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E-learning glossary: key terms explained
Find in one place the terms that come up when planning an online course, from SCORM and xAPI to ADDIE, microlearning and Bloom's taxonomy.
- 43 terms in alphabetical order
- Short definitions in plain language
- Links to related services and guides
- Useful for HR, L&D and academic coordinators
Benefits
Why choose Instruccionarte
Ask for what you need
Knowing what SCORM, xAPI or a simulation is helps you write clear and complete requirements.
Compare proposals
You can see what each quote includes and why one level of interactivity costs more than another.
Choose the right platform
Telling an LMS, an LXP and an LRS apart keeps you from buying a platform that doesn't fit your goal.
Set measurable objectives
Concepts such as Bloom or Kirkpatrick help you set goals and measure real results.
Review deliverables with confidence
You know what to expect from an instructional script or a storyboard and how to approve them.
A–B: from accessibility to Bloom's taxonomy
This e-learning glossary brings together the terms that come up most often when planning, quoting or evaluating an online course, explained in plain language and listed in alphabetical order.
Accessibility (WCAG)
WCAG accessibility means complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which aim to ensure that people with visual, hearing or motor disabilities can use a course. It includes subtitles, sufficient contrast, alt text and keyboard navigation.
Adaptive learning
Adaptive learning is an approach in which the course changes its content or path based on each participant's answers and performance.
ADDIE
ADDIE is a five-phase instructional design model: analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. It structures the project so that every decision serves a learning objective.
Asynchronous course
An asynchronous course is one that participants complete at their own pace, with no fixed schedule and no live instructor. It is the most widely used format in corporate training because it adapts to different shifts and locations.
Authoring tool
An authoring tool is software for creating interactive e-learning courses without programming, such as Articulate Storyline 360, Rise 360, Adobe Captivate or iSpring Suite. Compare them in our guide Storyline vs. Rise vs. Captivate.
Blended learning
Blended learning is a format that combines in-person sessions with online activities. For example, theory is studied online and practice takes place in the classroom or in the field.
Bloom's taxonomy
Bloom's taxonomy is a classification of thinking levels, from remembering to creating, used to write learning objectives and design matching assessments.
C–F: from cmi5 to formative assessment
cmi5
cmi5 is a specification that defines how an LMS launches and tracks courses that use xAPI. It combines the easy management of SCORM with the detailed tracking of xAPI.
E-learning
E-learning is learning delivered through digital media, usually over the internet and through a platform. It includes interactive courses, videos, assessments and collaborative activities.
Educational podcast
An educational podcast is episodic audio content designed to teach or reinforce a topic.
Feedback
Feedback is the message participants receive after an answer or activity, explaining why they got it right or wrong. Good feedback turns mistakes into learning.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is applied during the course to provide feedback and help learners improve, without necessarily counting toward the final grade.
G–I: from gamification to interactivity
Gamification
Gamification is the use of game elements, such as points, levels, badges or challenges, in a learning context to increase motivation. Learn about our gamification and simulations service.
H5P
H5P is an open-source tool for creating interactive content, such as presentations, timelines or videos with embedded questions.
Instructional design
Instructional design is the discipline that plans how content will be taught to achieve specific learning objectives. It defines the structure, activities, resources and assessment before the course is produced.
Instructional script (guion instruccional)
The instructional script is the document that describes, screen by screen, the text, images, interactions and narration of a course. It is the foundation the client reviews and approves before production.
Interactive video
An interactive video is a video that includes questions, buttons or decisions the participant must respond to while watching. See our educational video and audiovisual resources.
Interactivity
Interactivity is the degree to which participants take action within the course: clicking, dragging, deciding or simulating. The higher the interactivity, the greater the design and production effort.
K–L: from the Kirkpatrick model to LXP
Kirkpatrick model
The Kirkpatrick model is a framework for evaluating training at four levels: reaction, learning, behavior and results. It helps measure the real effect of a course beyond the grade.
Learning objective
A learning objective describes what participants will be able to do after completing the course, written with an observable verb. For example: "identify the hazards in their work area."
Learning path
A learning path is an ordered sequence of courses or modules assigned according to a person's role, level or goal. It is common in virtual employee onboarding programs.
LMS
An LMS, or learning management system, is the platform that publishes courses, enrolls users, tracks their progress and issues reports and certificates. Moodle is one of the most widely used. See our LMS implementation service.
LRS
An LRS, or learning record store, is the system that stores the activity statements sent via xAPI.
LXP
An LXP, or learning experience platform, is an environment that recommends content in a personalized way, much like a video streaming platform. It focuses more on discovery than on assigning courses.
