Atomic Jolt Glossary

EdTech & Instructional Design

Adaptive Learning

A personalized learning approach that uses data and AI to adjust content and pacing based on individual student progress.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines to enhance learning, automate grading, and support personalized instruction.

Asynchronous Learning

A learning model where students access course materials and complete activities on their own schedule rather than in real time.

Blended Learning

An educational approach that combines traditional face-to-face instruction with digital learning experiences.

Competency-Based Education (CBE)

A learning model where students progress based on mastery of skills rather than seat time.

Gamification

The use of game mechanics like points, badges, and leaderboards to enhance learner motivation and engagement.

Instructional Design (ID)

The systematic creation of educational experiences, applying learning theories and technology for effective teaching.

Microlearning

A teaching approach that delivers content in small, focused segments to improve retention and engagement.

OER (Open Educational Resources)

Freely available and openly licensed teaching, learning, and research materials that can be reused and adapted.

Social Learning

A method of learning that emphasizes collaboration, peer interaction, and shared experiences within digital environments.

Synchronous Learning

A real-time learning model where students and instructors engage simultaneously through live sessions or discussions.

Accessibility & Compliance

Accessibility

The practice of designing digital content and tools that can be used by individuals with disabilities, ensuring compliance with WCAG and ADA standards.

ADA Compliance

Adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring digital resources to be accessible to all users.

Alt Text

A textual description of an image, used by screen readers to assist visually impaired users.

Assistive Technology (AT)

Hardware or software designed to support individuals with disabilities, such as screen readers, speech-to-text, and alternative input devices.

Captioning

The process of adding synchronized text to videos to make content accessible for individuals with hearing impairments.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

A U.S. federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and governs how institutions handle student information.

HECVAT (Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit)

A security assessment framework used by higher education institutions to evaluate the security and privacy practices of vendors handling institutional data.

Section 508

A U.S. government mandate requiring federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

Screen Readers

Assistive software applications that help visually impaired users interact with digital content by converting text and other elements into speech or Braille output.

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2)

A security framework for managing customer data, ensuring compliance with standards for data protection, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)

A document that evaluates how well a digital product or service meets accessibility standards like WCAG, Section 508, and ADA compliance.

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

A set of international standards to ensure web content is accessible to users with disabilities.

LMS & Integration Standards

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and integrate with an LMS.

LMS (Learning Management System)

A platform for managing online learning experiences, such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and D2L Brightspace.

LMS Hosting

Services that provide hosting, maintenance, and technical support for learning management systems.

LMS Migration

The process of transferring content, courses, and data from one LMS to another.

LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability)

A standard developed by 1EdTech (formerly IMS Global) that enables seamless integration between LMS platforms and third-party educational tools.

Rich Content Editor (RCE)

An LMS feature that enables users to format text, embed multimedia, and enhance course content within a learning environment.

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model)

A set of technical standards for e-learning software to ensure interoperability between content and LMS platforms.

SIS (Student Information System)

A software application that manages student data, including enrollment, grades, attendance, and course schedules, often integrated with an LMS for seamless data exchange.

SSO (Single Sign-On)

A user authentication process that allows access to multiple applications with a single login credential.

Assessment & Learning Analytics

Adaptive Assessment

A test format that dynamically adjusts question difficulty based on a student's responses.

Formative Assessment

Ongoing, low-stakes, evaluations that provide feedback to improve student learning, such as quizzes and discussions.

Summative Assessment

Evaluations, often high stakes, conducted at the end of an instructional period to measure overall learning outcomes.

Proctoring

The monitoring of online exams to ensure academic integrity, often using AI-driven or live supervision methods.

Rubric

A scoring guide used to assess student work based on predefined criteria and performance levels.

Emerging Technologies & Trends

Blockchain in Education

The use of blockchain technology for secure credentialing, digital diplomas, and academic record-keeping.

Cloud-Based Learning

Educational resources and platforms hosted on cloud servers, enabling anytime, anywhere access.

Digital Credentials

Verifiable online certifications or badges that signify competency in a particular skill or subject.

Metaverse in Education

The use of immersive virtual environments for interactive learning and collaboration.

XR (Extended Reality)

An umbrella term for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) applications in education.