Glossary of Online Learning Terms

The Learning Management System (LMS) is the online platform used to access your courses. It is where you will:

• View course materials

• Submit assignments

• Take quizzes and exams

• Participate in discussions

• Check grades and instructor feedback

Think of the LMS as your virtual classroom.

A course in which more than 50% but less than 85% of instruction occurs online, with the remaining instruction taking place in a traditional face-to-face setting.

Learning activities that do not occur at the same time. Students complete work on their own schedule within established deadlines.

Examples include:

• Discussion board posts
• Watching pre-recorded lectures
• Completing assignments
• Taking quizzes within an open time window

Learning activities that occur in real time, with students and instructors participating at the same time.

Examples include:

• Live lectures
• Real-time discussions
• Virtual class meetings using Zoom or Microsoft Teams

A module is a structured grouping of course content. Each module typically includes:

• Required readings
• Recorded lectures
• Assignments
• Assessments
• Interactive activities

Modules help organize course content into manageable sections.

An internet browser is the software application you use to access websites and online tools.

Common examples include:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari (Mac users)

Using the latest version of your browser helps ensure compatibility with online courses.

Microsoft Office 365 is the cloud-based version of Microsoft Office that includes applications such as:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• OneNote

UTRGV students use Office 365 for coursework and to access their university email.

A rubric is a grading guide used by your instructor to evaluate assignments. It outlines:

• The criteria being assessed
• The expectations for each performance level
• How points are distributed

Rubrics help you understand what is required before you submit your work and how your grade was determined after it is evaluated. Reviewing the rubric before starting an assignment can improve your performance.

A proctored exam is a test that is monitored to ensure academic integrity. Some online courses at UTRGV may require proctored exams.

UTRGV uses Respondus LockDown Browser for certain online tests. This secure browser:

• Prevents opening other applications or websites during an exam
• Restricts copying, printing, and screen capturing
• Locks the testing environment until the exam is submitted

In some cases, additional webcam monitoring may be required, depending on course expectations.

Your instructor will notify you in advance if a proctored exam is required and provide instructions for downloading and using Respondus LockDown Browser.