In the world of e-learning

Approximate reading time: 2m 6s

When it comes to education, up until the early 2000s the model was quite clear – physical presence was unquestionably the best option, and any other type of training was considered questionable. With the advent of the Internet, the situation changed dramatically. Technology advanced to such an extent that geographical distance was overcome by using tools that create the feeling that you are in the classroom.

Since its introduction, e-learning has been a term for online learning that brought together LMS, LCMS, programs, assessment tools, web conferences, and so on. Nowadays, providers use it to refer to the content in their learning systems, in an effort to distinguish it from the classroom concept (ILT).

The terminology  in the world of e-learning is a serious perception issue that has not been fully resolved. Instead of confusing your learners even more, bring greater clarity. Call your e-learning courses or videos, which is what they actually are.

When users hear about a multimedia application authoring tool, they may not fully understand its features and capabilities, but one thing they know for sure – that it will allow them to create courses. Many buyers of Articulate Storyline think it is an online training authoring tool, but they are wrong. It does not have the option for fully online course building, as Articulate Rise does, for example.

Any web conferencing tool will allow you to create a webinar. The issue with perception here is not related either to its functions or to what it is, but to the fact that many providers call it a Virtual Classroom. Why is that necessary? Call it what it is – simple and clear. It is a platform for creating webinars, which are similar to seminars, only they are held online. In the corporate space, users immediately associate the term „seminar“ with a physical meeting. On the other hand, the abbreviation „ILT“ is much less understandable.

Do you have a clear idea of what digital learning means? Nobody does. For some reason, providers believe that by calling their e-learning digital, they will make it sound more modern. The result? They create even more chaos in the minds of already confused users.

There is no other sector in the e-learning industry that creates more confusion and more problems than learning management systems platforms. Terminology is at the root of this misunderstanding, because what the e-learning space calls something does not always mean the same thing people think it does.

What do you understand when you hear about mobile learning? No, the provider is not offering a mobile app. It means that you have access to the system through your mobile web browser.

Reports in LMS, reports on completed courses, reports on training results... Every LMS provider uses one terminology or another.

The term „social learning“ again is not what you might think. It was created based on a simple premise - social media linked to learning, which is equivalent to social learning.

Data visualization? Marketers love to mention it, but that does not mean a histogram, chart, or pie chart that you can create in Excel.

Do you get startled when you hear about assessment or a test? And what about „quiz“? The second sounds friendlier, doesn't it? You can see for yourself that the way you choose your words creates a different impression. Choose carefully which terms you use, as this is of great importance to your users.