• Distance Learning Glossary

Common Terms

  • ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING: When learners participate in an online learning course at different times, it is known as asynchronous learning. This might also be called eLearning or web-based training (WBT). Asynchronous learning allows learners to go through a course at their own pace and on their own schedule.

    BLENDED LEARNING: Blended learning is an instructional approach that includes a combination of online and in-person learning activities. For example, students can complete online self-paced assignments by a certain date and then meet on-site or online for additional learning activities.

    FLIPPED CLASSROOM: A flipped classroom is an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning focused on student engagement and active learning, giving the instructor a better opportunity to deal with mixed levels, student difficulties, and differentiated learning preferences during in-class time.

    L.M.S.: aka Learning Management System. A software program where class content is held and student progress is tracked. This includes but is not limited to: Videos, rubrics, assignments, quizzes, and discussions.

    MODULE: A Learning Module is an organized collection of content presented together. A Learning Module can support a course goal, a course objective, a subject, a concept, or a theme. ... Learning Modules can be modified like any other item within a Content Area.

    SYNCHRONOUS LEARNING: When learners participate in an online learning course at the same time but in different locations, it is known as synchronous learning. Synchronous learning allows learners to interact with the instructor and other participants. This is done through software that creates a virtual classroom.

    VIRTUAL CLASSROOM: The virtual classroom refers to a digital classroom learning environment that takes place over the Internet rather than in a physical classroom. It is implemented through software that allows an instructor and students to interact.

    WEBINAR: A webinar is a seminar or workshop in which the facilitator and participants view the same screen at the same time. Usually the webinar has an audio component that the facilitator controls and functionality that allows participants to chat by entering text, answering polls, raising their hands and asking questions.

Common Applications / Websites

  • ADOBE SPARK: An online and mobile design app. Easily create stunning social graphics, short videos, and web pages. 

    CANVAS L.M.S.: A type of LMS and virtual classroom where students can access and turn in class work. Students can also participate in discussions and interact with each other through discussion boards.

    CALENDLY: A website where students and parents can make appointments to meet with teachers and administrators.

    EDPUZZLE: Edpuzzle is an easy-to-use platform allowing you to engage every student, one video at a time. ... More than 65% of students are visual learners, and +95% 2 of your students watch YouTube regularly. Videos are a powerful resource, but it can be difficult to hold students accountable for something you can't track.

    FLIPGRID: Flipgrid is a free video discussion platform from Microsoft that helps educators see and hear from every student in class and foster fun and supportive social learning. In Flipgrid, educators post discussion prompts and students respond with short videos, whether they are learning in class or at home. 

    GOOGLE CLASSROOM L.M.S.: Google Classroom is a free web service developed by Google for schools that aims to simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students.

    GOOGLE DOCS: Google Docs is a word processor included as part of a free, web-based software office suite offered by Google within its Google Drive service. This service also includes Google Sheets and Google Slides, a spreadsheet and presentation program respectively.

    GOOGLE DRIVE: Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. Launched on April 24, 2012, Google Drive allows users to store files on their servers, synchronize files across devices, and share files.

    KAHOOT: Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform, used as educational technology in schools and other educational institutions. Its learning games, "Kahoots", are user-generated multiple-choice quizzes that can be accessed via a web browser or the Kahoot app.

    KAMI: Kami is a leading digital classroom app built to transform any existing document into an interactive learning experience. Join millions of educators using Kami to improve engagement and collaboration while teaching in the classroom, or online.

    LOOM: A screencasting and video-making website that teachers may use to record a lesson and share with the class. Students may use this for an assignment, to record a video of their presentation, for example.

    NOTABILITY: An iPad app where students can take notes, annotate reading assignments and complete class work by writing, drawing and typing on a PDF.

    PLUSPORTALS: PlusPortals Manager is an administrative interface that enables administrators to manage and customize their school's teacher, parent, and student communication portals.

    QUIZLET: A website and app where students can make and study virtual flashcards. These decks can be shared with classmates.

    SAVVAS REALIZE: A website/app for Pearson etexts. This is the location for the textbook and interactive assignment modules for classes that utilize a Savvas textbook.

    TURNITIN.COM: A website that checks a student's work for plagiarism. Student's may be asked to upload research papers, IB Internal Assessments, and IB Extended Essays to this website.