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GlossaryThis glossary offers definitions of remote conferencing and distance learning terminology. |
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Asynchronous: Used to describe a situation where learners and instructor are not in communication at the same time--e.g. CD or videotaped courses.
Audio conferencing: Telephone networking that allows groups of people at several locations to communicate with a facilitator and each other orally.
Blended Learning: Courses that combine a traditional face-to-face classroom setting with online components, such as the syllabus, grade book, exams, and supplemental documents. These components are delivered via the Internet through a Learning Management System (LMS).
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.
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.
Computer-Based Training (CBT): CBT helps learners gain mastery of a skill set by working through training programs installed on a computer. Also known as Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI. )CBT & CAI are subsets of eLearning.
Distance Learning: An instructional delivery system that connects learners, regardless of their location, with educational resources. Because distance learning occurs in a different place from teaching, it requires special techniques of course design, instructional design and communication. Distance learning can use eLearning technology to deliver training, but may also includes text based learning and courses via correspondence
eLearning: Anytime, anywhere electronic or computer-based learning. eLearning is a subset of Distance Learning.
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 and forums 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.
ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network: A telecommunications standard allowing communication channels to simultaneously carry voice, video and data. See Video Conferencing
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.
Multimedia: Any document that uses multiple forms of communication, such as text, audio, and/or video.
Online Courses: Online and web-based courses comprise the fastest growing area of distance learning. Online courses are available 24-7 to students via internet, intranet, and extranet. Also known as Online Learning or Web Based Training
Online Classroom: An online classroom, with an instructor and remote learners, using web or video conferencing technologies to present a course, demonstrate examples, and foster real-time interaction between instructors and students. Also known as Virtual Classroom
Podcast: An audio broadcast that has been converted to a digital file format for playback in a digital music player or computer.
SaaS:Software as a Service, more recently referred to as 'cloud computing' whereby the software is housed and run on a 3rd party system.
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.
Self-Paced Learning: 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.
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: Communication in which interaction between parties takes place simultaneously. In Internet-delivered instruction, both instructor and learners are online simultaneously, for instance “real-time” web conferencing.
Virtual classroom: See online classroom.
Teleconferencing: See audio conference
Video conferencing: Real-time exchange of audio & video between two or more remote facilities using hardware based technologies (such as encoders, high definition cameras and televisions) and telecommunication technologies (such as telephone, cable lines, satellite transmission, etc.).
VOIP: Voice Over IP. Voice Over Internet Protocol.
Webcasting: Broadcasting of live or recorded media files and PowerPoint presentations via the internet using streaming media technology. Webcasts are generally not interactive, although newer solutions may offer text chat and polling facilities.
Web conferencing: Software based real-time communication that facilitates collaboration, meetings or information distribution between two or more parties using the internet. Web conferencing can include two-way audio and video interaction, as well as features such as whiteboards, polling, surveys, Q&A, desktop and application sharing.
Web-based training (WBT): See online courses.
Webinar: Short for Web-based seminar, it is a real-time presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web. Webinars can be interactive and may include features such as polling, surveys, Q&A, desktop and application sharing. Webinars are usually scheduled events that participants must register for prior to joining. Webinars can be recorded for future viewing as a webcast.
Web Training Solution: A web conferencing application with features that facilitate online classroom interaction and online training. Can include file sharing, remote control of applications, student participation indicators, testing, etc.
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.
* Glossary was adapted from the South Central Regional Library Council distance learning glossary: http://www.lakenet.org/
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