Learning & Development Glossary
Clear, jargon-free definitions of the most important terms in online learning, training technology, and instructional design.
Learning Management System (LMS)
A Learning Management System (LMS) is software that creates, delivers, tracks, and manages training and education programs for organizations.
Learning Experience Platform (LXP)
A Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is a learner-centric platform that provides personalized, AI-driven content discovery and social learning experiences.
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model)
SCORM is a set of technical standards that ensures eLearning content works across different LMS platforms with consistent tracking and reporting.
xAPI (Experience API / Tin Can API)
xAPI is a modern eLearning standard that tracks learning experiences across any platform, device, or environment — not just within an LMS.
Microlearning
Microlearning delivers training in short, focused bursts of 3-10 minutes, making learning easier to consume, remember, and apply.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines online digital training with traditional instructor-led sessions, offering the best of both synchronous and asynchronous approaches.
Gamification in Learning
Gamification applies game mechanics like points, badges, leaderboards, and achievements to training to increase learner motivation and engagement.
Virtual Classroom
A virtual classroom is an online learning environment where instructors and learners interact in real-time through video, audio, chat, and screen sharing.
Mobile Learning (mLearning)
Mobile learning delivers training content on smartphones and tablets, enabling learners to access courses anywhere, anytime.
Learning Path
A learning path is a structured sequence of courses and activities that guides learners through a progressive curriculum toward a specific skill or certification.
Compliance Training
Compliance training educates employees on laws, regulations, and company policies they must follow, with documented completion records for audits.
Course Authoring Tool
A course authoring tool is software used to create eLearning content including text lessons, video modules, quizzes, and interactive activities.
Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
Instructor-Led Training (ILT) is training delivered by a live instructor, either in-person or virtually, with real-time interaction between instructor and learners.
Employee Onboarding Software
Employee onboarding software automates the new hire training process with structured learning paths, task checklists, and progress tracking.
Training ROI (Return on Investment)
Training ROI measures the financial return generated by employee training programs relative to their cost, typically expressed as a percentage.
AICC (Aviation Industry CBT Committee)
AICC is an early e-learning interoperability standard that preceded SCORM, originally developed for the aviation industry.
cmi5 (Experience API Profile)
cmi5 is a modern e-learning specification that combines the tracking capabilities of SCORM with the flexibility of xAPI.
Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning uses technology to adjust content, pace, and difficulty based on individual learner performance and behavior.
Social Learning
Social learning is learning that occurs through observation, interaction, and collaboration with peers, mentors, and communities.
Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that schedules review intervals at increasing gaps to optimize long-term memory retention.
Kirkpatrick Model
The Kirkpatrick Model is a four-level framework for evaluating training effectiveness: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results.
ADDIE Model
ADDIE is an instructional design framework with five phases: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.
Bloom's Taxonomy
Bloom's Taxonomy is a hierarchical classification of learning objectives: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create.
Learning Analytics
Learning analytics is the measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of data about learners and their contexts to optimize learning environments.
Gamification in Learning
Gamification applies game design elements — points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges — to learning experiences to increase engagement and motivation.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
VILT delivers instructor-led training remotely through video conferencing and virtual classroom tools.
Competency-Based Education (CBE)
CBE is an approach where learners progress by demonstrating mastery of skills and competencies rather than by seat time.
Content Curation
Content curation is the process of discovering, organizing, and sharing the most relevant learning resources from internal and external sources.
xAPI / Tin Can API
xAPI (formerly Tin Can API) is a modern e-learning standard that tracks learning activities across any context — not just within an LMS.
Learning Record Store (LRS)
An LRS is a data store that receives, stores, and returns learning records sent via xAPI statements from any learning activity.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines online digital media with traditional instructor-led classroom methods for a integrated learning experience.
Digital Credentials & Badges
Digital credentials are verifiable, shareable digital representations of skills, achievements, and certifications.
Knowledge Management
Knowledge management is the systematic process of creating, sharing, using, and managing organizational knowledge and information.
Informal Learning
Informal learning is unstructured, experience-driven learning that occurs outside formal training programs — through work, peers, and exploration.
Multi-Tenant LMS
A multi-tenant LMS allows one platform to serve multiple separate organizations or audiences, each with their own branding, users, and content.
Learner Engagement
Learner engagement measures how actively involved, motivated, and invested learners are in their training experience.
Self-Paced Learning
Self-paced learning allows learners to progress through content at their own speed, on their own schedule, without fixed deadlines.
Continuing Education (CE / CPD)
Continuing education encompasses ongoing learning activities required for professional license maintenance and career development.
LCMS (Learning Content Management System)
An LCMS manages the creation, storage, reuse, and delivery of learning content, combining content management with LMS delivery.
Synchronous Learning
Synchronous learning occurs in real-time with instructor and learners interacting simultaneously — either in-person or virtually.
Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous learning allows learners to access content and complete activities on their own schedule, without real-time interaction.
Assessment Engine
An assessment engine is the LMS component that creates, delivers, and scores quizzes, tests, and evaluations to measure learner knowledge.
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