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=Untangling Jargon & Dealing with the Avalanche =


 * PLEASE NOTE: This wiki was created by Marlene Manto for a specific purpose. The site is NOT being maintained so please be aware that information and/or links may be out of date. **

Introduction [[image:Technofight.jpg width="225" height="245" align="right"]]
Sometimes it can feel like you’ll never understand e-learning…or you’ll never keep up…or it’s all too hard…or you don’t see the point. Do you have days like this? :-) This resource will hopefully help to untangle some of the e-learning jargon that you hear…and give you some strategies to cope with the ongoing avalanche of e-learning tools that continuously come along.

The table below provides a brief definition of just a few of the more common e-learning and technology terms, however if you are looking for others, try the Dictionary of E-learning Jargon, the E-learning Glossary or this E-learning Jargon Buster. If you come across a new or weird one though, the easiest method is to open Google and then type the following into the search box //define: terminology//. For example, if you were looking for the meaning of the word avatar, you would type //define: avatar//. Easy!

Use the links in the table below (under 'More Info/Resources' to explore further). //** Please note that this wiki will be added to in the future, to provide additional information about all of the terminologies....and more! Please email me if you would like to request information on a terminology).//


 * = **E-LEARNING TERMINOLOGY** ||= **BRIEF DEFINITION / EXPLANATION** ||= **MORE INFO / RESOURCES** ||
 * **asynchronous eLearning** || Learning that involves people being online at different times. || More about asynchronous learning ||
 * **blended learning** || Learning events that combine aspects of online and face-to-face instruction. ||  ||
 * **blog** || An online journal or diary that can be updated and viewed online. ||= More about blogs ||
 * **cloud computing** || The storage of data and/or software on distant computers. ||= More about cloud computing ||
 * **creative commons** || New copyright licenses which allow creators to easily and freely share their work. ||= More about creative commons ||
 * **e-book** || Electronic version of a printed book. ||= More about e-books ||
 * **e-portfolio** || Electronic evidence assembled and managed by a user, usually online. ||= More about e-portfolios ||
 * **learning object** || Anything which can be used and reused for technology supported learning. ||= More about learning objects ||
 * **LMS** || Learning Management System (eg Moodle). Like a website but allows 'tracking'. ||= More about LMSs ||
 * **m-learning** || Learning which is facilitated via a wireless device eg a smartphone. ||  ||
 * **podcast** || Audio or video files which can be 'subscribed' and downloaded ||= More about podcasts ||
 * **RSS** || ‘Really Simple Syndication - a system that allows users to subscribe to favourite websites. ||= More about RSS ||
 * **social media** || Software tools that allow groups to generate content and engage in conversations. ||= More about social media ||
 * **tag** || A label or keyword assigned to something (eg a photo or bookmark) to make it easy to find. ||  ||
 * **web quest** || An organised activity in which students interact with information on the internet. ||= More about webquests ||
 * **webinar** || Web-based seminar - a presentation, lecture, workshop etc transmitted over the Internet. ||= More about webinars ||
 * **wiki** || An easily created, shareable and editable website. ||= More about wikis ||

[[image:http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4440874971_5fce369d98_t.jpg align="left"]]Dealing with the avalanche
The question is…where does one find the TIME to investigate and assess the new teaching and training technologies? You’d be surprised how quick it can be – do you have 15 minutes?

**__Resource:__** [|Can 15mins make a difference?] This is a blog posting about setting aside time for personal learning. Perhaps you can find that 15 minutes while you have a sandwich in one hand...or a coffee...or a glass of wine? [grin]

**Strategy:** If you only have 15 minutes (or less) to assess a new tool or website, __//don't//__ register or attempt to use it! This is time-consuming and often leads to confusion. Instead, look for words on the screen (see right) such as 'Tour', or 'About', or 'See some examples', or 'Watch video' etc. Download THIS FORM to take down notes either for yourself, or to share with colleagues - keep several copies next to your computer so you're ready next time someone sends you a link and says "//Hey, check this out//!" :-) Or you can practice using some of the links in the left hand column of this wiki site.

Conclusion
It's easy to feel overwhelmed with e-learning, and completely understandable as although education and training has been around since the dawn of time, using technology has only been here for a very short time. I’ve always advocated that //baby steps// is the way to begin and importantly, the way to //move forward//. As long as you keep taking a step forward (doesn’t matter if it is a teeny, tiny step), then you will soon be running! Also, keep in mind that a ‘baby-step’ can simply be an increased understanding…or a slightly different attitude…or a small change to the way you do things. Whatever, it’s all good!

Contact details
Please contact me for further assistance with e-learning - if I can't help, I will point you in the right direction. :-) **Marlene Manto** SA E-learning Coordinator - Australian Flexible Learning Framework
 * Email:** marlene.manto@flexiblelearning.net.au
 * Phone:** 08 8226 1673


 * ** Marlene's SA E-learning Newsletter ** - email me to subscribe

Logo created with: www.cooltext.com 'You vs The Technology' cartoon by Dave Walker 'Tangled' photo : CC licensed Flickr photo by TheKarenD 'Time' photo: CC licensed Flickr photo by Thomas Hawk
 * Acknowledgements**

|| asynchronous eLearning ||