See the latest learning tech terms below and a few old standards too. Check back / bookmark us - we update this list.

In-App Learning is a training approach that delivers contextual guidance, tips, or tutorials directly within a software application—as users interact with it. It helps users learn in real time, while performing tasks, through tooltips, walkthroughs, pop-ups, or embedded help.

In-App Learning

Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

A Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is a user-centric learning platform that delivers personalized, on-demand learning experiences by using AI-driven recommendations, social learning, and diverse content sources. It focuses on engaging learners and supporting self-directed learning beyond traditional LMS structures.

Virtual Reality (VR) Training uses immersive 3D environments to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing learners to practice skills safely and interactively. It enhances engagement, retention, and hands-on experience by placing users in lifelike virtual situations

Virtual Reality (VR) Training

Gamification in eLearning refers to the integration of game design elements and mechanics into learning activities to motivate learners, enhance engagement, and improve knowledge retention. By incorporating features like points, badges, levels, challenges, leaderboards, and rewards, gamification makes learning more interactive, enjoyable, and goal-oriented.

Gamification

Microlearning is a learning approach that delivers small, focused learning units or bite-sized content designed for quick consumption, usually lasting 2 to 10 minutes. It targets specific skills or knowledge points, making learning more efficient, engaging, and accessible—especially on mobile devices.

Microlearning

Interactive Video Learning is a form of eLearning where videos include interactive elements—such as quizzes, clickable hotspots, branching scenarios, and polls—that allow learners to actively engage with the content, make decisions, and receive instant feedback. This approach enhances learner participation, retention, and understanding.

Interactive Video Learning

Digital Badges are visual, digital representations of achievements, skills, or certifications earned by learners after completing specific learning activities, courses, or milestones. They are verifiable and shareable online, often using metadata to provide evidence of the accomplishment.

Digital Badges

Immersive Learning Environments are technology-enhanced, simulated environments that fully engage learners by replicating real-world scenarios through Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), or Mixed Reality (MR). They allow learners to interact, practice skills, and learn by experience in a safe, controlled, and realistic setting.

Immersive Learning Environments

Predictive Learning Analytics involves using data analysis, AI, and machine learning to forecast learner performance, engagement, and outcomes. By analyzing patterns and behaviors, it helps educators and organizations predict future learning needs, identify at-risk learners, and personalize learning paths for better results.

Predictive Learning Analytics

Learning Pathways are structured sequences of learning activities, courses, or content designed to guide learners step-by-step toward mastering a specific skill, role, or objective. They offer a clear progression, often personalized, to help learners achieve their learning goals efficiently.

Learning Pathways

An Explainer Video is a short, engaging video that clearly explains a concept, product, service, or process in a simple and visually appealing way. These videos often use animation, graphics, voiceovers, and concise storytelling to make complex information easy to understand.

Explainer Video

Synchronous Learning is an educational approach where learners and instructors engage simultaneously in real-time, often through live online sessions, virtual classrooms, or webinars. This format allows for instant interaction, immediate feedback, and collaborative discussions, closely simulating the experience of traditional in-person learning in a digital environment.

Synchronous Learning

Branching Scenarios are interactive learning activities where learners make decisions at key points, leading to different outcomes or paths based on their choices. This method simulates real-life decision-making, allowing learners to explore consequences, practice problem-solving, and develop critical thinking skills in a safe, controlled environment.

Branching Scenarios

Content Authoring Tools are software applications used to create, design, and publish eLearning content, such as courses, quizzes, videos, simulations, and interactive activities. They enable instructional designers to build engaging, multimedia-rich learning materials without advanced programming skills.

Content Authoring Tools

An Algorithm in eLearning refers to a set of programmed rules and logical steps used to analyze learner data, automate processes, and personalize learning experiences. Algorithms power adaptive learning systems, recommend content, and optimize learning paths based on user interactions and performance.

Algorithm in eLearning

Storyboarding in eLearning is the process of planning and visually outlining the structure, flow, and content of an online course or learning module. It serves as a blueprint that maps out screens, interactions, visuals, narration, and assessments before development begins.

Storyboarding

AI Chatbots for Learning are automated, conversational tools powered by artificial intelligence that assist learners by providing instant answers, guidance, feedback, and personalized support within eLearning platforms. They simulate human-like interactions to enhance engagement, accessibility, and learner support in real-time.

AI Chatbots for Learning

Asynchronous Learning is a learning method where learners access content, activities, and resources at their own pace and schedule, without real-time interaction with instructors or peers. It allows for flexible, self-directed learning through recorded videos, eLearning modules, discussion forums, and digital resources.

Asynchronous Learning

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive Learning in eLearning is a method where digital learning platforms automatically adjust content, pace, and learning paths based on an individual learner’s performance, preferences, and needs. It uses data-driven algorithms to provide a personalized and efficient learning experience.

A Digital Learning Strategy is a structured plan that outlines how an organization will use internet technologies, tools, and platforms to deliver, manage, and enhance learning and development to meet its business goals. It leverages digital tools and platforms to create scalable, flexible, and learner-centered experiences.

Digital Learning Strategy

The 70:20:10 rule in eLearning is a learning model suggesting that effective development happens through 70% experiential learning (doing the job), 20% social learning (learning from others), and 10% formal learning (courses and training). It emphasizes blending real-world practice, collaboration, and structured content for optimal learning outcomes.

70:20:10

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in eLearning are measurable values used to evaluate the effectiveness, engagement, and impact of digital learning programs. They help organizations track learner progress, assess training quality, and ensure alignment with business goals. Examples include:

Course completion rates
Learner satisfaction scores
Knowledge retention (assessment results)
Time spent on training
Engagement metrics (logins, interactions)
Behavior or performance improvements post-training

KPI usage in eLearning

An emerging field that combines instructional design, data science, and learning science to design and optimize learning systems using evidence, experimentation, and technology.

Learning Engineering

xAPI (Experience API), also known as Tin Can API, is an advanced eLearning standard that allows tracking of learning experiences across multiple platforms and formats—both online and offline. Unlike SCORM, xAPI captures detailed data about how, when, and where learning happens, including simulations, mobile learning, social learning, and in-the-flow experiences, all stored in a Learning Record Store (LRS).

xAPI (Tin Can API)

A Digital Learning Campaign is a targeted, time-bound learning initiative delivered through digital channels to promote specific skills, behaviors, or knowledge areas. It includes the design, creation, and deployment of engaging digital content (e.g., videos, emails, microlearning) across platforms like LMS, intranet, or social media to drive awareness, participation, and behavior change.

Learning Campaign

Simulation training in eLearning is a digital learning method that uses realistic, interactive scenarios to let learners practice skills, make decisions, and solve problems in a risk-free virtual environment. It’s ideal for hands-on learning, such as technical procedures, customer interactions, or compliance situations.

Simulation eLearning

CMI-5 is a modern eLearning standard that defines how learning content communicates with Learning Management Systems (LMS) using the xAPI (Experience API) protocol. It is designed to replace SCORM for tracking online courses while supporting both formal and informal learning activities.

CMI-5

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a widely used eLearning standard that ensures digital learning content can be packaged, launched, and tracked consistently across different Learning Management Systems (LMSs). It enables content to be reused, shared, and reported on, making it easier for organizations to manage and measure online training.

SCORM

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