Training has changed radically over the past decade. Nowhere are these changes more evident than in the maturation of training that is based on or utilizes electronic media, including numerous additions to the training lexicon.

Here are just a few of the most important terms maintenance professionals need to know as they make their way through the new education mazes.

Asynchronous training/learning…
Any training program that does not require the student and instructor to participate at the same time. Common examples are self-paced, online tutorials.

Blended learning…
A training curriculum that combines multiple types of media. Blended learning usually refers to a combination of classroom-based training with self-paced e-learning.

Classroom training…
Any training that takes place with the students and facilitator interacting in a real, physical classroom. A form of “instructor-led training (ILT)” which, although there is an instructor, could still take place over an Internet connection.

Collaborative learning…
Learning through the exchange and sharing of information and opinions among a group. Computers and the Internet have enabled collaborative learning for geographically dispersed groups.

Computer-based training/learning/education (CBT, CBL or CBE)…
Any computer program used by a learner to acquire knowledge or skills.

Courseware…
Software used to support educational activities. Distance learning… Education and training activities in which the instructor and students are separated by time, location, or both. Distance learning may be synchronous or asynchronous.

e-Learning…
Broad defi nition of the fi eld of using electronic technology to deliver learning and training programs. e-Learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD/DVD.

Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model…
The four-step training evaluation methodology developed by Donald Kirkpatrick in 1975. Level 1 refers to the students’ reaction to the training. Level 2 refers to the measurement of actual learning (i.e., knowledge transfer). Level 3 measures behavior change. Level 4 measures business results.

Learning management system…
A program that manages the administration of training. Typically includes functionality for course catalogs, launching courses, registering students, tracking student progress, and assessments.

m-Learning…
Stands for “mobile learning” and refers to the usage of training programs on wireless devices like cell phones, PDAs, or other such devices.

Synchronous training/learning…
Any training program in which the student and instructor participate at the same time. Traditional classroom training and an instructor-led chat session are forms of synchronous training.

Technology-based training (TBT)…
Term encompassing all uses of a computer in support of learning, including but not limited to tutorials, simulations, collaborative learning environments, and performance support tools. Synonyms include CBL (computer-based learning), TBL (technology-based learning), CBE (computer-based education), CBT (computer-based training), e-learning, and many other variations.