This glossary has key words, phrases, and acronyms used in the field of instructional design.
ADDIE
The ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) is an iterative process used by instructional designers to carefully consider all of the elements leading to the best result
adult learning principles
Seven principles of adult learning which include self-direction, transformation, experience, mentorship, mental orientation, motivation, and readiness to learn.
andragogy
The method and practice of teaching adult learners; adult education.
asynchronous
(Of two or more objects or events) not existing or happening at the same time.
backwards design
A method of designing an educational curriculum by setting goals before choosing instructional methods and forms of assessment.
behaviorism
The theory that human and animal behavior can be explained in terms of conditioning, without appeal to thoughts or feelings, and that psychological disorders are best treated by altering behavior patterns.
Bloom's Taxonomy
Bloom's taxonomy is a classification system used to define and distinguish different levels of human cognition—i.e., thinking, learning, and understanding.
cognitive load theory
An instructional design theory that reflects our "cognitive architecture," or the way that we process information.
cognitivism
Cognitivism is a learning theory according to which mental processes mediate learning and learning entails the construction or reshaping of mental schemata.
cognitivism
A learning theory according to which mental processes mediate learning and learning entails the construction or reshaping of mental schemata.
constructivism
An approach to learning that holds that people actively construct or make their own knowledge and that reality is determined by the experiences of the learner.
design thinking
A non-linear, iterative process that teams use to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems and create innovative solutions to prototype and test.
eLearning
Learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the internet.
enabling learning objective (ELO)
Objectives that outline a sequence of learning activities for the instruction phase of the lesson plan.
Gagne's Nine Events
A systematic process that helps them develop strategies and create activities for instructional classes. The nine events are: gain attention, inform leaners of objectives, stimulate recall of prior learning, present stimulus, provide learner guidance, elicit performance, provide feedback, assess performance, and enhance retention and transfer.
Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Eight different types of intelligences consisting of: Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist.
instructor led training (ILT)
An instructor facilitates a training session for a group of learners or an individual.
Kirkpatrick's Model of Evaluation
A globally recognized method of evaluating the results of training and learning programs. It assesses both formal and informal training methods and rates them against four levels of criteria: reaction, learning, behavior, and results.
needs analysis
A formal, systematic process of identifying and evaluating training that should be done, or specific needs of an individual or group.
sharable content object reference model (SCORM)
An acronym for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. SCORM is a set of technical standards for eLearning software products.
storyboard
A graphic organizer that consists of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a motion picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence.
subject matter experts (SME)
A person who possesses a deep understanding of a particular subject.
successive approximation model (SAM)
A simplified version of the ADDIE Model designed specifically to elicit feedback and build working models earlier in the process.
synchronous
Existing or occurring at the same time.
terminal learning objectives (TLO)
A statement in specific and measurable terms that describes what the learner will be able to do as a result of engaging in a learning activity.
virtual instructor led training (VILT)
Training that is delivered in a virtual or simulated environment, or when instructor and learner are in separate locations.