e-Learning :: definitions

International Quality Assessment Tools :: Benchmarking Terms

Asynchronous Learning
Any learning event where interaction is delayed over time. This allows learners to participate according to their schedule, and be geographically separate from the instructor. Could be in the form of a correspondence course or e-learning. Interaction can take use various technologies like threaded discussion.

Computer Based Training (CBT)
Training or instruction where a computer program provides motivation and feedback in place on a live instructor. CBT can be delivered via CD-ROM, LAN or Internet. Creation is done by teams of people including instructional designers, and often has high development costs.

Correspondence Course
A course completed from a distance using written correspondence for interaction and to submit assignments. Correspondence classes became popular in the 1890's.

Distance Education
The formal process of distance learning. This term has traditionally implied the higher education level.

Distance Learning
Learning where the instructor and the students are in physically separate locations. Can be either synchronous or asynchronous. Can include correspondence, video or satellite broadcasts, or e-Learning. Usually implies the higher education level.

Distance Training
A reference to distance learning for the corporate or professional levels. More commonly referred to as distributed learning, WBT or e-Learning.

Distributed Learning
Distance learning that makes use of information technology. Includes most types of distance learning but not plain correspondence (very similar to e-Learning)

e-Learning
Any learning that utilizes a network (LAN, WAN or Internet) for delivery, interaction, or facilitation. This would include distributed learning, distance learning (other than pure correspondence ), CBT delivered over a network, and WBT. Can be synchronous, asynchronous, instructor-led or computer-based or a combination.

e-Learner
Any learner taking part in an e-Learning course or program.

Fully Distance Learning Course
A course that is and that can be completed without face-to-face instruction or required physical attendance in a classroom (possibly except testing). The course may be delivered via internet or other media (e.g., video, audio, CD, print), synchronous or asynchronous.

Fully Distance Learning Program
An academic program at any degree level in which all coursework required to complete the program (including core and non-core courses) may be completed without face-to-face instruction or required physical attendance in a classroom (excluding testing). Courses may be delivered via internet or other media (video, audio, CD, print), synchronous or asynchronous.

Hybrid Course
A course that combines both distance learning and face-to-face components. Distance learning components, whether delivered via the internet or other media (video, audio, CD, print), synchronous or asynchronous, must comprise 50 percent or more of the course contact hours.

Hybrid Program
A program where 50 percent or more of coursework required to complete the program (including core and non-core courses) can be completed by distance learning. This includes both (a) a program where 50 percent of required coursework is completed fully by distance learning courses and the other half face-to-face; and (b) a program where 100 percent of required coursework is completed in hybrid courses. (this definition will link to hybrid courses and fully distance learning courses definitions).

Instructor-led Training (ILT)
A learning event which is led by an instructor, and either held in a physical location or delivered via a network (WBT, e-Learning). Usually implies the professional or corporate level and synchronous learning.

Online Learning
e-Learning over the Internet (as opposed to a local or wide area network).

Online Training
Same as online learning, only it implies the professional or corporate level.

Synchronous Learning
Any learning event where interaction happens simultaneously in real-time. This requires that learners attend class at its scheduled time. Could be held in a traditional classroom, or delivered via distributed or e-Learning technologies.

Web Based Training (WBT)
Training which is delivered over a network (LAN, WAN or Internet). Can be either Instructor-led or Computer Based. Very similar to e-Learning, but it implies that the learning is in the professional or corporate level.