Instructional and Learning Design Terminology Explorer

Definitions and practical guidance for the phrases, terminology and acronyms used by Instructional Designers, Learning Designers and Learning Experience Designers.

Responsive Authoring Tools

Tools designed to create e-learning content that adjusts to different device types and screen sizes.
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Responsive Design

Designing content to adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices.
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Retrieval

The process of recalling information stored in long-term memory.
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Reverse Mentoring

A mentorship model where younger employees mentor older colleagues, often on topics like technology.
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Review & Revision

Revising content based on feedback from stakeholders, SMEs, or test learners.
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Risk Management

Identifying potential risks during the instructional design process and planning mitigation strategies.
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Role-Playing

Learners assume roles in a simulated situation to apply knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.
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SAM Model

The Successive Approximation Model focuses on rapid, iterative development. It involves creating quick prototypes, gathering feedback, and refining based on that input.
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SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model)

A set of standards for creating, packaging, and sharing e-learning content across systems.
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Scaffolding

Support provided to learners to help them achieve learning goals, which is gradually removed as they gain independence.
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Scalability Planning

Designing the course in a way that it can be easily scaled up for larger audiences or expanded for future needs.
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Scalable Text

Text that can be resized without losing quality, useful for visually impaired users.
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Scenario-Based Learning

Learners engage with realistic scenarios to apply knowledge and make decisions.
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Schema

A mental structure that helps individuals organise and interpret information.
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Schema Theory

Learners organise knowledge into 'schemas'—mental structures that help with understanding and recall.
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Screen Reader Compatibility

Making content readable by screen readers, which convert text into speech or braille.
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Screen Recording

Software that records the content of a screen, often used for creating tutorials or demonstrations.
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Screencasting

Tools that allow users to capture and share videos of their screen activity, often used for tutorials.
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Scriptwriting

Writing scripts for videos, voiceovers, and scenarios used in the course.
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Section 508 Compliance

U.S. law ensuring digital content accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
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Seels and Glasgow Model

A detailed model that divides the instructional design process into three phases: Project Management, Instructional Design, and Implementation and Evaluation. It emphasizes planning and scheduling.
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Selective Attention

The process of focusing on a particular object or task while ignoring irrelevant information.
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Self-Directed Learning

Learners take the initiative and responsibility for their own learning process.
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Self-Efficacy

The belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.
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Self-Regulated Learning

Learners use strategies to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own learning process.
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