This glossary contains terms commonly used in the study and implementation of Instructional Design.
Accessibility
In instructional design, the practice of making all content available to all learners, so that adaptive devices can interpret content for people with disabilities.
Alignment
In design, alignment refers to the placement of different elements so that they have a consistent and repetitive presentation. In Instruction, it refers to the relevance between a learning objective and the materials, activities, and assessments.
Analysis
To break something down into parts and study its detailed structure.
Assessment
To evaluate something to determine its quality based on a set of standards.
Audience Analysis
To identify the demographic that will be engaging in the use of your product, with the outcome of adapting the product to best suit thei needs.
Bloom's Taxonomy
A learning theory developed by Benjamin Bloom in 1956. This theory categorizes learning into six different levels on a hierarchy ranging from lower level thinking skills to higher order thinking skills. Knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Design
The structure of something based on the choices one makes when creating the object or product. The design includes the way the object looks visually, how it is used physically, and how it is understood cognitively. Good design should reflect the study of the audience to best accommodate the user.
Development
Development is the creation of something based on a design. It is to put a plan into practice with the outcome being something that provides the user with growth, progress, or positive change.
Font
A particular set of shapes for characters of an alphabet. Displayable typography, size, and line weight.
HOTS
Higher order thinking skills. According to Bloom's taxonomy, the action verbs through which one can assess learning.
Implement
To put a plan or design into action and use by an audience.
Infographic
A way of presenting information in a design that is most efficient and effective for learning. Infographics consider color, font, size, proximity, and artwork in presenting content.
Instructional Design
Instructional Design is the study and practice of organizing learning content into a structure that helps student learn effectively.
Learning Activity
A learning activity is something that learners do to practice mastery of an objective. Examples are crossword puzzles, quizzes, or games.
Learning Material
Learning materials are media through which content is delivered. Materials may be videos, books, web pages, audio files, or can be presented though games and learning activities.
Learning Needs Analysis
A learning needs analysis is a task through which one determines whether there is a knowledge gap by identifying a desired outcome and the actual outcome. If there is a gap, it is necessary to identify the reason for the gap, whether it is a lack of knowledge or an external factor such as lack of proper technology.
LMS
A Learning Management System is a platform through which content may be delivered if the organization needs learning to be tracked.
LOTS
Lower Order Thinking Skills according to Bloom's Taxonomy. These include tasks such as listing, remembering knowledge, undestanding reasons for something, and applying skills or knowledge.
Objectives
The tasks or information that is what the learner needs to know.
Proximity
In design, the placement of objects in relation to one another. Objects in close proximity may appear to a learner to be related. Objects too far apart might be interpreted as being opposite.
Story Board
A story board is a tool used in designing how a process or series of items may be developed. It usually consists of slides, boxes, or a sequential pattern of images or text.
Task Analyisis
In a learning needs analysis, a task analysis studies the objective to determine what the components of the task are and what the learners need to know or be able to do.
Tools
Tools are the means through which a developer presents content. Learnning materials often use tools and activities are presented through tools such as discussion boards, video players, journals, etc.
Tracking
Monitoring the progress or success of a learner.
Example: Tracking students' test scores can help an instructor know whether or not they should repeat certain content.
UDL
Universal Design for Learning is the consideration of multiple abilities and learning styles when designing content for learner consumption. Often, it accommodates learners with disabilities to conform to ADA standards. UDL can also present information in many different formats and using many different tools to accommodate learning preferences so that each individual has an opportunity to learn in the most effective and efficient way for their own style.