This document defines key terms related to eLearning. It provides brief definitions and URLs for 18 terms: adaptive learning, big data, competency-based learning, computer-based training, connectivism, content curation, digital/virtual badges, DIY U, flipped classroom, game-based learning, gamification, hybrid learning, informal learning, MOOCs, OER, personalized learning assessment, student-generated content, synchronous learning, virtual classroom, and learning management system. The definitions are 1-2 sentences and summarize the key aspects of each term.

1. eLearing Glossary
Term
Brief Definition (paraphrased or restated NOT
copy/pasted)
URL of source site (where did
you find this definition?)
Adaptive Learning
computer-based or online educational system
allowing for the modification of educational
materials so that all students no matter their
ability can engage and interact with the
http://www.dreambox.com/ada
ptive-learning
Big Data
this is generated through different systems that
track different things that we are doing at any
given time on the internet. It allows you to
extract meaningful data to create better
http://www.ibm.com/big-
data/us/en/
Competency Based
Learning
This model moves away from the traditional
education model where students are taught
what the curriculum states, rather than tailoring
it to what each individual student needs to be
learning. Competency Based Learning allows
students to master skills at their own pace
http://www.ed.gov/oii-
news/competency-based-
learning-or-personalized-learning
Computer Based
Training
This type of training relies solely on using either
peronal or networked computers that allow you
to access training programs.
https://www.trainingindustry.co
m/taxonomy/c/computer-based-
training-(cbt).aspx
Connectivism
the idea that there should be a connection
between work experience, learning, and
knowledge, and that there should not be
separation between these areas. We learn
through social and cultural contexts, and should
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co
nnectivism
Content Curation
this is the act of sorting through lots of different
resources that can be found on the web and
tailoring it to being the most meaningful and
informative information for whatever type of
subject you are learning about. It doesn’t
include creating new content, but simply
harnessing content that is already circulating the
web and figuring out how best to categorize it
for your easy use.
http://blog.hootsuite.com/begin
ners-guide-to-content-curation/
Digital or Virtual
Badges
tokens used to demonstrate that students have
completed some type of task, or mastered a skill
associated with the learning that they are doing
in a course. Just as a physical badge signals
achievement, so do virtual badges.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di
gital_badge

2. DIY U
the idea that the future lies in personal learning
networks and that students are ultimately going
to have to create their own education to meet
their educational needs.
http://www.amazon.com/DIY-
Edupunks-Edupreneurs-
Transformation-
Education/dp/1603582347
Flipped Classroom
the employment of technology used outside of
the classroom (in a homework setting) where
students learn the lessons that were
traditionally taught by the teacher during the
class period, but now that class time is
employed as a time where students can get
individualized attention and help on information
they don’t understand. It allows for a more in-
depth interaction with the course material and
more student-teacher engagement.
http://www.knewton.com/flippe
d-classroom-2/
Game Based
Learning
game play that has clearly defined learning
outcomes. This model is designed to allow
students to reinforce learning taking place in the
classroom through a virtual world, where the
student is working toward a goal. It allows for
students to make mistakes in a risk-free setting
and keeps them engaged with what they are
learning and to be able to transfer what’s
learned in the simulation into real life settings.
http://edtechreview.in/dictionar
y/298-what-is-game-based-
learning
Gamification
the use of game thinking/design elements in
non-game contexts. The main purpose of
gamification is similar to game based learning,
because it is meant to keep the student engaged
with the material, while also promoting learning
and participation with their education.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ga
mification
Hybrid Learning
this occurs when a portion of a course that is
taught in the traditional face-to-face model is
replaced by some form of web-based online
learning.
https://blended.online.ucf.edu/a
bout/what-is-blended-learning/
Informal Learning
This can be any learning that is not happening in
a formal setting. It doesn't have a set objective
like learning outcomes, and the learner probably
doesn't even know they're learning when it is
taking place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inf
ormal_learning

3. MOOCs
Courses that are aimed at allowing students to
access courses in an open environment at a low
cost. It connects students to all types of
educational materials and creates a community
of learners all across the globe.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M
assive_open_online_course
OER (Open
Educational
Resources) -
these resources are public domain and available
under the intellectual property license that
allows people to use and re-purpose the
resources in a way that benefits them. This can
include all types of recourses from full courses
to streaming videos, tests, software, etc.
http://www.hewlett.org/progra
ms/education/open-educational-
resources
Personalized
Learning
Assessment
takes a look at learning that has occurred
outside of the traditional academic
environment. It allows learners to demonstrate
skills they’ve learned in other areas of their lives
and apply that to their education.
http://www.cael.org/pla.htm#W
hat Is Prior Learning Assessment
(PLA)?
Student-generated
Content
promotion of content that is created by and for
students. They are both the producers and the
consumers of the material. The teacher is
merely a facilitator, and the students take the
role of educating and collaborating with one
another to foster growth and learning.
http://studentgeneratedcontent.
weebly.com/
Synchronous
Learning
when learning, teaching and education are
occurring all at the same time, but are not
occurring in the same place. So, this includes
when students and professors could be logged
in at the same time for a web session, but are
not in the same place.
http://edglossary.org/synchrono
us-learning/
Virtual Classroom
A place where participants in a class can
communicate with one another in a
collaborative manner. EX: MOOC
http://www.learndash.com/char
acteristics-of-a-virtual-
classroom/
Learning
Management
System
This is asoftware application that allows for
learners to have their learning process planned,
implented and assessed.
http://searchcio.techtarget.com/
definition/learning-management-
system