eLearning | Glossary
eLearning Glossary – N, as in...
The world of digital learning is constantly evolving. New technologies, learning methods and platforms also bring with them a wide range of technical terms. In our eLearning glossary series, we aim to explain these terms and make them easier to understand.
Three key topics take centre stage, all of which are particularly relevant for modern learning platforms and digital training: sustainability in eLearning, tracking and navigation.
Psst… just a little side note: We choose our glossary terms based on the first letter of the original German words. So don’t be surprised if the English version features slightly different terms than the title might suggest.
Sustainability
The concept of sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in the field of digital training and professional development. In the context of eLearning, sustainability can have several dimensions.
Sustainability through reusability
eLearning courses can be used repeatedly and updated whenever necessary. This allows training programmes to be used over the long term.
Sustainability through scalability
Once a course has been developed, it can easily be made available to a large number of learners, regardless of location or time.
Sustainability through continuous learning
Regularly updated eLearning content enables organisations to keep knowledge up to date in the long term, for example when new data protection regulations or compliance requirements arise.
Sustainability in terms of environmental impact
Digital training reduces the need for travel, printed materials and organisational effort. As a result, it also contributes to more environmentally friendly professional development.
When implemented effectively, eLearning therefore supports not only efficient learning but also sustainable corporate strategies.
Tracking
Another key concept in eLearning is tracking, also referred to as progress tracking or activity tracking. This involves recording learners’ activities and progress. Tracking is usually carried out via a Learning Management System (LMS) or through established eLearning standards such as SCORM or xAPI.
Typical information that can be collected includes, for example:
- Time spent on a course,
- Progress within a module,
- Completed lessons,
- Results of quizzes or knowledge tests,
- Number of viewed learning elements.
Among other things, this data enables organisations to:
- Provide proof of mandatory training (e.g. in data protection or information security),
- Analyse learning progress,
- Optimise training content or
- Identify knowledge gaps.
Tracking therefore supports both learning monitoring and the continuous improvement of eLearning programmes.
If you use tracking that goes beyond what is necessary for the intended purpose, you should always carefully assess whether all collected data is truly required and ensure that data protection principles are consistently respected.
Navigation
In eLearning, navigation refers to the ability to move between different elements within a digital course. Learners may move, for example, from one slide, lesson, chapter overview or interaction to the next. Well-designed navigation is crucial for a positive learning experience. It helps users orient themselves quickly and explore content intuitively.
Typical navigation elements include:
- Buttons such as “Next”, “Back” or “Start”,
- A menu or table of contents,
- A chapter or course overview,
- A pause function,
- Progress indicators within a module.
Especially in extensive training courses, such as those covering data protection or compliance requirements, a clear structure is essential. It prevents learners from losing track and helps them work through the content efficiently.
Conclusion
The terms navigation, tracking and sustainability illustrate how diverse the requirements for modern eLearning have become.
While clear navigation ensures a positive user experience, tracking enables transparent documentation of learning progress. At the same time, sustainable eLearning helps make knowledge available in the long term while using resources efficiently.
If you would like to learn more, be sure to check our blog regularly. Our glossary series is continuously expanding.
