Use the letters below to navigate between different parts of the glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Adaptive learning

A Knowledge Management term that is also referred to as Single-loop learning. It is employed to describe the use of knowledge to solve problems based on existing assumptions. Double-loop learning goes a step further and questions the assumptions in order to create new insights.

For example, using single-loop methods to answer the question ‘What eLearning strategy should an organization adopt?’ would involve identifying the different types of eLearning that an organization could utilize. From these you would then identify the most appropriate.

The notion of what eLearning itself is would be questioned in a double-loop learning approach. This would be used to generate potentially novel or original answers to the question.

ADL

(Advanced Distributed Learning) U.S. Department of Defense initiative whose goal is to achieve interoperability across computers and eLearning courseware. This is based on the development of a common technical framework that houses training content. This is stored as learning objects. Click here to learn more.

AICC

(Aviation Industry Computer-based Training Committee) An international association representing technology based training professionals in the aviation industry. The AICC is chiefly known for developing sets of interoperability standards for computer-mediated training in both the aviation and other industries. AICC compliance has become a common requirement for most eLearning projects. Click here to learn more about the AICC.

ASP

(Application Service Provider) 3rd party organization providing software or related services over the Internet.

Assessment

The process used to evaluate a learner's skill or knowledge.

Assessment item

The specific process used to evaluate whether a learner has achieved mastery of a specific learning objective.

Asynchronous Learning

A form of learning where interaction between an instructor and learners occurs intermittently and with a time delay. Traditional eLearning courses, taken on CD-ROM or via the web, where there is little or no contact with an instructor or other learners are examples of asynchronous learning.

Authoring tool

A piece of software used to create content. These can include instructional authoring tools, rich media authoring tools and programming tools, for example.

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B

Balanced scorecard

A business model developed to measure organizational performance against short- and long-term business goals. Sometimes adapted to evaluate knowledge management strategies, the balanced scorecard approach uses financial and customer measures together with internal processes and employee learning criteria to help formulate and evaluate business strategy.

BBS

(Bulletin Board System) An online community or communications resource that allows users post, read and reply to messages.

Benchmarking

The process of evaluating performance of an organization, or unit within an organization against a standard, be it the best performing unit with an organization/industry, or an agreed set of standards.

Best practices

A set of processes of methodologies that operate effectively and deliver results.

Blended learning

Traditionally used to refer to training that combines computer-based and face-to-face elements.

Channel Content extends this to include training that is integrated within actual task performance to provide both performance and customer support.

Blogs

Blogs are similar, in many ways, to journals. They allow users to quickly and easily publish information, thoughts and opinions to a website. Readers can also add comments.
Blogs have become incredibily popular in the last two years. There are now more than 71 million active blogs on the Internet. The ease with which you can publish material combined with ability of readers to add their comment makes them an extremely effective way for businesses to communicate with their customers, partners and staff.

Business requirements

Used in the training industry to refer to the conditions that an eLearning solution should meet in order to satisfy the requirements of the content developer, subject matter expert, the learner, manager and training administrator.

Channel Content believes that this needs to be more explicitly formulated so that the criteria for evaluating an eLearning solution should explicitly identify both training and more general operational requirements. In this way, training is more explicitly situated in the context of business goals, and evaluated in terms of its contribution to business objectives.

Business rules

A mechanism used to determine what content served up to which user group. Business rules generally work in conjunction with personalization engines which determine how the rules are applied.

Bulletin board

An electronic resource that allows users post, share and discuss information.

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C

Capacity building

A term normally used in Knowledge Management to refer to the process of enhancing an organization’s ability to implement knowledge management principles and practices.

Channel Content use the term to describe the benefits derived from deploying an integrated communications and knowledge management strategy within an organization.

Categorization

The process of describing an item of content (or content item) such as an image, piece of text, or audio for example using metadata. By providing data about the content, metadata facilitates the use and reuse of it in a variety of different contexts and for different purposes.

CBT

(Computer Based Training) Umbrella term used to describe all forms of training delivered through a computer.

