South Central Regional Library Council
Distance Learning Glossary

Asynchronous

Used to describe a situation where learners and instructor are not in communication at the same time--e.g. Internet-based or videotaped courses.

Blackboard

http://www.blackboard.com/

A suite of enterprise software products and services that power a total “e-Education Infrastructure” for schools, colleges, universities, etc.

Browser

Software that accesses the Internet using HTTP.  Common browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.

CE

Continuing education

Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)

Also: Computer-Based Training (CBT)

CAI helps learners gain mastery of a skill set by working through training programs on a computer.  CAI is very effective for computer applications training.

Conference

A general type of meeting, usually one or more days, attended by a fairly large number of people.  The emphasis is on prepared presentations by authoritative speakers, although division into smaller group sessions for discussion purposes is often a related activity.

Content development

Development of course materials.  Formats may include text, audio, video, or multimedia.  Types of content may include readings, exercises, simulations, self-tests, etc.

Correspondence course

Course content delivered by mail, whether presented in print, video or audiotape, CD-ROM, or some combination.  Coursework is completed by a learner independently, at his/her own convenience, but usually within a set timeframe.

Cyberspace

The “virtual” place where people interact through computer networks.

Delivery modes

Options for delivering instruction (e.g. lecture, text, video, Internet).

Distance learning

An instructional delivery system that connects learners, regardless of their location, with educational resources.  Because distance learning normally occurs in a different place from teaching, it requires special techniques of course design, instructional design and communication.  Distance learning uses technology to provide new approaches to the teaching/learning process, rather than simply the addition of technology to instruction.

Download

Using the network to transfer files from one computer to another.

E-Learning

Anytime, anywhere electronic or computer-supported learning.  Also called Web-based training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A collection of basic information on any given subject.  Often seen on web sites as a resource to common issues visitors may have.

Host

A network computer that receives data from other computers.

HTML – HyperText Markup Language

The code in which Web documents are written.  Browsers interpret the elements of the code, or tags, for display on the Web.

HTTP – HyperText Transfer Protocol

The agreed upon format used to define how documents are formatted and transmitted on the Web, and what action servers and browsers should take in response to various commands.

Hybrid course

Courses that combine a traditional face-to-face classroom setting with online components, such as the syllabus, gradebook, exams, and supplemental documents.  These components are delivered via the Internet through a Learning Management System (LMS), such as Blackboard.

Hyperlink

Images or text within Web documents that present a different page once selected.

Hypertext

Text that is coded so that users may select and click on elements within a document to connect to further information.

Individualized Learning

A method of learning which leads the learner to proceed at his/her own pace.  The content may also be tailored to the individual learner’s needs.  Delivery methods include correspondence, computer based training, independent learning, etc.

Information Commons

A term used to describe either virtual or physical space in which institutions, resources, and practices promote effective community access to ideas while minimizing the effects of discriminatory barriers on individual usage. Libraries are primary examples of information commons.

Institute

Similar to a conference but more tightly structured.  Emphasis is on providing instruction in principles and techniques.  Institutes may maintain elements of continuity, such as meeting on a yearly basis.

Instructional design

The systematic process of translating general principles of learning and instruction into plans for instructional materials and learning.

Interactive video

A combination of video and computer technology in which the user's actions, choices, and decisions affect the way in which the program unfolds.

Internet

Global information networks connecting millions of computers.  Also called “the Net.”

Internet-based

Information or instruction delivered via the Internet.

ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network

A telecommunications standard allowing communication channels to simultaneously carry voice, video and data.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Integrated software products that track learner progress, beginning with an inventory of learning preferences and goals and tracking progress both within and among courses.

Multimedia

Any document that uses multiple forms of communication, such as text, audio, and/or video.

Needs assessment

The process of determining needs of learners, often based on surveys, demographic information, and labor statistics.

Net

The Internet.

Network

Multiple computer systems linked together.

Online courses

Online and web-based courses comprise the fastest growing area of distance learning. Online courses are available 24-7 to students via the world-wide-web. Learners need a computer, Internet access and basic skills in using the Internet.

Online learning

A learning environment that uses the Internet as the delivery vehicle, synonymous with E-Learning.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

A file format developed for the Adobe Acrobat Reader that captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications and preserves the intended format for display on a recipient's monitor or printer.

Platform

The underlying hardware or software for a computer system.  “Platform-independent” and “cross-platform” applications run on multiple computer systems.

Plug-in

Downloadable software that adds enhanced capabilities to a browser enabling the user to view, hear, or interact with non-standard display formats.

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of standards, rules, or formats for exchanging data that assures uniformity between computers and applications.

Seamless technology

In an online course, technology is said to be seamless (or transparent) when it is easy to use, intuitive in nature, and is NOT the focus of the learning experience.

Search engine

A Web-based software tool that searches for and returns documents on the Web (e.g. Google).

Self-paced

Learner may move through and complete a course alone, without a cohort group or fixed schedule.

Seminar

A small group of people with the primary emphasis on discussion under a leader or resource person or persons.  In continuing higher education, a seminar is likely to be a one-time offering, although it may continue for several days.

Server

A computer on a network with a special service function, generally receiving and connecting incoming information traffic.

Short course

A sequential offering, as a rule under a single instructor, meeting on a regular basis for a stipulated number of class sessions over a short period of time.

Study tour

A course that incorporates travel to libraries or other sites related to the content of instruction.

Symposium/forum

Similar to conference/institute, but audience participation is built in.

Synchronous

1) Communication in which interaction between parties takes place simultaneously. Also called real-time.

Synchronous

2) In Internet-delivered instruction, both instructor and learners are online simultaneously, for instance “real-time” teleconferencing.

Technical infrastructure

The hardware, software and other devices that support the use of technology, whether for distance learning or conducting the business of the institution.

Technical service vendors

Commercial entities that provide specific technical products, services, or expertise that bring value to another organization.

Teleconferencing

1) Telephone networking that allows groups of learners at several locations to communicate with the instructor and each other orally.

Teleconferencing

2) Two-way electronic communication between two or more groups in separate locations via audio, video, and/or computer systems.

Teleconferencing

3) Synchronous exchange of audio, video or text (or a combination) between two or more remote sites using telecommunication technology such as telephone or cable lines, satellite transmission, etc.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The address of a document on the Web. e.g. www.lakenet.org/training/index.html or http://www.ala.org/

Web

A short term for the World Wide Web (WWW).

Web-based training (WBT)

Anytime, anywhere electronic or computer-supported instruction.

Webcasting

Using technology to simultaneously broadcast live video and/or audio via the Internet to multiple computers.

Webinar

Short for Web-based seminar, a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web.

Workshop

Usually meets for a continuous period of time over a period of one or more days.  Emphasis is on combining instruction with hands-on learning, often for skill training or attitudinal change rather than general principles.

World Wide Web (WWW)

A global, networked system that serves data, images, documents, multimedia, via the Internet.

More glossaries and terms visit this site:

http://www.uwex.edu/disted/glossary.html  2005