Affordances
The possibilities that teachers perceive in a technology tool to support teaching and learning activities in their instructional contexts.
Asynchronous Learning
The term used to describe instruction and learning which does not happen in the same place at the same time. Typically participation in asynchronous learning instruction is not delivered in person, students complete tasks on their own time and communication takes place through online forums and/or e-mail.
Blended Learning
Blended learning describes a teaching and learning environment in which face-to-face classroom instruction and learning is combined or “blended” with online and other computer-mediated activities.
CALL
Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) is an approach in which computers and computer-based resources are used to instruct, and to reinforce and assess language learning.
Courseware
Courseware generally refers to materials organized and packaged for use with a computer and made available to instructors or as tutorials for students.
Distance Learning
A method of delivering instruction to students who are not physically present in the educational site.
Distributed Learning
This term is used to describe a method of delivery that combines multi-media, which may include web-based instruction, streaming video, distance learning using video and audio, with some face-to-face instruction in a classroom.
E-Learning or elearning
This is the general term applied to all forms of learning using electronic media and digital technologies whether face-to-face in a classroom, or in synchronous and asynchronous distance learning settings.
Flexible Learning
A term which refers to both a method and approaches that are focused on providing students with a range of choices as to how and where learning takes place. Flexible learning programs generally use computer-based systems and increasingly make use of mobile devices, such as smart phones to expand flexibility for students.
Hybrid Learning
This term is used interchangeably with Blended Learning (see above)
ICT
An acronym for Information and Communications Technology, a broad term that refers to any system or device that can store, retrieve, transmit or receive information or data in digital form.
IT
An acronym for Information Technology often used as a synonym for computers and computer technology.
Learning Object
A learning object refers to a digital or web-based learning resource that is customizable, portable and re-usable and consists of learning content, learning exercises and an assessment component.
LMS
An acronym for a Learning Management System, which is a software package used to administer, track student activity in, and deliver elearning courses and programs.
MALL
Acronym for Mobile Assisted Language Learning
Mobile Learning (or m-learning)
This term refers to the use of handheld mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets to engage in learning.
Online Learning
See elearning.
Presence
The sense of “being present” in a virtual learning environment, and the actions of an instructor to create a sense of community and to foster connection and interaction between instructor and student and between students.
Situated Learning
A concept which describes learning that takes place in the same context in which it is applied and which emphasizes the social and contextual nature of learning.
Synchronous Learning
The term used to describe instruction and learning in which instructor and students are online together and in communication with each other at a specified time.
Video Conferencing
The use of information and communications technology (ICT) to communicate by two-way live video and audio transmission.