INFORMAL LEARNING Informal learning occurs when people have a need to know something. They set their own learning objectives and acquire knowledge, skills and information in their own ways. This could be through asking questions, observing experts, practicing and conversing. It’s the kind of natural learning humans do outside …
Authentic learning: Learning which comes from direct experience or via simulations that mirror real situations. This could be active discovery in a classroom environment or within online or informal learning. An example of authentic learning would be undertaking a science experiment that simulates a natural process or even creating a …
Web browser: A web browser (commonly referred to as a browser) is a software application for retrieving, presenting and traversing information resources on the Internet, this application that enables a user to read and work with HTML documents. An example of web browsers that we use everyday would be Internet Explorer …
Accessibility: The process of ensuring that all learners, including those with disabilities and learning difficulties, can access places of learning and learning resources, including e-learning content. This could be making sure that text is large enough to read for those with visual impairments or making sure that technology is available for …
IP address An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label assigned to each device (e.g. computer, printer, etc.) participating in a computer network that uses the Internet for communication. An IP address is unique to each device on a single network- these are useful when dealing …
Module/ Modular A distinct collection of content- this is usually a particular section or unit of the curriculum. For example- A Media Studies module may deal with Stereotypes. A Modular design means that the curriculum content is broken down and presented in small units- that can be taken …
Video conferencing Video conferencing is when a meeting takes place over a program like Skype or Blackboard, where you are speaking to someone via a video link. This requires a webcam and a microphone and a program like Skype to enable you to dial up and connect with others. …
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 …
