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Training Glossary
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Accelerated Learning: A broad, eclectic concept of learning that incorporates the physical, social, and psychological environments. It includes methods that are fun for the learner and promote participation and involvement.
Adult Learning Principles: Ideas and methods which can be built into training programs that give incentive to adults to learn, and ensures that activities are based on learners' needs and interests.
Affective Learning: Training related to changes in emotions, feelings, values, and attitudes.
Andragogy: The discipline of teaching adults; how adults learn and use new skills and knowledge.
Asynchronous Learning: Learning in which interaction between instructors and students occurs intermittently with a time delay. Examples are self-paced courses taken via the Internet or CD-ROM, Q&A mentoring, online discussion groups, and email.
Audio conferencing: Voice-only connection of more than two sites using standard telephone lines.
Authoring tool: 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.
Bit: The most basic unit of information on a computer. In accordance with binary code, each bit is designated as either a 1 or a 0; all other information stored on the computer is composed of combinations of bits.
CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction): The use of a computer as a medium of instruction for tutorial, drill and practice, simulation, or games. CAI is used for both initial and remedial training, and typically does not require that a computer be connected to a network or provide links to learning resources outside of the course. See also CBT.
CBT (Computer Based Training): An umbrella term for the use of computers in both instruction and management of the teaching and learning process. CAI (computer-assisted instruction) and CMI (computer-managed instruction) are included under the heading of CBT. Some people use the terms CBT and CAI interchangeably.
Closed Question: Also called a two-way question, where the respondent is given only two choices, usually yes or no.
Competencies: The skills and knowledge required by an individual to perform a task, job, or role.
Computer-Based Training: The trainee receives instruction, makes responses, and receives feedback via interaction with a computer.
Diaries: A means of reinforcing the significance of new learning and increasing the likelihood of application back on the job.
Digital Divide: The gap that exists between those who can afford technology and those who cannot
Discovery Learning: The learner-centered approach to training where trainees are encouraged to discover new skill and knowledge and manage their own learning.
Discussion Boards: Forums on the internet or an intranet where users can post messages for others to read.
Distance Learning: The desired outcome of distance education. The two terms are often used interchangeably.
Dyad: Two participants working together as a pair in a training situation.
Education: A field in Human Resource Development that provides employees with knowledge and/or skill for employment positions in the medium term future.
E-Learning: Term covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet/extranet (LAN/WAN), audio-and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more.
Evaluation: Any systematic method for gathering information about the impact and effectiveness of a learning offering. Results of the measurements can be used to improve the offering, determine whether the learning objectives have been achieved, and assess the value of the offering to the organization.
Experiential Learning: Synonymous with discovery learning where the trainees learn from their instructional or personal experiences.
Extranet: A local-area network (LAN) or wide-area network (WAN) using TCP/IP, HTML, SMTP, and other open Internet-based standards to transport information. An extranet is only available to people inside and certain people outside an organization, as determined by the organization.
F2F (face-to-face): Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment. Also see ILT.
Fishbowl: A modification of the discussion in which a large group is divided into two smaller groups. The "inner" circle discusses an issue or does an exercise while the "outer" circle observes and then offers observations or feedback.
Flip Chart - Newsprint: A visual aid in a classroom which consists of an easel and pad of paper.
GB (gigabyte): Just over one billion bytes. 1,000 megabytes.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The programming language used to create documents for display on the World Wide Web.
Human Resource Development: A term coined by Leonard Nadler to describe the organized learning experiences, such as training, education, and development, offered by employers within a specific timeframe to improve employee performance or personal growth. 2). Another name for the field and profession sometimes called training or training and development.
Hypermedia: Applications or documents that contain dynamic links to other media, such as audio, video, or graphics files.
Hypertext: A system for retrieving information from servers on the Internet using World Wide Web client software. Hypertext consists of key words or phrases in a WWW page that are linked electronically to other Webpages.
In-Basket: Prepared items are given to the trainees as if arriving in their in-baskets. Trainees must prioritize, make decisions, handle any difficulties, respond to time deadlines and pressure, etc., in order to get the workload completed.
Instructional Analysis: The process of analyzing the program objective in order to determine the skills and knowledge required to meet the objective.
Instructional Design: The overall process of designing training programs beginning with the identification of training needs through to the evaluation of the training program.
Instructional Style Assessment: A questionnaire used by instructors to assess their leadership style.
40. Instructional System Development: A five-phase approach to the design of training programs: Planning, Analysis, Design, Development, and Evaluation.
Instructional Technique: A means of complementing a method of instruction, e.g. questioning or audio-visual aids.
Intranet: A LAN or WAN that's owned by a company and is only accessible to people working internally. It is protected from outside intrusion by a combination of firewalls and other security measures.
Journal: Usually a written record or diary of one's feelings and perceptions while undergoing a training experience in order to give insight into behavior.
KB (kilobyte): 1,024 bytes
Knowledge: the required information that a learner should posses in order to perform a task.
LAN (Local area network): A group of personal computers and/or other devices, such as printers or servers, that are located in a relatively limited area, such as an office, and can communicate and share information with each other.
Learning Environment: The physical or virtual setting in which learning takes place.
Learning Objective: A statement establishing a measurable behavioral outcome, used as an advanced organizer to indicate how the learner's acquisition of skills and knowledge is being measured.
Learning Style: The ways in which individuals prefer to learn can be categorized into:
•Dependent or leader centered
•Independent or learner centered
•Collaborative where leaders and learners work together.
Link: The result of HTML markup signifying to a browser that data within a document will automatically connect with either nested data or an outside source. Used in the design of hypertext.
