Resources (CSLR)
http://www.e-learningguru.com/gloss.htm
The parts of a e-learning product other than those that instruct, test, or track progress. These include glossaries, bulletin boards and chats, bibliographies, databases, etc.

Content Management System (CMS):
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
Content Management Systems (CMS) are used to store and subsequently find and retrieve large amounts of data. Content management systems work by indexing text, audio clips, images, etc., within a database. In addition, CMSs often provide version control and check-in/check out capabilities. Using robust built-in search capabilities, users can quickly find a piece of content from within a database by typing in keywords, the date the element was created, the name of the author, or other search criteria. Content management systems are often used to create information portals for organizations and can serve as the foundation for the practice of knowledge management. They can also be used to organize documents and media assets. For example, a newspaper agency may use a content management system to provide an archive of every story ever written for the paper. Likewise, they might use the CMS to provide an extensive library of photographs that are reusable for future stories.

CMS (content management system):
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
A centralized software application or set of applications that facilitates and streamlines the process of designing, testing, approving, and posting e-learning content, usually on WebPages. Integrated Learning System (ILS): (Source: ASTD, 2003) A complete software, hardware, and network system used for instruction. In addition to providing curriculum and lessons organized by level, an ILS usually includes a number of tools such as assessments, record keeping, report writing, and user information files that help to identify learning needs, monitor progress, and maintain student records.

Interoperability: (source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
The ability of hardware or software components to work together effectively. Interoperability among e-Learning content and software products is the goal of SCORM, IMS and AICSS standards efforts.

Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative (ADL)
http://www.adlnet.org
A collaborative effort between the U.S. government, industry and academia to establish a new distributed learning environment that permits the interoperability of learning tools and course content on a global scale.

Advanced Learning Infrastructure Consortium (ALIC)
http://www.alic.gr.jp/eng/index.htm
A collaborative effort between the Japanese government, industry and academia to provide a learning environment which enables anyone to learn anytime and anywhere, according to the goals, pace, interests, understanding of individuals and groups.

Aviation Industry CBT Committee (AICC)
http://www.aicc.org
An aviation industry consortium creating guidelines for the development, delivery, and evaluation of technology-based learning.

CEN/ISSS Learning Technology Workshop
http://www.cenorm.be/isss/workshop/lt
An activity funded by the European Commission to encourage the development and effective use of standards for learning technologies in Europe.

Customized Learning Experience Online Lab (CLEO Lab)
http://www.cleolab.org
A consortium defining common profiles of open specifications and standards appropriate for commercial providers of business-oriented learning content.

IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee (IEEE LTSC)
IEEE LTSC Website: http://ltsc.ieee.org
An accredited standards body developing standards, recommended practices and guides for learning technology.

IMS Global Learning Consortium (IMS)
http://www.imsglobal.org
A consortium developing and promoting open specifications for facilitating online distributed learning activities.

ISO/IEC JTC1 SC36
http://jtc1sc36.org
An international, accredited standards body focused on information technology for learning, education, and training.

Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF)
http://www.sifinfo.org. A consortium developing an open specification for ensuring that K-12 instructional and administrative software applications work together more effectively.

Knowledge management
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
Refers to a wide range of practices aimed at capturing, organizing and storing the knowledge and experiences of individuals and groups within an organization and making it available to others in the organization.

Learning Content Management System (LCMS)
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
A Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is an environment where developers can create, store, reuse, manage and deliver learning content from a central object repository, usually a database. LCMSs generally work with content that is based on a learning object model. These systems usually have good search capabilities, allowing developers to quickly find the text or media needed to build training content. LCMSs often strive to achieve a separation of content - which is often tagged in XM -, from presentation. This allows many LCMSs to publish to a wide range of formats, platforms, or devices such as print, Web, and even Wireless Information Devices (WID) such as Palm and Windows CE handhelds, all from the same source material.

LCMS (learning content management system)
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
A software application (or set of applications) that manages the creation, storage, use, and reuse of learning content. LCMSs often store content in granular forms such as learning objects.

Learning Management System (LMS)
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
A Learning Management System (LMS) is software that automates the administration of training events. All learning management systems manage the log-in of registered users, manage course catalogs, track learner activities and results, and provide reports to management. An LMS may or
may not include additional functions such as: Authoring of content, Management of classroom training, Instructors and resources, Competency management, Management of certification or compliance training, and Learner collaboration tools (mentoring, chat, discussion groups, etc.).

Learning Service Provider (LSP)
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
A specialized service offering learning management and training delivery software on a hosted or rental basis.

Portal
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
A Website that acts as a doorway to the Internet or a portion of the Internet, targeted towards one particular subject.

Reusable Learning Object (RLO)
(Source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
Reusable Learning Objects (LO), also called Learning Objects or Sharable Content Objects (SCO), are not really a set technology, but rather a philosophy for how content can be created and deployed. Learning objects refer to self-contained chunks of training content that can be assembled with other learning objects to create courses and curricula, in much the same way a child's Lego blocks are assembled to create all types of structures. Learning objects are designed to be used in multiple training contexts, aim to increase the flexibility of training, and make updating courses much easier to manage. Update a part of a learning object, and the change should appear in any course using that learning object. The size of a learning object differs based on the instructional designer, from as small as a single page of content to as large as is required to contain an objective, presentation material, a practice section, and an assessment. The current SCORM specifications provide a more precise, yet flexible, definition of what a learning object should be.

Reusable Information Object (RIO)
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
A collection of content, practice, and assessment items assembled around a single learning objective. RIOs are built from templates based on whether the goal is to communicate a concept, fact, process, principle, or procedure. A Reusable Learning Object is a collection of RIOs, overview, summary, and assessments that supports a specific learning objective.

SCORM
(source: Brandon Hall, 2003)
The Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a set of specifications that, when applied to course content, produces small, reusable learning objects. A result of the Department of Defense's Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative, SCORM-compliant courseware elements can be easily merged with other compliant elements to produce a highly modular repository of training materials. The SCORM specifications integrate specification from both AICC and IMS.

Sharable Content Objects (SCO)
See Reusable Learning Objects above

Simulations
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
Highly interactive applications that allow the learner to model or role-play in a scenario. Simulations enable the learner to practice skills or behaviors in a risk-free environment.

Student Information System (SIS)
(Source: Insignia, 2003)
A Student Information System is a comprehensive student data management system including, e.g., registration, course work and achievement, alerts (e.g.,, custody, health), biography, discipline, fees, scheduling, contacts.

Virtual classroom
(Source: ASTD, 2003)
The online learning space where students and instructors interact.