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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K
L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
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| Access Email |
Email notification, users sometimes refer to as "the link email". Alias: Registration Email, User-Created Notification 💡 Insight: There are three ways for setting up trainee access: By email or phone; specific training codes or self-registration. Support Article: How to Login or Sign up to your Account |
| Active / Inactive User account |
A feature that allows learners to be turned active for course enrollment, or inactive if learners are temporarily or permanently signed out of course work without losing any historic data. To permanently delete inactive accounts removes any personal records along with learning outcomes from the platform. The record can be anonymised if a complete removal of learning outcomes is undesirable, e.g. for compliance reporting. Alias: Super User/ Admin, Organization Unit (OU) Administrator 💁 Tip: Spark allows rights for administrator accounts to be individually configured to precisely reflect the responsibilities of the managing user. |
| Administrator |
An Administrator may be a term used to describe a person with a Manager level account, who is a part of your Organisation and has greater access than a learner account. They can manage or change aspects of user accounts and trainings. Alias: Activated / deactivated user (account) 💁 Tip: Deactivating accounts after employees left the organization can ensure compliance with legal data protection requirements, at the same time, data records can be anonymised for future audits. |
| API |
An "Application Programming Interface" is a method by which different systems can connect, send, and receive different kinds of requests. APIs are very versatile tools that can help you create additional customisations. In terms of an LMS, this could be things like sending account creation actions, or the action to deactivate an account. Another example of this could be the automatic synchronisation of user data. 💁 Tip: Creating an API between systems can help you seamlessly integrate and automate eLearning requirements within your organizational eco-system. |
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| Bounce |
When an email, such as a course invite or reminder, does not reach its intended destination, it has bounced. This is typically due to the email address being incorrect. Bounces have two categories; Soft Bounces describe situations such as the recipient's mailbox being too full to accept the message, and Hard Bounces describe occurrences such as an email address not existing, or email rejections. |
| Browser |
The browser is the program or app you use to access the internet and required for accessing the LMS. There are many kinds of browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari. Support Article: Changing or upgrading your default web browser |
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| Cache | The storage space that your browser uses to store data to make loading webpages faster. This data can become old or may conflict with other data, which means that it may be helpful for you to consider clearing your cache every so often. |
| Campaign |
Describes the delivery of one or more eLearning courses for a target group of learners. A roll-out, due dates and supporting measures such as reminder emails or processing rules are defined for this purpose. It is not a specific function of the Spark platform. Alias: Roll-out |
| Certificate |
Some module content in Spark can be set up to create a certificate for the user when they complete the training, typically once they have achieved a predetermined percentage score on an assessment. Certificates are .pdf files that can contain a range of data, such as a unique number, the user's name, and even their profile photo. Alias: Receipt Support Article: Settings - Certificates Support Article: Certificates that require Profile Photo Approval |
| Comma delimited | Also known as Comma Separated Values, this is a kind of file format that a spreadsheet can be saved as. |
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.CSV Comma Separated Values |
Also known as Comma delimited, a .CSV file is a file format type that a spreadsheet can be saved as that is very compatible across different systems. |
| Cookies |
Cookies are a kind of file that stores browsing data when you visit a website, such as viewing preferences. In the case of eLearning, Third-Party Cookies are needed to ensure your progress in the training is tracked correctly. Cookies are also stored in order to make the site load faster the next time you visit it. |
| Course |
Courses can be made up of one or more modules. Completing the course means having completed all of the modules in that course. |
| Custom Fields |
Allow new fields specific to a client to be added that are not included in the standard set of variables captured in the user data. Alias: User defined fields 💡 Insight: Using custom fields can allow you to more closely reflect your organizational structure on the LMS. records can be anonymised for future audits. |
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| Dashboard |
The learners or administrators view after logging on to the Learner Management System. It links to course details, profile or messages of the learner; and additionally, to user data, enrolment profiles and reports if user is also an admin. Alias: Learner / Admin Portal |
