Commonly used terminology in education today

Face-to-face education or learning:

formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction occurs during an event where the teacher/instructor and the learner are physically present at the same time in the same place.

Distance education or learning:

formal educational in which the majority of the instruction occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place. Distance education may employ correspondence study, or audio, video, or computer technologies.

Distributed learning:

a general term used to describe a multi-media method of instructional delivery that includes a mix of web-based instruction, videoconferencing, face-to-face classroom time, distance learning through television or video, or other combinations of electronic and traditional educational models. Although distributed learning can be executed in a variety of ways, it is consistent in that it always accommodates a separation of geographical locations for part (or all) of the instruction, and focuses on learner-to-learner as well as instructor-to-learner interaction.

Experiential learning:

formal, supervised learning experiences that rely substantially on students' applying through direct experience the knowledge and information acquired through reading, simulations or electronic exercises, faculty instruction, or other modes of learning directly within the context and duration of the course.

Blended learning:

a combination of multiple approaches to teaching or learning. Blended learning can be accomplished through the use of 'blended' virtual and physical resources. Examples include combinations of technology-based materials and traditional print materials, face-to face sessions and computer-aided and/or -supported learning.

E-Learning:

formal supervised learning that takes place during an event where extensive use is made of electronic devices that facilitates learning through the use of the internet. This form of instruction or learning usually takes on two formats:

• Technology-Enhanced Learning during which the learner has frequent opportunities to meet face-to-face with the instructor in traditional classrooms but is dependent on computer sourced materials delivered through some internet interface, providing some form of interactive learning activity. This form of learning usually supplements traditional face-to-face classes.
• Technology-Delivered learning during which the learner is never (or very rarely) in physical proximity to the instructor. Instructor-led traditional classroom sessions are eliminated, adjusted for some different form of non-real time interaction, or replaced with real-time "virtual classrooms" during which students interact with one another and/or the instructor, using the internet as a communication tool.

Full-time learning

implies that a learner has formal learning as an occupation and spends most of the available time per annum as a learner, usually through face-to-face learning at a campus-based institution. Any employment that a full-time learner is involved in is usually limited to weekends or institutional holidays/breaks and is usually on a part-time basis.

Part time learning:

implies that a learner is employed by an organisation or self-employed and therefore uses private time to pursue formal learning, usually through distance or E-learning.

Formal learning:

participation in a structured learning programme that has formal certification or qualification as an outcome.

Non-formal learning:

participation in planned events or occurrences which are structured and lead to a recognised increase in knowledge and/or skills but do not result in any certification or qualification as an outcome.

Informal learning:

takes place outside a dedicated learning environment and arises from the activities and interests of individuals and groups, but which may not be recognised as learning.