LMS (Learning management system): Software that automates the administration of training. The LMS registers users, tracks courses in a catalog, records data from learners; and provides reports to management. An LMS is typically designed to handle courses by multiple publishers and providers. It usually doesn't include its own authoring capabilities; instead, it focuses on managing courses created by a variety of other sources.
Logistics: The details of an activity with regards to materials equipment, and personnel required to complete the activity.
Mathetics: A method of self-paced instruction which consists of three phases: presentation of material, prompting the learner in application, and releasing the learner to achieve the objective without assistance.
MB (megabyte): 1,048,576 bytes, often generically applied to 1,000,000 bytes as well.
Mental Imagery: A process of relaxing and imagining yourself performing a task properly. Repeated mental rehearsal is a supplement or replacement for actual practice.
Mind Mapping: A technique used to aid in creative thinking where notes are taken in a random, non-linear fashion based on the way the mind thinks. Also called a thinking tree.
Mirror Technique: A type of role-play in which another player stands behind the role player and acts as an alter ego to expand upon or reveal feelings not expressed by the player. Also known as doubling.
Multimedia: Encompasses interactive text, images, sound, and color. Multimedia can be anything from a simple PowerPoint slide show to a complex interactive simulation.
Needs Assessment: Is a way of measuring the difference between required performance and actual performance that indicates a performance deficiency.
Networking: The way in which participants of a training program maintain contact with each other for various purposes after the program ends.
Open-Ended Questions: A question that requires more than a "yes" or "no" answer.
PDF (portable document format): File format developed by Adobe Systems to enable users of any hardware or software platform to view documents exactly as they were created--with fonts, images, links, and layouts as they were originally designed.
Psychomotor Skills: Skills that require hand-eye coordination and physical demonstration.
Pygmalion Effect: The affect on human performance that results when a person is being observed while performing a task. Performance tends to be that which is expected by the observer, i.e. a self-fulfilling prophecy.
RAM (random access memory): Temporary storage built into a computer system that functions as a "workspace" for data and program instructions.
Redirected Question: A question that the instructor has been asked and decides not to answer himself/herself. The instructor asks the group or an individual to answer the question instead.
Return on Investment: The result of a cost-benefit analysis. By dividing the cost of a training program (investment) into the anticipated program benefits (increased productivity), the resulting figure is the return on investment the organization will receive.
RIO (reusable information object): 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, (Pronounced "REE-O").
RLO (reusable learning object): A collection of RIOs, overview, summary, and assessments that supports a specific learning objective. (Pronounced "R-L-O")
Round Robin Role-Play: A role-play exercise involving different participants playing different roles. At various intervals, the participants switch roles so that each has the opportunity to play each role.
Scaled Questions: A question that asks respondents to select numbers or words on a scale to express their opinion.
SCORM (Sharable Content Reference Model): A set of specifications that, when applied to course content, produces small, reusable learning objects. A result of the Department of Defense's Advance 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.
Sensitivity Training: A rather intense interpersonal experience in which trainees interact together to learn about their own behavior and feelings. A highly specialized method that often comes close to being a form of mild therapy.
Server: A computer with a special service function on a network, generally to receive and connect incoming information traffic.
Standard: An e-learning specification established as a model by a governing authority such as IEEE (link) or ISO [link} to ensure quality, consistency, and interoperability.
Streaming media: Audio or video files played as they are being downloaded over the Internet instead of users having to wait for the entire file to download first. Requires a media player program.
Template: A predefined set of tools or forms that establishes the structure and settings necessary to quickly create content.
Threaded Discussions: A series of discussions on a particular topic posted in a discussion forum.
Training Advisory Committee: A non-directive group, usually representing a cross-section of the organization, that acts to link organizational goals to training initiatives.
Training Needs Analysis: The process of determining whether training is required to solve job performance problems by gathering information, performance analysis, and cost benefit analysis.
Transfer of Learning: The learner using the skills and knowledge received in training back on the job.
Tutorial: A one-on-one process in which a skilled person assists an unskilled person to learn via demonstration and practice followed by guidance and feedback. It takes place in a training environment rather than on the job. The skilled person can either be the leader or an advance trainee.
URL (uniform resource locator): The address of a page on the World Wide Web. For example, http://www.girlscouts.org
Validity: In training needs analysis, testing, or a pilot course, the assurance that accurate information is collected.
Videoconferencing: Using video and audio signals to link participants at different and remote locations.
Virtual classroom: The online learning space where students and instructors interact.
WBT (Web-based training): Delivery of educational content via a Web browser over the public Internet, a private intranet, or an extranet. Web-based training often provides links to other learning resources such as references, email, bulletin boards, and discussion groups. WBT also may include a facilitator who can provide course guidelines, manage discussion boards, deliver lectures, and so forth. When used with a facilitator, WBT offers some advantages of Instructor-led training while also retaining the advantages of computer-based training.
Webinar: A small synchronous online learning event in which a presenter and audience members communicate via text chat or audio about concepts often illustrated via online slides and/or an electronic whiteboard. Webinars are often archived as well for asynchronous, on-demand access.
Whip: A method used in training to illicit quick responses from participants.
Whiteboard: An electronic version of a dry-erase board that enables learners in a virtual classroom to view what an instructor, presenter, or fellow learner writes or draws. Also called a smartboard or electronic whiteboard.
Whole Brain Learning: The left and right hemispheres of the brain perform different functions. Whole brain learning involves both sides of the brain to produce better learning.
Zip file: 1) A file that has been compressed, often with the Zip format originated by PKWARE. 2) A file on a Zip disk, not necessarily compressed. 3) A compressed file with the EXE extension that is self-extracting (can be unzipped simply by opening it).
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