Glossary

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a collection of standards and specifications for e-learning. It defines how learning content communicates with the learning platform. SCORM is a specification of the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative, which comes out of the Office of the United States Secretary of Defense.

A learning object. Usually used to refer to a learning object (or collection or objects) that communicates with a learning management system using the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM®) Run-time Environment (RTE).

A Social Learning Environment (SLE) is an online environment where people learn through discussion and content creation and so improve personal and professional productivity. It can also be used as part of formal e-learning, as an environment where learners and trainers can mix. It can also be used as a sort of EPSS in the workplace. In an SLE content access and user activity are not usually tracked, in contrast to a Learning Management System.

A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is an individual with useful experience and/or knowledge in a particular field. In learning, SMEs are frequently called upon to assist in the production of learning materials, however working with SMEs effectively to ensure accurate and comprehensive knowledge transfer requires experience and specialist skills.