| Distribute trainings |
The ability to add an instance of training content to a user's account, such as a module, document, or signable document. Alias: Assignment/Launch of trainings, Roll-out |
| Documents/ Signable Documents |
A content type; a document (.docx, .pdf) distributed to a learner to be accessed on their training homepage. Marks as complete automatically on download. It can be a signable document if trainees are required to enter a digital signature to confirm a complete the document distribution. |
| Drag-and-drop |
This is an interaction type feature that can be found in some training modules. It means that certain objects can be 'picked up and held' using the mouse controls and moved to elsewhere on the screen, usually in a predetermined 'drop zone'. |
| Drill Down |
To "Drill Down" into a set of data or hierarchy structure is to move down to the lower, more divided areas of that structure from the top-level. In the case of Reporting, you may start with a top-level overview of your whole organisation, but "drill down" to have a more specific granular view of a department or team. |
| Due date / time |
Absolute date or a timeframe measured in number of days a user needs to complete a course. After the deadline has passed there are visual cues in the user account highlighting this instance. In addition, admins can receive reports of users that moved past the deadline, or superiors can receive aggregate (customisable) email reminders that ask them to take actions. Alias: Expiry date 💁 Tip: You can amend due dates for trainings in bulk or for individual users |
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| First-level support (end user) |
Admins support learners and enable them to complete their training. For this they will receive guidance and support from their LMS provider, referred to as second-level support. Alias: Learner support |
| Firewall |
Firewalls are network security systems that help monitor and control incoming and outgoing internet activity according to specified rules and policies, like a protective barrier. Depending what the settings are for this may impact how you are able to access the training. |
| Formatted score |
If set for a client account, learners can receive a performance score as part of their course completion certificate. Alias: Performance (rating) |
| Front-end |
The Front-End is the visible aspect of a service, and describes what someone will see, regardless of the back-end functionality and processes. 💁 Tip: Your Spark LMS is customisable to optimally reflect your business identify in terms of branding and colour scheme. |
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| Ignite | Ignite is a content authoring tool, created and owned by Sponge. Ignite is versatile and allows for quick module delivery in TinCan and SCORM 1.2, as well as having excellent compatibility with the Spark LMS. Support Article: Ignite |
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| Language |
Default interface/notifications language set for an individual learner depending on their culture (language/region variable). 💡 Insight: The platform is available in over 20 languages with campaign-specific localisation features that allow admins to target users in the correct language. |
| Lesson status |
Lesson states include Pending (Can Start), In Progress, Passed/Complete. 💁 Tip: You can access a wide range of reporting to obtain insights on learner progress, including summary reports, user-level analysis, as well as performance and communication reports. |
| LMS |
The 'Learning Management System'. This is the platform where training is hosted, distributed to learners and progress is tracked. It is often connected to other business systems. |
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Manager |
An account with the permissions to manage other users, features, content, or reporting. Permissions can vary from manager to manager. Alias: Administrator |
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Module |
A Module is an individual piece of published eLearning content, either in SCORM 1.2 or TinCan format for the LMS. Other publishing formats are not compatible. Alias: Course (unit), lesson (content) |
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O |
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OU (Organisation Unit) |
Organisation Units are a single part of the Organisational Structure/Hierarchical feature, often referring to a group of users by department or location in their business. An Organisational Unit can use their own brand (e.g. URL, Layout). Alias: Organisational Unit, Org Unit |
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| Password Reset |
An administrator feature that allows an email to be triggered for learners that are unable to use the "forgotten password" feature. |
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Photosphere |
A still image taken on multiple cameras that has been 'stitched together' creating a seamless image that can be explored with the viewer perspective in the centre. |
| Pop-up | A Pop-up can be anything that opens up in addition to the webpage you are currently on. Sometimes training modules will utilise pop-ups to deliver course certificates or additional downloadable documentation. As such, for the duration of the course it is recommended that pop-ups are allowed by your browser. |
| Promote to... |
