eLearning | Glossary
eLearning Glossary – Q, as in...
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.
Q for … well, what comes to mind first?
Naturally, the first word most people think of is quality. And yes: that is a very fitting choice. Quality in eLearning: demonstrable quality marks and quality based on many years of experience, but above all on our experts, who develop and review our content on a sound professional basis. But before we get too carried away, let us begin with the glossary.
In our eLearning Glossary series, we introduce important terms relating to digital learning, online training, learning platforms and modern professional development. Today, we are focusing on the letter Q, which brings with it several interesting terms.
QR Code
The QR code has become almost impossible to imagine everyday life without. Menus, tickets, posters, login processes and more: we encounter these small square codes everywhere. QR codes can also be very useful in eLearning.
QR stands for Quick Response. It refers to a two-dimensional code that can be scanned with the camera of, for example, a smartphone. This allows users to access a link, video, digital learning material, form or other content quickly and easily.
In eLearning, QR codes can be used, for example, for:
- videos or explanatory graphics,
- feedback and evaluation forms,
- digital handouts, or
- learning stations in face-to-face training sessions.
QR codes are a particularly effective tool in hybrid learning formats, such as the combination of face-to-face training and digital learning. They create a bridge between the analogue and digital learning worlds.
Quality Assurance
And now we are back to our opening word: quality.
In eLearning, quality assurance is a crucial step before a course is published. The abbreviation QA is also often used, which stands for Quality Assurance. During quality assurance, a completed eLearning course is reviewed thoroughly once again. This is not just about spelling or grammar. Of course, these points are important and are also checked, but professional quality assurance looks much more closely.
From a subject-matter perspective, the focus is on content that is correct, up to date and easy to understand. From a technical perspective, checks are carried out to ensure that links, buttons, media and interactions work properly. From a didactic perspective, the focus is on whether the structure, navigation and exercises are clear and comprehensible for learners.
Quick Reference Card
A quick reference card is a compact overview that makes important information quickly accessible. It could also be described as a brief overview, quick reference guide or small memory aid.
In eLearning, a quick reference card is particularly useful when learners want to look up key content again after completing a course. It is not always necessary, or desirable, to open an entire learning module again just to find one specific piece of information. This is exactly where the quick reference card comes in. It can be provided, for example, as a PDF, infographic, download, interactive card or supplementary material within a learning platform.
The content of a quick reference card may include:
- definitions,
- checklists,
- dos and don’ts,
- reporting channels and/or
- short instructions for action.
The major advantage lies in practical transfer. Learners receive not only knowledge, but also a tool they can use in their everyday working lives. This makes eLearning more sustainable, as the content remains present and usable even after the course has been completed.
Quiz
A quiz is one of the best-known elements in eLearning. It is used to assess knowledge, make learning progress visible and repeat and reinforce content.
A quiz may appear at the end of a course or be integrated at various points throughout it. It is particularly useful when learners can test directly after a section whether they have understood the content. Many online training courses use a points system. The result may, for example, be displayed as a percentage. Depending on the training concept, a quiz may also be a requirement for successfully completing a course or receiving a certificate.
Typical question types in an eLearning quiz include:
- Multiple choice: One or more answers may be correct.
- True or false: Statements are classified as correct or incorrect.
- Fill in the gaps: Missing terms must be added.
- Matching tasks: Terms, examples or statements are matched with one another.
A good quiz does not simply test definitions. It presents practical situations and encourages learners to apply their knowledge.
Why Q Terms in eLearning Are More Important Than You Might Think
At first glance, the letter Q may seem rather unassuming. But in eLearning, there is a great deal behind it. Q for quality? Absolutely.
QR codes enable quick access to digital learning content.
Quality assurance ensures that online training courses are convincing from a subject-matter, technical and didactic perspective.
Quick reference cards support learners in their everyday working lives after the course.
Quizzes make knowledge measurable and help to reinforce content.
Together, these terms show what matters in good eLearning: content must be clear, comprehensible, correct, up to date and measurable. This is especially important for organisations that want to train their employees. After all, digital professional development should not merely be completed. It should have an impact.
Our eLearning Glossary series continues to grow. In the next article, we will turn to the next letter and explore further terms from the world of digital learning.