Chat

Real-time text based communication conducted through a virtual environment.

Chat room

A virtual environment used to conduct real-time text based communications.

Chunk

A discrete piece of content. The term ‘chunking’ is also used to describe the process of breaking large amounts of content into discrete units.

CIS

(Customer Information System) A system used to mange all aspects of the customer relationship, such as billing, contact and service history, for example.

CoD

(Content on Demand) the delivery of content through a variety of channels, anytime, anywhere.

Codification

The process of assembling personal knowledge within an organization so that it can be used and reused independently of the individuals responsible for it.

Collaborative software

Groupware that allows individuals work together by facilitating communication, coordination and collaboration.

Communities of interest

Networks of individuals who share a common interest in a topic.

Communities of practice

Networks of individuals from the same or related disciplines who come together to develop/share knowledge for mutual benefit.

Competency management

Systems used to measure, evaluate and report on different levels of competency within an organization.

Competitive advantage

The capability (both actual and ‘perceived’) that differentiates an organization from its competitors that allows it compete more effectively.

Channel Content believe creating the processes and resources that provide an organization with the ability to both learn and translate learning into action is now the primary source of competitive advantage.

Compliant

Commonly refers to eLearning that meets industry standards such as AICC (also referred to as Standards compliant).

Content delivery

The process of ‘serving’ up content to a nominated user or group of users. Content can be served up by a number of mechanisms including:

• Database queries (via an application server)
• A web server (using server side includes)
• Personalization engine

Content management

Administering content to ensure that it is well organized, accurate up-to-date, etc., so that it can be quickly and effectively delivered to an intended audience.

Content management system

A centralized repository and set of applications for creating, evaluating, testing, approving and distributing content.

Content mapping

The analysis, organization and structuring of meaning of documents housed within a content repository.

Content targeting

Determining which content should be served up to which user group by:

• Creating business rules
• Tagging content in a content repository to specify the target audience(s)

Convergence

The combination and delivery of variety of media (text, video, audio, animation, for example) through integrated platforms.

CORBA

(Common Object Request Broker Architecture) A set of standards used to name, define and locate objects in a distributed computing environment.

Corporate university

A learning organization possessing a system of governance whose mission is to align learning initiatives with organizational mission, strategy and goals.

Courseware

A piece of educational training delivered as a software program over the Internet.

Customer capital

The total value derived from relationships with a customer, or customers.

Customer-focused eLearning

eLearning targeted at customers and potential customer’s of an organization. Closely aligned with business goals, the aim of the program is to increase brand loyalty or generate new business opportunities.

CRM

(Customer relationship management) A business strategy that involves selecting and managing valuable customer relationships.

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D

Data mining

The process of analyzing collected data to extract information.

Database schema

The overall structure of the tables used to store information in the database.

De facto standard

A standard, though not officially recognized, that is widely used by practitioners in a content development industry such as eLearning.

Digital dashboard

Custom interface used to access consolidated information from a range of personal, team and external sources. The term is usually associated with Microsoft Office products but the concept can be extended to refer to any mechanism providing integrated access to communications resources.

Document management

Systems and processes for managing the design, development, storage and delivery of documents.

Double-loop learning

(Also known as Generative Learning) A learning strategy that involves questioning the assumptions upon which particular questions or challenges are based (See also Adaptive learning/Single-loop learning).

Dynamic content

Custom content served up in response to a request from, or characteristic of a user.

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E

EDI

(Electronic Data Interchange) The electronically mediated exchange of structure information between organizations, or groups within an organization.

eLearning

Learning delivered, or assisted through the use of technology.

EPPS

(Electronic Performance Support Systems) A computer application that links to other systems to support personnel in the performance of a task.

ERP

( Enterprise Resource Planning) An integrated suite of applications used to manage production, distribution, logistics, contracts, order management, forecasting, financial and HR management.

Evaluation

Any systematic method used to assess the effectiveness of a content strategy, such as eLearning for example.

