Making Sense of Learning Terminology

Reusable learning objects, knowledge objects, learning events, curriculums, instructional objects…how do you make sense of the terms that are being used in learning and training discussions everyday? Consistent use of these terms doesn't exist but an understanding of how they're used will help enhance communication and comprehension.

The fact is that there is no consistent use of these terms within the learning and training industry and that creates a significant obstacle when different programs and systems try to interact. Development of industry standards like SCORM or AICC will help force consistent application of terms but that will take a while to adopt and then put into practice. Until then, let's develop a basic understanding of how these terms are used:

A curriculum is typically used to describe a number of learning events required to meet a basic learning objective like acquiring certification, a degree or competency.

A learning event is used to meet a specific learning objective like introduction to a software application or understanding basic financial terms and concepts. A learning event can be a classroom or online course, a video or virtual learning event, CD Rom, PDF, PowerPoint presentation or text document. Learning events are sometimes described as instructional objects or as the learning event type, e.g. class, CD, etc.

Learning events are comprised of numerous knowledge objects which are the most fundamental unit of learning. A knowledge object applies to one simple task or function only like how to set margins in a document. Other terms for knowledge objects include educational object, learning object, content object, training component, nugget or chunk. Reusable knowledge objects can be used many times by combining with other knowledge objects to form multiple learning events.

Clear as mud. And remember, it's OK to ask what is mean by various terms if you're not sure.