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.
Semi-synchronous Learning: A type of digital and online learning experience that provides live support from a facilitator with some tasks to be completed in a set period of time. Semi-synchronous learning may also include additional tasks with a more open-ended time frame for completion. This type of learning may follow a synchronous experience and allows for participants to go deeper and wider into content.
Asynchronous Learning: A type of digital and online learning experience that occurs not only in different locations, but also at different times. For example, pre-recorded video, online discussions, small-group projects, and independent learning would all be considered forms of asynchronous learning.
Extended Learning Pathways (ELPs): An opportunity for Community of Practice members to choose two 6-hour learning journeys as extensions of their learning experience from AVID DigitalXP. This allows members to build on their knowledge of identified topics of interest (such as Academic Language Development, Culturally Proficient Teaching, Digital Citizenship, and Computational Thinking) through participating in the two 6-hour sessions of synchronous and asynchronous learning.
On-Demand Learning Module (ODL): An opportunity for Community of Practice members to explore content that addresses their individual learning needs. These 60- to 90-minute asynchronous learning experiences provide content for educators to deepen and/or extend their learning. They are available any time, and the pace of learning is determined by the participants.
Why Pre-Work?
In order to have an optimal learning experience, it is imperative for participants to complete their Pre-Work course 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.
Getting Started with eLearning
When does eLearning start for Summer 2022 Professional Learning?
The eLearning Pre-Work will be available in May for participants registered for summer professional learning. The Pre-Work should be completed prior to attending their 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. The Pre-Work will be available in May. AVID Center will also send out a second reminder email to participants prior to the start of the professional learning.
How much time is needed to complete the Pre-Work?
There is between 1–2 hours of Pre-Work.
How many hours of training will DigitalXP include?
Training time in AVID DigitalXP includes: 12 hours for the Community of Practice, 1 hour for the General Session, 3 hours for Site Team time, and 1½ hours for an optional AVID 101 session.
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: Windows 7 or newer (users on Windows 10 need to download Windows 10 Anniversary Update in order to submit assignments); Mac OS X v.10.6 or higher; Power Mac G5 or higher.
Web Browsers: Google Chrome 63 and 64 or higher; Mozilla Firefox 57 and 58 or higher. Google Chrome is the recommended browser to run courseware. 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.
JavaScript: JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas.
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: While a broadband connection is not required, courseware performance and load times will suffer significantly on dial-up connections. Cable, DSL, or T1 connections will yield much better performance.
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.