Expert system

A computer program designed to simulate human decision making strategies in a particular field, or fields.

Explicit Knowledge

Knowledge that can be easily expressed and codified.

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F

Flash

Macromedia authoring environment used to develop rich media applications. It is the tool of choice for most interactive eLearning and online marketing materials, for example.

Forum

An online discussion group, where participants with common interests can exchange open messages.

 

 

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G

Generative learning

(Also known as Double-loop Learning) A learning strategy that involves questioning the assumptions upon which particular questions or challenges are based (See also Adaptive learning/Single-loop learning).

GIF

(Graphic Interchange Format) A common graphics format used for image files. Offering compact files sizes, the GIF format is most appropriate for images containing significant areas sharing the same color.

Groupware

Integrated software applications that allow users communicate, collaborate and work together.

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H

HTML

(Hypertext Mark-up Language) The foundation of most web pages, HTML is used to format text and images on a web page.

Human capital

The knowledge, skills and competencies of individuals working in an organization. Human capital is a key component of Intellectual capital.

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I

IEEE

(Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) The Learning Technology Standards Committee of the IEEE is a key organization in the development of eLearning standards. Click here to access their website.

ILT

(Instructor-led Training) 'Class-room' training delivered by an instructor.

Implicit Knowledge

The knowledge carried around in people’s heads (also known as Tacit knowledge).

IMS Global Learning Consortium

Coalition of US government organizations defining open standards for eLearning interoperability. Click here to access their website.

Individual competence

The capacity of an individual within an organization to perform a task.

Index engine

A server application that examines a file system and builds a mini-database of content elements (typically metadata tags).

Informatics

The study of the impact of technology on people and performance.

Information

Data that has been organized and translated into a form that provides it with structure and meaning.

Information architecture

A description of how information should be organized. In general terms this involves:

• Developing and implementing a categorization system for organizing information
• Creating an interface through which it is accessed

Information audit

A method of analyzing and mapping information within an organization. During an audit the following questions are usually asked:

• What information exists in an organization?
• In what forms?
• What information is needed?
• How does information get distributed throughout an organization?
• How does information flow through an organization?
• What are the barriers to information flow?
• Where are the gaps/barriers?
• How is it used?
• How much does it cost?
• What value does it provide?

Information management

The process of managing an organization’s information assets and resources.

Information mapping

The process of identifying information/knowledge in an organization and providing a mechanism (such as a visual classification hierarchy, for example) identifying how to locate it.

Information overload

Occurs where more information is provided than can be used leading to a degradation in performance.

Implicit knowledge

The knowledge carried around in people’s heads (also known as Tacit knowledge).

Instructional analysis

A formal methodology used to identify what type of skills or knowledge is required for a learner to achieve a particular objective or goal.

Instructional design

A formal methodology used to create training content.

Intellectual assets

(Also known as Knowledge assets) the part of organizations ‘intangible assets’ that derive from its intellectual property, best-practices and know-how. Intellectual assets are usually categorized into:

• Human – deriving from the people, teams, groups and networks within an organization
• Structural – knowledge codified in processes and procedures
• Technological – the technology used to support the knowledge sharing and distribution

Intellectual asset management

Extracting the maximum business benefit from an organization’s intellectual assets through effective management.

Intellectual capital

The value placed on an organization’s intellectual assets.

Intellectual property

An organization’s intellectual assets that are protected by law.

IRC

(Internet Replay Chat) Internet based multi-user communication system that allows users ‘chat’ (or type messages) in real-time. It is sometimes referred to as CB radio for the internet.

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J

JPEG

(Joint Photographic Expert Group) A file format for image files. The JPEG file format produces larger file sizes that GIF's, but from a quality perspective, it is more appropriate to use for photographic images.

Job aid

A procedural guide that helps a person perform a task.

Just-in-time training

Training delivered just prior to when it is needed.

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K

Know-how

Skills or ability derived from knowledge/experience.

Knowledge

Information that can be used to provide benefit.

