Glossary

There are lots of terms and abbreviations used in our website, many of which originate from learning specifications and standards currently being developed by a number of key international bodies. If you are feeling a bit 'at sea' with all of these terms, try reading:

1. the Masie Centre's Industry Report “Making Sense of Learning Specifications and Standards”.
2. the American Society for Training and Development's expanded E-learning glossary.

Definitions of learning and how CAPDM interprets them

Blended learning

Blended Learning seeks to capitalise on the benefits of on-campus learning along with the proven effectiveness of relevant distance learning structures. This approach is seen by many as the optimum future for both first-degree and post-graduate education.

Distance learning

Full Distance Learning delivers a complete education programme, regardless of student location. DL programmes can be delivered anywhere - locally, nationally or worldwide.

eLearning

Term covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via Internet, audio and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more.

Flexible learning

The approach to learning that allows for the adoption of a range of learning strategies in a variety of learning environments (including online) to cater for differences in learning styles, learning interests and needs, and variations in learning opportunities.

Open learning

The approach to learning which gives students flexibility and choice over what, when, at what pace, where, and how they learn, commonly using distance education and the facilities of educational technology.

On-campus learning

The didactic approach to learning that takes place predominantly in classroom lectures on-campus.

Other definitions CAPDM finds useful

Curriculum

A complete program of learning which includes the following components:

1. the identified and desired results;
2. a design for, and suggested sequence of, learning activities;
3. suggested methods of assessment for evaluation.

Assessment

The systematic gathering of data used to make inferences about student progress in achieving designated learning outcomes based on various sources of evidence.

Needs assessment

The process of gathering data and information which will shape and inform the curriculum design and learning outcomes of a programme.