Table 2.

Definitions of some common terms related to e-Learning

e-Learning. Learning and teaching that is computer-based and usually self-paced, and happens at a time and location of the learner's choosing, rather than as a single event at a fixed time provided by the teaching institution.

Learning objects (LOs). A unit of learning content that lasts a few minutes for the learner, containing content in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video or audio. LOs are usually self-contained packages of learning that have a clear educational purpose and can be undertaken independently from other learning content. LOs are often reusable in different contexts for multiple learning purposes. LOs can be aggregated into larger collections of content that might form traditional course structures. LOs are tagged with metadata to facilitate their identification, storage and retrieval. A free worldwide repository for learning objects is available at http://www.merlot.org.

Metadata. The data used to describe or ‘tag’ LOs so that they can be identified by search engines or learning management systems. Metadata will typically include the learning objectives, the pre-requisites that the learner must have before undertaking the learning object, the learning topic and its place in the curriculum, language, descriptive text, version, instructional content (e.g. text, web pages, images, animation, audio, video), the level of interactivity required of the learner and any technical requirements to view it.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). A system designed to support e-Learning that enables learners to access learning content through a single, consistent, and intuitive interface. It usually requires learners to identify themselves at login so that their usage and performance can be monitored, their optimal learning pathway (curriculum) and assessments can be signposted, any earned credits recorded, and access rights controlled. The VLE will normally provide interactive LOs organized into modules and courses, reference resources, access to an on-line library, links to outside learning resources, self-assessments, podcasts (series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication), wikis (collections of articles that multiple users can add to and edit freely on-line), blogs (web logs; web site entries that are updated with new content from time to time), questionnaires and discussion boards.

Blended learning. A mixture of traditional lectures, tutorials, practical and clinical activities with e-Learning approaches (e.g. a lecture is supplemented by an on-line tutorial).

Learning Management System (LMS). A similar concept to a VLE but with a greater emphasis on management of the learning process. The LMS will record learner activities and might serve to enforce specific learning pathways and ensure they are completed before progression. Common examples include Moodle, ctools and Blackboard.

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). A collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-Learning that have been created to maximize the compatibility of LOs with host VLEs and LMSs.