eLearning Definitions
What are the definitions of commonly used eLearning terms?
eLearning: The use of online delivery methods to provide training and support to learners.
AVID eLearning Platform: AVID’s Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS refers to a software system that is used to host, manage, and distribute eLearning. The system that AVID utilizes is called Canvas.
Pre-Work: An online training module that prepares participants for the upcoming professional learning session.
Synchronous Learning: A general term used to describe forms of education, instruction, and learning that occur at the same time but not in the same place. The term is most commonly applied to various forms of televisual, digital, and online learning in which students learn from instructors, colleagues, or peers in real time. For example, educational videoconferences, interactive webinars, chat-based online discussions, and lectures that are broadcast at the same time they are delivered would all be considered forms of synchronous learning.
Why Pre-Work?
In order to have an optimal learning experience, it is imperative for participants to complete their Pre-Work module prior to attending their first Community of Practice. It provides information about ADA accommodations, an overview of eLearning navigation, tips for computer best practices, and technology checklists, which include an internet speed check along with requirements and recommendations to ensure a seamless technology experience. It also includes information and resources to set up an optional eBinder system prior to the first day of the training. If you prefer printed copies, the resources for your specific Community of Practice can be found in the Pre-Work module for you to print at home.
Getting Started with eLearning
When do participants gain access to the Pre-Work?
Registered AVID Summer Institute participants gain access to the Pre-Work module in their Community of Practice course at least 1 week prior to the training. The Pre-Work module should be completed prior to attending the first session.
How will participants know about the eLearning Pre-Work?
Participants will receive an email with step-by-step instructions for how to access the Pre-Work module. AVID Center will also send a second reminder email to participants before the professional learning starts.
How much time is needed to complete the Pre-Work?
There is between 2–3 hours of Pre-Work. The Pre-Work does not have to be completed in one sitting.
How many hours of face-to-face training will Summer Institute include?
Face-to-face Community of Practice time will be 12 hours, the General Session will be 1 hour, Site Team time will be 5 hours, and there is one optional 1½-hour AVID 101 pre-session offered at two different times on Day 0. For more information, please see the Summer Institute Daily Schedule at a Glance.
System Requirements
The following specifications describe the technical standards officially supported by AVID and its online learning partners. If your system does not meet these requirements, you may still be able to access the online modules, but you may experience technical issues when running the courseware.
Operating Systems: Latest versions of Windows/Mac/Chrome operating systems.
Web Browsers: Latest version of Google Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Chrome or Edge are the preferred browsers; Firefox is an alternate version. Your browser should also have JavaScript and cookies enabled, and your pop-up blocker should be turned off. Features are generally enabled by default; you should consult with your IT department if you suspect that they may have been disabled for some reason.
Screen Readers: Participants who use screen readers to access the web can use the following programs to engage with eLearning:
- Mac: VoiceOver (latest version for Safari)
- PC: JAWS (latest version for Microsoft Edge)
- PC: NVDA (latest version for Firefox)
- There is no screen reader support for Canvas in Chrome.
Connection Speed: A network connection with a minimum speed of 3 Mbps is recommended; 5 Mbps or higher is ideal. Courseware performance and load times will suffer significantly on connections slower than 3 Mbps.
Monitor Resolution: In order to view the courseware properly, be sure that your screen resolution for Windows is set to 1280 x 1024 or higher; for Mac OS, it should be set to 1280 x 800.
To ensure a seamless professional learning experience, follow the recommendations on this technology checklist.