If you’re new to the world of education technology, you’ve probably noticed it’s an acronym jungle. Job postings, product sheets, and policy documents are packed with shorthand that can feel overwhelming if you don’t speak the language. Whether you’re a teacher exploring new opportunities, a Higher Ed professional shifting into EdTech, or a corporate learning specialist, knowing these acronyms will help you stand out. They show up in interviews, networking conversations, and the tools you’ll use every day.
Why Acronyms Matter
- K-12 has terms like IEP, RTI, and MTSS.
- Higher Ed often references OPMs, MOOCs, and FYE.
- Corporate learning leans on acronyms like L&D, ROI, and HRIS.
- Regional differences exist too: LMS (Learning Management System) is common in North America, while VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) is used more in the UK and Europe.
This guide is designed to give you a hyper-specific EdTech lens so when you see acronyms in a job posting or hear them in conversation, you’ll know exactly what they mean.
A
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
A landmark U.S. civil rights law requiring accessibility in schools, workplaces, and digital products. In EdTech, ADA compliance means platforms must accommodate learners with disabilities. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
ADE - Apple Distinguished Educator
A global program recognizing innovative educators who use Apple tools for teaching and learning. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
AI - Artificial Intelligence
Software designed to mimic human intelligence. In EdTech, AI is used for adaptive learning, tutoring, analytics, and workflow automation. (Context: Global)
API - Application Programming Interface
A technical bridge that allows one platform to connect with another. APIs power integrations like syncing SIS data into an LMS. (Context: Global)
ARP ESSER - American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief
Federal funding provided to U.S. schools during the COVID-19 pandemic for staffing, technology, and recovery efforts. (Context: K-12, US)
AR/VR - Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality
Immersive technologies that are increasingly used for simulations, labs, and interactive learning. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
B
BIP - Behavior Intervention Plan
A personalized strategy for supporting students with challenging behaviors, often linked to IEPs. (Context: K-12)
BLOOM - BigScience Large Open-Science Open-Access Multilingual Language Model
An open-source AI model sometimes referenced in EdTech products and research. (Context: Higher Ed, Global)
BYOD - Bring Your Own Device
A policy where students or employees use their personal laptops, tablets, or phones for learning or work. (Context: K-12, Corporate)
B2B - Business to Business
Common in sales job descriptions. In EdTech, this often refers to companies selling platforms or tools to schools, universities, or districts. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed, K-12)
B2C - Business to Consumer
Describes EdTech companies that sell directly to learners, parents, or students. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
C
CADRE - Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
A federally funded group supporting effective conflict resolution in K-12 special education. (Context: K-12, US)
CAO - Chief Academic Officer
A school district or Higher Ed leader responsible for curriculum, instruction, and academic strategy. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
CBT - Computer-Based Training
Instruction delivered digitally, often self-paced. A staple in corporate learning and certification programs. (Context: Corporate)
CCSS - Common Core State Standards
Learning standards for English and math adopted by most U.S. states. (Context: K-12, US)
CIPA - Children’s Internet Protection Act
A U.S. law requiring schools to use internet filters and safety policies to protect students online. (Context: K-12, US)
CMS - Content Management System
A platform used to create and manage digital content, often integrated with or alongside LMS platforms. (Context: Global)
CRM - Customer Relationship Management
Tools like Salesforce or HubSpot used in EdTech sales and marketing to manage school and district relationships. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed, K-12)
CTE - Career and Technical Education
Programs designed to prepare students with practical skills for future careers. Often tied to STEM and workforce readiness initiatives. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
CYOD - Choose Your Own Device
Similar to BYOD, but learners or employees select from a set of approved devices. (Context: K-12, Corporate)
D
DAC - Data Access Committee
A group that governs who can access and use student or institutional data. (Context: Higher Ed, K-12)
DAISY - Digital Accessible Information System
A standard for accessible digital publishing, ensuring content can be read by screen readers and assistive tech. (Context: Global)
DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A guiding principle in hiring, curriculum design, and workplace culture across EdTech organizations. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
DPA - Data Processing Agreement
A legal contract covering how data is managed between EdTech vendors and schools. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
DPI - Department of Public Instruction
State-level agencies in the U.S. that oversee K-12 education. (Context: K-12, US)
DNS - Domain Name System
