Smartphone A sophisticated mobile telephone with advanced computing ability such as internet and web-browsing capability, Wi-Fi and broadband access, portable media players, video calling, cameras, possibly a touch screen, GPS navigation and the ability to run applications known as apps. An example of a smartphone would be an iphone, …
Social media A collection of technologies that enable web based interactions with a focus on collaboration, information sharing and user-generated content. An example of a social media tool could be Twitter, Loughborough College uses Twitter to share news and information, have online conversations with followers, network with other colleges and …
Virtual learning environment (VLE) Online collaborative environment that uses a range of tools and services to support learning – for example, Quizzes, Forums, online assessments, documents, PDF’s and web links. A VLE can also share media from sites such as YouTube and collaborative publishing tools such as wikis and blogs. An …
RSS feed A method of electronically distributing online content on designated websites to subscribers. Usually an email message is sent when a website is updated and the new content is sent to the subscriber. For example, you can sign up to get RSS feeds direct to your email inbox when content is added …
A ‘digital footprint’ is the information about you that is held on the internet which can be searched for and is visible to everyone. Unless you make your information private, anyone, including potential employers, can see anything you have ever posted online. There have been cases in the past …
Quick Response (QR) Code A graphical two-dimensional barcode that connects a physical object to an online resource when scanned using a mobile phone. QR codes look like square barcodes like the one below and can navigate you to a site online.
Podcast A recording, for example of the content of a lecture, made available for download from a website or VLE by syndication – a process of making content available to other sites by means of RSS feeds. Example of Podcasts can be found at the Apple itunes store http://www.apple.com/itunes/
e-Portfolio A body of digital evidence assembled and managed by a learner to demonstrate abilities and achievements and/or to reflect on experiences and plan for the future. A range of tools and systems may be available to support the processes involved. An example of an e-portfolio would be Mahara that …
Blog (weblog) Software that supports synchronous communication which is usually, but not exclusively, text based. An example of a blog would be the eLearning blog- the one you are seeing right now!
Taking care with social media: protect yourself against Facebook ‘mishaps’. During a recent staff development session on professional conduct, it became clear that many staff were concerned about the use of social media and unaware of how Facebook privacy settings could be changed. It is important that personal Facebook accounts …
