Terminology

ECTS credit => Unit which describes the extent of studies. One ECTS credit equals about 27 hours of work to the student.

Course => The subject of studies described in the degree requirements or curriculum of the University of Applied Sciences.

Course entity => Several courses which belong to the same entity.

Course description => basic details of the course contents

Study performance => performance of a course, course entity or degree. Performance can be approved or failed.

Transcript of records => Blueprint from study performance taken from the study register.

Curriculum => describes the details of study performances and teaching included in the course

E-learning => Learning which employs web-based, open learning environments. It can also include e.g. direct contact learning, project tasks and on-the-job learning.

Learning environment => Refers to the learning entity in which learning takes place. Web-based learning environment means that a relatively big part of studies is performed through e-networks. Universities of Applied Sciences normally use for instance WebCT, Optima and Moodle networks.

Tutor => Person whose task is to guide and help the students in learning and human growth.

Learning process => An entity of diverse learning situations through which the student reaches the desired level of knowledge and knowhow. A learning process is like a trip which requires active participation from the traveller. The traveller is the subject of his/her own learning.

Motivation => According to current thinking, efficient learning is not possible through external stimuli. It requires own, active thinking from the learner. Motivation is willingness and tendency to act in a certain way.

Self-directed learning => a tool for lifelong learning. It describes a process in which the learner has a responsibility of his/her own learning. Self-directed learning requires active, systematic and goal-oriented actions from the student.

Reflection => The student reflects his/her own learning.

Portfolio => Depending on the situation and application, portfolio can consist of material originating from contents, outcome, medium or process, such as map, print or website.