Glossary of Key Terms

Research (sample, intervention, design)

Asynchronous online course: Instructional course with content being delivered in a pre-recorded lecture style.

Broad-access institution: 2- and 4-year colleges and universities that accept at least 75% of their applicants.

Empirical Studies: Studies based on systematic, observational measurement and analysis.

Foundational STEM courses: Courses that introduce subjects in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Examples include but are not limited to introductory courses in algebra/trigonometry, quantitative literacy, statistics, and pre-calculus; introductory courses in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, and environmental science; and general biology I/II.

Hybrid courses: Classes with content offered through both pre-recorded lectures and face-to-face activities in the classroom.

Hyflex courses: Hyflex classes employ three modalities (in-class, online synchronous, and online asynchronous). Learn more.

Intervention: The “change” in instructional practices or tools introduced in an educational research study.

Learning Management System (LMS): Software used for educational administration, reporting, and tracking of educational materials, courses, attendance, records, etc.

Live online classes: instructor-led classes with content offered live in online formats

Rapid Cycle Experiments: Small-scale studies of interventions that permit iterative testing of impacts on student outcomes; this approach supports capacity building and continuous improvement.

Sample: A representative subset of people selected from a larger group to engage in a study. The data from this smaller representative group can be scaled to make a general statement about a larger group of people. Learn more.

SDL Instructional model: System of tools and practices that work together to support the development and application of SDL competencies.

Student-Focused: Learning and teaching methods that aim to address the learning needs, interests, or cultural backgrounds of individual students and groups of students. Learn more.

Synchronous online course: Educational course delivered through the Internet where instructor and students attend course sessions from different locations at the same time.

Technology-mediated: Any method of teaching and/or learning that uses technology and digital tools as a delivery mechanism for knowledge-building and instruction.