While not EdTech-specific, DNS knowledge is common in IT-related EdTech roles. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
E
EAP - Employee Assistance Program
Workplace benefit programs that sometimes include training or learning supports. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
EBSCO - Elton B. Stephens Company
A common digital library resource provider, especially in Higher Ed institutions. (Context: Higher Ed)
EDGAR - Education Department General Administrative Regulations
U.S. federal regulations that impact how education grants are managed. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, US)
EDL - English as a Second Language (ESL) Digital Learning
Refers to digital supports for English learners. Sometimes also abbreviated as ESL or ELL. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
EDTECH - Educational Technology
The umbrella term for using digital tools, platforms, and services in learning. (Context: Global)
ELL - English Language Learner
Students learning English in addition to their native language. A critical designation in K-12. (Context: K-12, US)
EMS - Enrollment Management System
Tools for managing student enrollment, widely used in Higher Ed. (Context: Higher Ed)
ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning
Comprehensive systems that manage business operations. In Higher Ed, ERPs often integrate with LMS and SIS platforms. (Context: Higher Ed, Corporate)
ESL - English as a Second Language
Another common abbreviation for ELL programs supporting English learners. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
ESSA - Every Student Succeeds Act
The U.S. federal law governing K-12 accountability, replacing No Child Left Behind. (Context: K-12, US)
F
FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
A U.S. law protecting the privacy of student education records. Frequently referenced in EdTech contracts and compliance. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, US)
FIPPA - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Canadian legislation governing data privacy in education contexts. (Context: Higher Ed, K-12, Canada)
FOIA - Freedom of Information Act
A U.S. law that gives the public the right to request access to records from government agencies. In education, FOIA requests may involve data on school operations, funding, or policies. EdTech professionals may encounter FOIA in compliance or reporting contexts. (Context: K–12, Higher Ed, US)
FTE - Full-Time Equivalent
Used in workforce planning to describe staffing levels in schools and universities. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
FWA - Flexible Work Arrangement
Policies that allow employees to adjust their schedules or work remotely. Common in EdTech companies post-COVID. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
FOSS - Free and Open-Source Software
Refers to software that is openly shared and modifiable. Common in EdTech projects and platforms like Moodle. (Context: Higher Ed, Corporate, K-12)
FYE - First-Year Experience
Programs designed to support college freshmen in adjusting to Higher Ed. (Context: Higher Ed)
G
GAFE - Google Apps for Education
Now branded as Google Workspace for Education, this suite includes Gmail, Docs, Classroom, and other collaboration tools used widely in schools. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation
A European Union regulation governing data privacy. Even U.S.-based EdTech companies often need to comply if serving European learners. (Context: Global)
GED - General Educational Development
A set of tests that provide certification equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. (Context: K-12, Adult Learning)
GIS - Geographic Information Systems
Mapping technology sometimes used in education programs and research projects. (Context: Higher Ed, K-12)
GPRA - Government Performance and Results Act
A U.S. law that requires federally funded education programs to demonstrate measurable outcomes. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, US)
GUI - Graphical User Interface
A visual way of interacting with software. In EdTech, GUI design impacts accessibility and ease of use for both teachers and students. (Context: Global)
H
HBCU - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
U.S. institutions established before 1964 to serve African American students. Often referenced in Higher Ed EdTech initiatives. (Context: Higher Ed, US)
HEA - Higher Education Act
U.S. legislation that governs financial aid, student support, and accountability in Higher Ed. (Context: Higher Ed, US)
HEERF - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
Federal pandemic-relief funding for Higher Ed institutions. (Context: Higher Ed, US)
HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
A U.S. law protecting personal health information. Relevant to EdTech when handling student or staff medical data. (Context: Higher Ed, K-12, Corporate, US)
HRIS - Human Resource Information System
Software for managing employee data and HR functions, often integrated into corporate or Higher Ed EdTech systems. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
HTML - Hypertext Markup Language
The standard coding language for web pages. Basic knowledge is useful for EdTech roles involving content management. (Context: Global)
I
IB - International Baccalaureate
A globally recognized K-12 curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and international perspectives. (Context: K-12, Global)
ICT - Information and Communication Technology
A broad term for technology used to handle communication and information. Widely used in Europe and Asia. (Context: Global)
IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
U.S. federal law ensuring special education services and supports for eligible K-12 students. (Context: K-12, US)
IEP - Individualized Education Program
A legally required learning plan for K-12 students with disabilities. (Context: K-12, US)
ILT - Instructor-Led Training
Training delivered in real time by an instructor, either in-person or virtually. Common in corporate learning. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
IMS - Instructional Management System
A system that integrates lesson planning, grading, and classroom tools for educators. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
IoT - Internet of Things
Devices connected to the internet. In schools, IoT can include smart boards, connected labs, and classroom monitoring tools. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
IP - Intellectual Property
Legal rights around ownership of content, software, or ideas. Important for EdTech product development and licensing. (Context: Global)
IRB - Institutional Review Board
A group that reviews research involving human participants to ensure ethical standards. Common in Higher Ed. (Context: Higher Ed)
ISEE - Independent School Entrance Exam
An admissions test for private K-12 schools in the U.S. (Context: K-12, US)
J
JIT - Just-In-Time Learning
A corporate learning approach that delivers training exactly when it’s needed, often via digital platforms. (Context: Corporate)
JSON - JavaScript Object Notation
A lightweight data format commonly used for APIs and EdTech system integrations. (Context: Global, Technical)
JPA - Job Placement Assistance
Support services provided by some training programs or EdTech bootcamps to help graduates find jobs. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
K
KPI - Key Performance Indicator
A measurable metric used to track performance. In EdTech, KPIs can include student engagement rates, course completion, or sales growth. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
K12 - Kindergarten through 12th Grade
A U.S. term for the primary and secondary education system. Equivalent phrases elsewhere include “school-aged education.” (Context: K-12, US)
KMS - Knowledge Management System
A platform used in corporate and Higher Ed settings to organize and distribute organizational knowledge. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
KYD - Know Your Data
An emerging acronym emphasizing data literacy in K-12 and Higher Ed systems. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed)
L
L&D - Learning and Development
A corporate function focused on training, reskilling, and upskilling employees. In EdTech, L&D often overlaps with digital learning platforms, LXPs, and workforce readiness programs. Roles in this area emphasize aligning training with business goals and leveraging technology for scalable learning. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
LAN - Local Area Network
A network that connects devices in a limited area such as a school building. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
LDAP - Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
A standard for directory authentication, often used in single sign-on systems for schools and universities. (Context: Higher Ed, Corporate, K-12)
LEA - Local Education Agency
A U.S. term usually referring to a school district or authority responsible for education. (Context: K-12, US)
LMS - Learning Management System
A platform for creating, delivering, and tracking learning content. Examples: Canvas, Blackboard, Brightspace, Schoology. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
LTI - Learning Tools Interoperability
A standard that allows EdTech tools to integrate seamlessly into LMS platforms. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
LXP - Learning Experience Platform
A corporate-focused platform that emphasizes learner-driven experiences and personalized content recommendations. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
LTE - Long-Term Evolution
A wireless communication standard (4G). Relevant for connectivity in digital classrooms. (Context: Global, K-12)
M
MAU - Monthly Active Users
A metric for measuring how many users actively engage with a platform each month. Common in SaaS-based EdTech companies. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed, K-12)
MBA - Master of Business Administration
A graduate-level degree often mentioned in EdTech corporate leadership job descriptions. (Context: Higher Ed, Corporate)
MCQ - Multiple Choice Question
A common question format in digital assessments. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
MFA - Multi-Factor Authentication
An added layer of login security requiring two or more forms of verification. Increasingly required in EdTech systems. (Context: Global)
MOOC - Massive Open Online Course
Free or low-cost courses offered by platforms like Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn. (Context: Higher Ed, Global)
MTSS - Multi-Tiered System of Supports
A K-12 framework providing varying levels of academic and behavioral support to students. (Context: K-12, US)
MVP - Minimum Viable Product
A startup concept meaning the simplest version of a product that can be released to test user feedback. (Context: Corporate, Higher Ed)
MOU - Memorandum of Understanding
A formal agreement between organizations, often referenced in partnerships between schools, districts, or EdTech vendors. (Context: K-12, Higher Ed, Corporate)
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