M–Q: from m-learning to question bank
M-learning
M-learning is learning done on mobile devices such as phones or tablets. It requires responsive designs and content that reads well on small screens.
Microlearning
Microlearning is a strategy that breaks learning into short pieces, just a few minutes long, each focused on a single objective. It is ideal for reinforcing concepts. Learn about our microlearning service.
Moodle
Moodle is an open-source LMS widely used by universities, companies and government agencies. It lets you manage courses, users, assessments and certificates, and it supports SCORM packages.
Question bank
A question bank is a repository of assessment items from which the system draws questions at random. It allows each participant to receive a different exam and reduces cheating.
R–S: from rapid e-learning to SCORM
Rapid e-learning
Rapid e-learning is an agile production method that uses templates and authoring tools to create courses in less time. It works well for simple content or content that changes often.
Responsive
Responsive describes a course or website that automatically adapts its layout to the screen size, whether computer, tablet or phone.
Rubric
A rubric is a table of criteria and performance levels used to grade assignments or activities objectively.
SAM
SAM, or the Successive Approximation Model, is an agile instructional design method based on prototypes and short review cycles. It is an alternative to ADDIE when ideas need to be validated quickly.
SCORM
SCORM is a technical standard that packages a course so it works in any compatible LMS and reports progress, time and score. Learn more about SCORM courses.
S: from simulation to synchronous course
Simulation (simulator)
A simulation is a resource that recreates a real situation, such as a conversation with a customer or the use of a system, so learners can practice without risk.
Storyboard
The storyboard is the visual representation of a course's screens, with design sketches and the placement of text and images.
Summative assessment
Summative assessment is applied at the end of a module or course to verify whether the objectives were achieved. It usually determines whether the participant passes and receives a certificate.
Synchronous course
A synchronous course is one in which the instructor and participants meet in real time, for example in a video conference.
U–X: from Universal Design for Learning to xAPI
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning is a framework that proposes offering multiple ways of presenting content, engaging learners and letting them demonstrate what they have learned. Its goal is for the course to work for the widest possible diversity of people.
Usability
Usability is how easily a person can understand and navigate a course without needing instructions.
Virtual classroom (aula virtual)
A virtual classroom is the online space where a course's materials, activities, forums and assessments are organized. It usually lives inside an LMS and is the starting point when you move a course online.
Virtual tutor
A virtual tutor is the person who supports participants in an online course: answering questions, moderating forums, motivating learners and following up on their progress.
Webinar
A webinar is a live session broadcast over the internet, in which a speaker presents a topic and attendees participate via chat or questions.
xAPI
xAPI, also called the Experience API or Tin Can, is a standard that records learning experiences inside and outside the LMS, such as simulations or mobile activities, and stores them in an LRS.
If these terms are clear and you want to apply them to a project, our team can help you choose the format, standard and platform. Message us on WhatsApp at 935 078 563 or through the contact form, or learn about our e-learning consulting.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about E-learning glossary, answered
What's the difference between SCORM and xAPI?
SCORM packages courses so they work in an LMS and report progress and score. xAPI records a wider range of experiences, even outside the LMS, and stores them in an LRS. For most corporate courses, SCORM is still sufficient.
What's the difference between an LMS and an LXP?
An LMS manages assigned courses, enrollments and reports. An LXP focuses on recommending content based on each person's interests. Many organizations start with an LMS.
ADDIE or SAM: which is better?
ADDIE works well for projects with a clear scope and formal approvals. SAM is better when you need to test ideas quickly with prototypes. In practice, many teams combine both approaches.
Which is more useful: an instructional script or a storyboard?
They complement each other. The script defines content, interactions and narration; the storyboard shows what each screen will look like. Reviewing them before production avoids costly changes.
Does microlearning replace a full course?
Not always. Microlearning is ideal for reinforcement or answering specific questions, but a complex topic usually needs a structured course. Both can be combined within the same learning path.
Do my courses need WCAG accessibility?
It is a good practice so that more people can use the course, and some organizations require it in their policies. It's best to define the accessibility level at the start of the project.
Which authoring tool should I ask for?
It depends on the type of course, the level of interactivity and who will update it. Read our guide Storyline vs. Rise vs. Captivate to compare options.
Can you help me define my e-learning project?
Yes. In an initial conversation we review your goals, audience and platform to recommend formats and standards. Message us on WhatsApp at 935 078 563 or email contacto@instruccionarte.com.
Ready to go from terms to a project?
Tell us your training goal and we'll advise you on format, standard and platform.