A User account can be granted higher level access by being made a Trainer or Manager with varying abilities of access. Caution should be taken regarding who is granted access and what abilities and information their account has access to. |
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Refresher |
A refresher training can be a renewed release of the same topic, as a shortened or extended version. If training content is issued more than once, it is indicated by a "Reissued #" addition. Alias: Recurring training |
| Reminder Notifications |
Either set in number of days from enrollment (relative) or as a fixed date (absolute), from which a reminder notification to triggered to users who haven't attempted their course. 💡 Insight: Reminders can be configured by training, group of users or individually. |
| Report |
This can include user-related or aggregated reporting, and can provide insight on learning outcomes, performance, communication, and, depending on the content type, even in-module stats. Reports can be filtered time and organizational structure and are available for download. 💡 Insight: Reminders can be configured by training, group of users or individually. |
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SCORM |
Shareable Content Object Reference Model - A standard format that eLearning is often published in, which allows Learning Management Systems like Spark to track user progress and completion. SCORM 1.2 and 2004 are two versions of SCORM formats. 💡 Insight: Spark enables you to run trainings with modules designed by Sponge Learning, your own training materials or third-party content. |
| Sequencing |
Sequencing is a method by which you are able to link activities into a required order of progression, with one or more activities being inaccessible until a prerequisite of completion is met earlier in the sequence. Example: In a sequence of three modules, module 1 can be accessed immediately, however users will need to complete module 1 before being able to access module 2 and would have to complete both modules 1 and 2 in order to access module 3. |
| SSO (Single Sign-On) |
An authentication system allowing a user to log on using their account from a different system, such as logging in with a Microsoft account, a Google account, or a social media account (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) |
| Spam |
This is unsolicited bulk email. Spam is a single, or series of unwanted email from someone who has sent the same message in bulk to a large email list. It is important that you do not spam your learners for several reasons, among them being legality - across the world countries have different laws about dealing with spam. Take care that each communication serves a clear purpose. |
| Support Email |
Can be created on the client side or on the LMS. Alias: Point of contact
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| Tags |
Tags are a freeform text method to organise and associate groups of user accounts or training content. 💁 Tip: You can tag a group of learners or a set of trainings. In a second step you can distribute certain tagged trainings (e.g. set 1) to a specified group of users (e.g. group 1). Alias: Label, User Group |
| TinCan (xAPI) |
TinCan is a publishing format for eLearning modules that enables platforms to track a highly detailed log of user interactions with the content, presentable in easy-to-read language. It provides more detail than SCORM published modules but is less universally compatible with other LMS's. Spark is designed for TinCan published content. |
| Thumbnail | Thumbnails are small example images that are used most often as style previews or themes for modules. |
| Trainee |
A user of Spark who is limited to being able to access training distributed to them only. Alias: end user, learner |
| Trainer |
A unique account level in Spark, allowing for the download of Presentable modules for offline classroom training. Offline training records are synced post training when a connection is established. Alias: Instructor |
| Training Code |
An option to allow users to self-register and receive a certain predetermined distribution of training content. A unique code can be created, allowing a user to enter that code on the login page, and either set up a new account or add it to their existing account. Training Codes can only be used once per account. Alias: Access Code, Activation Code |
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| Username |
Unique code for a learner used in combination with password or SSO upon registration and enrolment. It can be the user’s email address, payroll number, etc. Alias: Unique Identifier, UID |
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Videosphere |
Video that has been taken on a 360 degree camera or 'stitched' together from multiple cameras that creates an explorable, watchable sphere around the viewer with their perspective in the centre. |
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| WBT |
Web-Based Training Alias: E-learning, online training |
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xAPI (TinCan) |
See "TinCan (xAPI)" above. |
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.zip Zip File |
An archived, compacted file, or files zipped together is a common form of grouping files for sending or uploading, to be unpacked on delivery. All eLearning modules are .zip files when published, and must be uploaded as .zip files to the Spark platform. |