Glossary - All e-learning terms explained

Updated on 3 May 2022 · 5 min read

E-Learning Glossary | Types of E-LearningE-Learning types glossary cover image

There are different types and terms in the field of e-learning. What's important is that e-learning should always be tailored to the target group and the content to be learned. The following text briefly explains the most important terms and types of e-learning.

video courses what is e-learning?Video courses

 

Many e-learning platforms have moved away from offering content only in text form. Video courses have become a very popular form of e-learning because content is conveyed in an understandable and engaging way.

What can you understand by video courses?

  • Videos created by experts that are available online at any time.
  • Many e-learning providers like Udemy, Skillshare or LinkedIn Learning offer video courses to customers. These courses are often divided into different lessons. Many e-learning platforms provide a comment function and downloadable materials. Direct contact with the instructor usually does not happen.
  • Videos can include animated text and graphic elements.

Providers of video courses are:

-Skillshare

-Udemy

-LinkedIn Learning , Zeit Akademie, Coursera  and more...

Podcasts

what is e-learning podcast image

Podcasts can also convey knowledge and are a more exciting way of learning than just reading dry texts. A big advantage of the podcast is that you can always listen to it in between, for example: on the train, in the office, shortly before falling asleep. There are already e-learning platforms that deal with summarizing the most important information from books in audio form.

Examples are:

Blinkist- The learning portal Blinkist summarizes the key statements of books as a 15-minute audio or short text.

Deutschlandfunk- Is a free podcast that creates quality content on topics like politics, culture, media, and many more. Deutschlandfunk is available via the website or via podcast apps.

GetAbstract- GetAbstract, similar to Blinkist, summarizes the content of nonfiction books and literary classics as a 10-minute audio.

MOOC-What are MOOCs?

The abbreviation MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course. This refers to online courses created for the general public. what are moocs

  • Massive in this case stands for a large number of participants and Open means that the online courses often have no admission restrictions. Registration and participation in a MOOC is free, only if you want an optional certificate at the end of the course you usually have to pay.
  • A MOOC consists of video courses, texts, (optional) online exams, and interaction with other participants.
  • Many top colleges and universities provide content for MOOCs, for example: Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and more.
  • MOOCs originated in the USA, so most online courses are only available in English. However, subtitles are often offered in many languages.
  • MOOCs are also interesting for companies. The platforms often offer a special function for continuing education of employees.

Providers of MOOCs: 

Coursera- Is the largest MOOC platform with over 200 million registered learners and several thousand courses. Coursera was founded in 2012 by two computer science professors from Stanford University. The online learning platform offers learning content from many well-known universities including: Stanford, Yale, University of California and (LMU) Munich….

edX- One of the largest MOOC platforms, with around 100 million learners by its own account, is edX. The online course platform shares knowledge from well-known universities like Harvard, Berkeley, Boston, and more.

Mobile Learning- Learning with your phone?

Mobile Learning is, as the name suggests, learning with mobile devices such as a tablet, laptop or smartphone. The knowledge is usually presented to the user via an app in small learning chunks. The learning content must be as small as possible so that you can take it in anytime on the go, e.g. in the waiting room.

Examples:

-Apps for vocabulary and language learning -The Quizlet app offers digital flashcards

-Apps of the e-learning platforms: Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn, Coursera

Computer-based Training (CBT)

Computer-based trainings are continuing education courses that, as the name suggests, take place locally on the PC. These trainings therefore do not take place online and require a CD-ROM, a USB stick or a DVD. CBTs are rarely used today; the internet has opened the gates to worldwide learning. Computer-based training has been replaced by web-based trainings.

Examples of CBT:

- Learning programs for learning English on the PC, on a CD-ROM

- Drawing course on a DVD

Web-based Training (WBT)

In contrast to computer-based training, WBT takes place over the internet. E-learning platforms additionally integrate comments, chat and rating functions into the web-based training. Content can be stored asynchronously on a server or played back synchronously, an example of this would be webinars.

The following types of e-learning fall under web-based trainings:

  • The already mentioned: video courses, MOOCs, online podcasts
  • Webinars- A webinar is a scheduled online course held by a teacher. Interaction with the teacher and participants is usually possible during the live seminar. Via the platform italki, users can, for example, book live courses with a language teacher.

Blended Learning- What is Blended Learning?

Definition of Blended Learning:

  • Blended Learning means literally „ mixed learning“ in German, it is also often referred to as „hybrid learning“ or „integrated learning“.
  • As the name suggests, blended learning is a „mix“ of face-to-face courses such as seminars and e-learning offerings such as online tutorials or quizzes.
  • Blended learning is intended to optimally combine the advantages of face-to-face courses and e-learning courses.

Examples of Blended Learning:

Blended learning is often used when practical skills and theoretical knowledge are required at the same time.

Examples:

The driver's license test- To prepare for the driver's license test, face-to-face phases help to gather practical knowledge and skills. E-learning offerings such as driving school apps help to learn theoretical knowledge using quizzes and videos.

First aid and occupational safety- Theoretical knowledge can be taught and tested using e-learning courses. Face-to-face phases in which practical skills are taught are essential.

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