Virtual IT Labs Glossary

Brain-based learning is an approach to training and development built on our understanding of the human brain.  It incorporates neuroscientific principles and theories into learning strategies to improve retention and engagement.  The core of brain-based learning is founded on the idea that learning is a complex process involving multiple areas of the brain and that…

Training-as-a-Service is a cloud-based delivery model for corporate learning and development. Instead of managing digital training internally, organizations outsource the responsibility to a third-party provider. The vendor supplies tailored, on-demand content within a virtual training environment.  What are the key elements of TaaS?  TaaS vendors don’t just create and deliver up-to-date training materials. They also…

Role-based training is an approach to learning and development that tailors content to each employee. It typically covers an employee’s responsibilities, the technologies they’ll use to fulfill those duties, and any role-specific compliance risks and requirements. This training may be paired with more generalized onboarding to fully introduce new staff to their positions. For example,…

What is Microlearning? Microlearning is a training strategy that breaks content into small segments, each requiring only a few minutes to digest.  These modules are delivered digitally through microlearning platforms designed to be accessible on any device.  Microlearning usually takes the form of self-paced, often hands-on training, and has become increasingly popular in recent years. …

What Are Learning Modalities?  Learning modalities, also known as education modalities, are the different ways in which people absorb, understand, and retain information.  While the concept of the training modality dates back to at least the 1920s, it was popularized by Neil Fleming’s VARK model in 1987. Fleming’s model suggests that people prefer certain modalities…

What is Formative Evaluation? Formative evaluation is a continuous process that identifies strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in any training program. This method is valuable for training, instructional design, and learning experiences that are still being developed. Ongoing feedback allows educators, trainers, and program developers to refine strategies and optimize outcomes, ensuring that learning…

What is an Authoring Tool? An authoring tool is a purpose-built application used to create digital content that focuses on developing eLearning courses, presentations, or interactive training materials. These tools provide users with an easy-to-use platform to design, develop, and publish educational content without requiring extensive programming knowledge.  An eLearning authoring tool allows trainers to…

What is a Skill Assessment?  A skill assessment is a structured, formalized method for measuring an individual’s knowledge, competencies, and abilities in a specific area. Also known as a skills test or skill evaluation test, a skill assessment is most commonly used as part of the hiring process to both identify skills gaps and evaluate…

What is Interactive Training?  Learning is more effective when you’re actively engaged. That’s one of the core ideas behind interactive training, an approach to learning and development that encourages active participation over passive memorization. This can take many forms, including: Discussion sessions Collaborative work Hands-on simulations Games Dynamic media  Quizzes Interactive Training vs. Hands-On Training…

What is Enterprise Sales Enablement? Enterprise sales enablement provides sales teams with the resources, training, and technology required to engage effectively with enterprise-level prospects and make deals that typically involve lengthy sales cycles, multiple stakeholders, and complex decision-making processes.  Unlike traditional sales enablement, enterprise sales enablement focuses on strategies that address the unique demands of…

What Are Hands-On Skills? Hands-on skills are critical for job performance, sales, and technical training. And when it comes to building hands-on skills, virtual learning labs are transformative tools. These immersive environments allow learners to practice real-world applications of training material in a controlled, virtual setting. Labs focusing on hands-on skills bridge the gap between…

Virtual lab simulations play an important role in both employee training and customer education. They allow participants to interact directly with a course’s subject matter in an immersive virtual environment. In doing so, they help develop both foundational knowledge and practical skills.  Simulations are often conflated with virtual labs, and vice versa. However, they aren’t…

An education-qualified lead (EQL) is a prospect who has engaged in some way with a customer education campaign. They’ve not only demonstrated that they’re interested in your company’s products and services, but they’re also knowledgeable about them. This knowledge generally makes them much likelier to convert.  The Different Categories of Lead Qualification Qualified lead generation…

What is Cybersecurity Posture? Cybersecurity posture is an assessment of how well a business can identify and remediate cyber threats. It encompasses every process, program, policy, and application you’ve implemented and evaluates its effectiveness at protecting your systems, people, and data. The stronger your cybersecurity posture, the better-equipped you are at preventing cyberattacks, data breaches,…

What is a Software Sandbox?  A sandbox is a software-based simulation of a real-life production environment. Sandboxes typically operate in isolation from other infrastructure. This allows users to freely experiment, as nothing they do in the sandbox will have any effect on other systems, applications, or data.  How is a Sandbox Used? The majority of…

What is Tactile Learning? Tactile learning is both a learning style and an approach to learning and development. In both cases, it’s all about hands-on experience — specifically through touch. Also known as kinesthetic learning, tactile learning involves immersing oneself in training content to essentially ‘learn by doing.’ Tactile learning materials are developed with interactivity…

What is Digital Training? Digital training leverages digital learning systems to deliver virtual training content and experiences. Also known as online learning or e-learning, it provides learners with a high degree of flexibility, interactivity, and accessibility. Although digital learning content can be — and often is — consumed remotely, this is not strictly necessary.  Common…

What is Channel Learning? Channel learning employs several different technologies to develop learning experiences. Also known as omni channel learning, this methodology calls for using everything from virtual environments, interactive tools, remote learning, and even social media to provide a learning experience. However, channels are not used separately but as part of a cohesive experience…

What is Aesthetic Learning? Aesthetic learning is a learning style focusing on creativity, imagination, and innovation. An aesthetic learner appreciates these aspects of life, which often manifests in how they spend their time — and how they learn. This type of learner often processes information in a multi-sensory way, including auditory, visual, and even lectures….

What is the Learner Experience? It isn’t enough to simply provide training materials. You also need to deliver them in a way that’s compelling. To achieve this, you need to think about the learning experience, including: How the training begins — such as through a manager identifying a need or an employee seeking professional development. …