Glossary

It is worth noting that definitions of online learning are not always simple. Forms of education which incorporate online elements exist on a spectrum, from fully online to traditional in-person instruction supported by some online elements. To help the reader distinguish between these modalities, we have provided some definitions below. However, it is worth noting that there is some variability in how these terms are interpreted across the sector.

• Active learning: an approach to learning in which, rather than the teacher ‘transmitting’ knowledge through lectures or reading, learners engage in a series of activities which require them to produce observable evidence of their learning. Where possible, these individual, pair and group tasks should aim to develop higher order thinking skills, emotional connection with content and tactile or physical engagement with the environment.
• Active blended learning: an approach to learning that combines the principles of active learning for in-person instruction with online learning activities that emphasise student engagement, participation, and interaction.
• Asynchronous learning: an educational approach where teaching and learning do not occur in real-time. In this method, students can access course materials, complete assignments, and engage with the content at their own pace, without the need for simultaneous interaction with the instructor or other students. This flexibility allows learners to manage their study schedules according to their personal needs and commitments.
• Blended learning: an educational approach that combines traditional in-person instruction with online learning components. This model allows for a mix of face-to-face and digital experiences, providing flexibility and enhancing the overall learning experience.
• Hybrid or dual-mode learning: an educational approach where the same course is offered simultaneously in both face-to-face and online formats. This model allows students to choose their mode of participation for each class session, providing flexibility to attend in-person or engage remotely. The goal of dual-mode learning is to ensure that all students achieve equivalent learning outcomes, regardless of the mode they select, accommodating diverse learning preferences and needs.
• HyFlex learning: a model of learning design that provides an additional flexibility over dual-mode learning by offering students the choice to participate in each teaching session in one of three ways: attending in person, joining synchronously online, or engaging asynchronously with recorded materials. This approach maximises student agency, allowing learners to select the mode that best suits their needs for each individual class, while maintaining equivalent learning outcomes across all participation methods.
• Online learning: a mode of education where instruction is delivered entirely via the internet, allowing students to learn remotely without the need for physical presence in a classroom. It can be synchronous (live classes) or asynchronous (pre-recorded materials) and often utilises a Learning Management System (LMS) for course delivery and interaction.
• Synchronous learning: an educational approach where teaching and learning occur in real-time, with all participants (students and instructors) interacting simultaneously. This can happen either in a physical classroom or through virtual platforms like video conferencing, live webinars, or online chat sessions. The key characteristic of synchronous learning is that it requires participants to be present at the same time, enabling immediate feedback, discussion, and interaction.