Knowledge assets

(Also known as Intellectual assets) the part of organizations ‘intangible assets’ that derive from its intellectual property, best-practices and know-how. Intellectual assets are usually categorized into:

• Human – deriving from the people, teams, groups and networks within an organization
• Structural – knowledge codified in processes and procedures
• Technological – the technology used to support the knowledge sharing and distribution

Knowledge audit

Methodology used to analyze and map knowledge in an organization. Usually treated as a sub-set of an information audit, a knowledge audit examines the knowledge needs, resources, flows, gaps, uses and users of knowledge within an organization.

Knowledge base

The body of knowledge available within an organization. Though it is commonly used to refer to a database of information, it can also be used to describe the knowledge possessed by people in the organization.

Knowledge broker

A person within an organization facilitating the creating, distribution and sharing of knowledge.

Knowledge economy

An economy where knowledge contributes significantly to the generation of wealth.

Knowledge harvesting

Processes used to transform tacit knowledge into explicit, codified and reusable knowledge.

Knowledge management

The implementation of program intended to improve an organization’s performance through the creation, sharing utilization of experience/knowledge from both internal and external resources.

Knowledge management strategy

A detailed plan of action specifying how an organization intends to implement knowledge management principles and practices to achieve clearly defined business goals.

Knowledge mapping

A technique used to identify where knowledge exists in an organization.

Knowledge worker

A person within an organization whose role relies on their ability to find, use and generate knowledge.

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L

LCMS

(Learning Content Management System) Software used to create, store and facilitate the reuse of learning materials.

Learning object

A media independent collection of information that can be combined with other learning objects to create a piece of training content. Learning objects are intended to be reused. Therefore, metadata is used to tag content before it is stored in a content repository from which it can be retrieved and reused.

Learning objective

Provides a clear and unambiguous statement of what a learner will know, or be able to do, after completing a piece of training.

Learning organization

An organization in which the ability to engage in continuous learning and adaptive behavior is a key strategic goal. Channel Content see this as a facet of what it terms a 'Smart Content Organization' one in which the acquisition and intelligent use of knowledge is a key strategic goal.

LMS

(Learner Management System) Software application used to administer and manage the provision of training.

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M

Metadata

Metadata is data about data. It is used to describe the characteristics of a content asset such as an image, an audio file or a piece of eLearning content, for example.

MIME

(Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) An Internet standard specifying how messages must be formatted to enable message exchange between different email systems.

mLearning

Learning delivered via a mobile or handheld device.

MPEG

(Moving Picture Expert Group) A high-quality video format that uses compression to reduce the size of files.

MP3

An audio format, mostly used for the distribution of music that uses compression to reduce the size of files.

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O

Open Source Software

Software for which the original program instructions (the source code), is made public ally available. This allows users and developers access, modify, and redistribute it.

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P

Page turner

A disparaging term used to refer to eLearning that contains little or no interactivity.

Personalization

The process of matching categorized content with pre-defined user groups based on the application of business rules. Personalization can be implemented by:

• A generic application server
• A specialized application server
• A personalization engine

Podcast

An audio file that is published and distributed via the Web and listened to on a computer or a portal media player (such as an iPod). Podcasting is increasingly being adopted by organisations as a cost-effective way to communicate with customers, partners and staff. The podcasting audience doubles every three months.

Portal

An integrated, personalized we-based interface to a range of information, applications, collaborative capabilities.

 

Prescriptive learning

The provision of customized learning programs that specifically match a learner’s requirements or skills-gap.

Pull technology

Using software such as a browser to access and ‘pull down’ content.

Push technology

The transmission of information directly to a user based on a user profile or previously configured request.

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R

RIO

(Reusable Information Object) A collection of content, practice and assessment items relating to a specific learning objective. RIOs are most commonly associated with the Cisco RLO-RIO strategy, a methodology and set of practices for developing reusable learning content. Click here to learn more.

RLO

(Reusable Learning Object) A collection of RIOs combined with an overview and summary to create a learning object addressing a set of learning objectives. Click here to learn more.

