For those hoping to enter the Edtech space, you need to watch your words. It is easy to make assumptions based on your background knowledge in technology and the startup space, but the world of educational technology is unique and varied. You cannot simply allow your knowledge of technology to the classroom.

Ask any successful Edtech Entrepreneur, and he/she will tell you that it is imperative to know and understand the importance of technology in education before you begin. Without a clear understanding of Edtech, you will find yourself using terminology that is not useful or not relevant to teachers and their students. Instead, you need to know the following terms.

1. Words from the Classroom

First and foremost, you need to be familiar with major terms in education. For example, people confuse the terms “curriculum” and “standards” believing they are the same thing, but this is untrue. As SchoolBoard explains in Forbes, “’Curriculum’ refers to lessons, unit plans and academic content taught in a school or a specific course or program. A ‘standard’ is a level of proficiency a student is expected to meet in a given subject.” These types of errors make teachers question Edtech entrepreneurs.

2. Adaptive Learning

Adaptive learning utilizes technology that adapts to each student. It customizes the content and learning activities to meet the needs of the individual student.

3. Asynchronous Learning

As opposed to synchronous learning where students sit in the same classroom and hear the same lessons at the same time, asynchronous learning allows students to learn in different places and at different times. We see this often in online classroom learning environments.

4. Blended Learning

Blended learning “blends” traditional classroom learning experiences with online digital classroom experiences. In blending learning environments, students get more control over the way and pace of their learning.

5. Course Management System

Course management systems, or learning management systems, refer to software that handles administration and data tracking of courses (or classrooms).

6. Differentiated Learning

Differentiated learning differentiates between each student with teachers identifying different learning strategies for students.

7. Digital Storytelling

A combination of digital technology that allows students to tell their stories using audio, visual, and text creatively.

8. Gamification

Gamification refers to the application of game-like elements to things that are not games to engage students.

9. MOOC

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Courses. These are online courses with open access. These free online courses traditionally include video lectures.

10. Virtual Classroom

Unlike MOOCs, virtual classrooms involve interaction like a traditional classroom. In virtual classrooms, there is an educator and classmates communicate and work with one another.

As with any start-up, the smartest thing to do is your homework. Your vocabulary should demonstrate your knowledge of the branch of education your educational technology is designed to help.