Intensity. A principle of learning in which a dramatic or exciting learning experience is likely to be remembered longer than a boring experience. Learners experiencing the real thing will learn understand more than when they are merely told about the real thing.

Interactive video. Software that responds quickly to certain choices and commands by the user. A typical system consists of a compact disk, computer, and video technology.

Interference. (1) A theory of forgetting proposing that a person forgets something because a certain experience overshadows it, or the learning of similar things has intervened. (2) Barriers to effective communication that are caused by physiological, environmental, and psychological factors outside the direct control of the instructor. The instructor must take these factors into account in order to communicate effectively.

Internet. An electronic network that connects computers around the world.

Judgment. The mental process of recognizing and analyzing all pertinent information in a particular situation, a rational evaluation of alternative actions in response to it, and a timely decision on which action to take.

Knowledge. Information that humans are consciously aware of and can articulate.

Lack of common experience. In communication, a difficulty which arises because words have different meanings for the source and the receiver of information due to their differing backgrounds.

Lead-off question. In the guided discussion method, a question used by an instructor to open up an area for discussion and get the discussion started.

Learning. A change in behavior as a result of experience.

Learning plateau. A learning phenomenon where progress appears to cease or slow down for a significant period of time before once again increasing.

Learning style. Preferred way(s) by which people learn. Common learning styles include visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, or tactile (hands on). Learning skills can be loosely grouped into physical and cognitive styles.

Learning theory. A body of principles advocated by psychologists and educators to explain how people acquire skills, knowledge, and attitudes.

Lecture method. An educational presentation usually delivered by an instructor to a group of learners with the use of instructional aids and training devices. Lectures are useful for the presentation of new material, summarizing ideas, and showing relationships between theory and practice.

Lesson plan. An organized outline for a single instructional period. It is a necessary guide for the instructor in that it tells what to do, in what order to do it, and what procedure to use in teaching the material of a lesson.

Link. On a website, an external web location that can be accessed by merely clicking on words identifying the new site. They are usually identified by a different color type, underlining, or a button (picture or icon) indicating access to a new site.

Long-term memory. The portion of the brain that stores information that has been determined to be of sufficient value to be retained. In order for it to be retained in long-term memory, it must have been processed or coded in the working memory.