RLO-RIO Strategy

A methodology and set of practices for developing reusable learning objects.

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S

Schema

A conceptual model of how an object (data, for example) should be organized.

SCORM

(Shareable Content Object Reference Model) A set of specifications for the creation of reusable learning objects. Click here to learn more.

Simulations

A virtual environment or model of an application that allows a user learn in a risk-free environment.

Skills-gap analysis

A methodology for analyzing the difference between their present competency and the skills necessary to perform a task or role.

Skype

Skype is a peer-to-peer technology that allows users talk (using voice or video) over the Internet for free. People can also call traditional telephone numbers for a fee (SkypeOut), receive calls from traditional phones (SkypeIn), and receive voicemail messages. While the voice quality in Skype calls can be far superior to  traditional telephony services, the quality of the service can be quite variable.

 

Smart Content

A term used by Channel Content to refer to content that adapts, or can be easily adapted, so that it can be:

• used and reused in a number of different contexts
• delivered through a variety of different channels

Smart Content Organization

A 'Smart Content Organization' one in which the acquisition and intelligent use of knowledge is a key strategic goal. Central to this is the creation of smart content. This is content that is designed and developed for delivery through a number of different channels for an integrated set of purposes.

SME

(Subject Matter Expert) A recognized authority in a particular field.

Social Networking Site

A site that allows communities of users with shared interests interact and share information, knowledge and experiences. Typically users interact using chat, messaging, email, video, voice chat, file sharing, blogging, discussion groups, and so on. Examples of Social Networking sites include:

• Myspace
• Bebo
• Facebook

Commercial organisations have started using Social Networking technologies to:

• Support distributed teams
• Improve collaboration and information sharing
  
• Facilitate the creation of shared information and knowledge resources
• Improve organisational communication
  

Standard

A set of specifications established by a governing authority.

Storyboard

An outline or schematic of an eLearning project that will be developed.

Structural capital

‘Captured’ knowledge within an organization. ‘Captured’ in this context refers to the codification and storage of knowledge for reuse.

Synchronous learning

An instructional event conducted in real-time where the instructor and participants can communicate directly with each other.

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T

Tacit knowledge

The knowledge carried around in people’s heads (also known as Implicit knowledge).

Taxonomy

A system for organizing knowledge. A taxonomy explains how a body of knowledge is broken into constituent units and identifies the relationships between the individual elements within it.

Template

A predefined set of tools or forms that are used to create content.

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U

User profile

Information about a particular user’s content preferences. User-specified or derived from monitoring of browsing habits, this can be used to personalize the delivery and presentation of information.

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V

Videocast

An video file that is published and distributed via the Web and viewed on a computer or a portal media player (such as an iPod). Videocasting is becoming more and more common in business communications. Currently more than 60% of all corporations are either creating videocasts or plan to do so in the next 12 months.  They are seen as  highlt effective way of communicating with customers, partners and staff.

Virtual organization

An organization collaborating, sharing information and working together using computer-based communications systems that does not share the same physical space.

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W

WAP

(Wireless Application Protocol) A set of protocols that allows users access information using handheld devices such as mobile phones.

WBT

(Web Based Training) the delivery of training/learning via the web.

web 2.0

A term describing a range of web-based communities and services like Wikis and social-networking sites that facilitate collaboration and sharing between users.

Webinar

An online seminar where a presenter and an audience communicate via text or audio about a particular topic. Slides or simple animations are frequently used to provide a focus for the discussion.

White pages

A structured directory of people within an organization.

White board

An electronic version of a dry-wipe board.

Wiki

Wikis are simple to use software tools that allow people collaborate to create information or knowledge resources. They consist of linked web pages. Once a page has been created, other people can then either edit the page or add comments to it.
Wikis are increasingly used by businesses to gather and share knowledge/experiences. Since information can be added, edited and commented upon, they increase an organisation's ability to adapt to business challenges.

Workflow

A set of independent tasks that occur in a specific order or sequence.

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