Distance Education - Words to Educate  Word Meaning Distance Education The delivery of educational programs to students who either can't or don't want to take conventional classes on a campus. A     B     C     D     E     F     G     H     I     J,K     L     M     N     O     P,Q,R     S     T    U,V  W,X,Y,Z A  Accreditation Validation by a group of persons that an educational institution or department within a school has been investigatedand found worthy of approval.  In the United States, a school volunteers to be accredited and the accrediting is done byprivate agencies.  There is no central accrediting agency and the government does not have authority over the process. Academic Advisor A staff or faculty member who is tasked with helping students in academic-related matters, such as selecting a course of study, choosing courses to take, and developing a degree plan or academic curriculum that meets the requirements of a particular department or degree. Applet A tiny program that is embedded in a webpage built in HTML (hyper-text markup language), and which launches when the webpage is loaded.  Applets are written in Java and are frequently used in playing videos, animated images, audio, and other features that enhance a person's experience in the page.  Unfortunately, applets are often written in ways that require individuals to download programs such as the ,latest version of Java languzge that may not be allowed on their computer.  Thus, web browsing experiencwes that rely on applets can be frustrating for individuals who may need to use computers that have firewalls and security. Articulation An agreement that guarantees transfer of credits from a two-year or four-year college to a four-year college in the same state.  Students have the responsibility to always check in advance to see if their credits will transfer. Asynchronous Communication Communication in which the parties participate at different times.Learners - and instructors - can choose where and when they will participate in classes.  The technology used is usually a Web-based Internet Application.  Other methods employ videotapes, email, list servers (for online discussion groups), and paper-based correspondence courses using either land mail or faxes. Audit To enroll and participate in an individual course without receiving academic credit.  A popular option for lifelong learners who seek to indulge their love of learning. Top of Page B  Bandwidth The width of electric frequencies necessary to transmit communications signals quickly and clearly.  The  more information a signal contains, such as photographs, moving images, sound, or text the more bandwidth it uses. Text alone uses little bandwidth. Blog Short for "web log".  A blog is an updatable website that is chronologically arranged, and updated at the user's discretion.  What makes a blog different than a regular website is the fact that it can by syndicated so that others can subscribe and have the content delivered to a certain place automatically.  Weblogs started out as journals and chronologically arranged websites.  However, it is common now for blogs to include audio, video, graphics, and text.  It is common for blogs to be available as RSS or Atom feeds. Browser Software that allows you to access view Web sites on the Internet from your PC, laptop, or handheld PDA.  Examples of browsers include Firefox, Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Opera, and Safari. Top of Page C Chat When two or more users communicate in real-time by typing messages which are sent instantly within the chat room or instant messaging program.  In distance learning, a chat may be used for a class discussion, or so that students may ask the instructor questions or receive feedback from an instructor as a group. Cloud Computing         Cookies Cloud computing is internet-based computing in which large groups of remote servers are networked so as to allow sharing of data-processing tasks, centralized data storage, and online access to computer services or resources. Typically, when referring to the “Cloud,” individuals are referring to the cloud network over the internet These are not programs, even though many people think that they have viruses or spyware in them.  Instead, cookies consist of information that is sent by the browser to a web-server and back.  They are very useful because they store information about the website one has visited and make it easier and faster to load the website the next time one visits.  Some learning management systems require cookies in order for the user to log in or have access to certain sites.  Other applications, such as shopping carts used in e-commerce also use cookies.  Cookies are used to track web-browsing patterns and behaviors.  They are also used to monitor a person's activities.  For that reason, cookies have been held out as examples of how one's privacy can be violated in the Internet. Top of Page D DHTML Abbreviation for "Dynamic HyperText Markup Language".  Dynamic web pages are written in a combination of languages that add interactivity.  They allow users to enter data, send it to the server, and to move items.  Dynamic web pages often establish two-way communication and allow for customized portal pages where the user behavior is recorded and "remembered" to give the user a customized experience. Diploma Mill   An unscrupulous business that sells "degrees" with cursory or no course work required.  The diplomas, degrees, and other papers sold are easily recognized by legitimate academic institutions and employers as valueless and fraudulent.  Diploma mills are often fly-by-night schemes operated from a post office box; they escape prosecution by vanishing and, perhaps, starting up again under a new name. Distributed Education   Any technology-mediated education that is not solely face-to-face.  One explanation is "…distance education situations in which students and instructors are separated by distance and never meet face to face.  However, it can also incorporate on-campus situations in which students and instructors meet face to face in traditional classroom settings but use technology to interact and to learn outside their face-to-face classroom meetings.  An example would be online laboratories that students can access from their dormitories. Top of Page E e-Learning Any learning that utilizes a network (LAN, WAN, or Internet) for delivery, interaction, or facilitation.  This would include distributed learning, distance learning (other than pure correspondence), CBT dekuvered iver a netwirjm and WBT.  Can be synchronous, asynchronous, instructor-led or computer-based or a combination. Top of Page F FAFSA         Fiber Optic Communication           Forum   Abbreviation for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid."  The official, federal application students are required to complete in order to determine elgibility for federal financial aid.  The FAFSA qualifies families for financial aid, grants, scholarships, loans, and many other awards, and is used by federal, state and local governments as well as schools.  This form must be filled out each academic year by the student and can be completed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.  Financial aid applies to online classes also.   Fiber-Optic Communication is a method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of light through an optical fiber. The light forms an electromagnetic carrier wave that is modulated to carry information. Optical fiber is generally chosen for systems requiring higher bandwidth or spanning longer distances than electrical cabling can accommodate.   An online medium of communication that usually has multiple “threads” or topics of discussion on which subscribers or members can converse. Top of Page G H Hope Scholarship Tax Credit The Hope Scholarship Credit may be claimed for the qualified tuition and related expenses of each student in the taxpayer's family (i.e. the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or an elgible dependent) who is enrolled at least halftime in one of the first two years of postsecondary education and who is enrolled in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential.  The Hope Scholarship Credit also applies for online classes. HTML Abbreviation for "HyperText Transfer Protocol".  An Internal protocol that is used by a web server and a web browser to transfer data (such as text, images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) between them.  When you enter a URL in your web browser, this actually sends an HTTP command to the Web server directing it to fetch and transmit the requested web page.  HTTP Abbreviation for "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol".  An Internet protocol that is used by a web server and a web browser to transfer data (such as text, images, sound, video, and other multimedial files) between them.  When you enter a UTRL in your web browser, this actually sends an HTTP command to the Web server directing it to fetch and transmit the requested page. Top of Page I Instant Messenger Also shortened to "IM".  Software that lists a user's buddy list (who may consist of friends, family co-workers, classmates, etc.) who are also online and enables users to exchange text-based messages.  Some instant messenger programs also include voice chat, file transfer, and other applications.  Popular instant messaging programs are available for free by ICQ, AOL, Yahoo!, and MSN.  IM may be used in distance learning to facilitate communication between two students or between a learner and hir or her instructor. Internet Service Provider   Also shortened to "ISP".  A company that provides Internet access to consumers and businesses, usually for a monthly fee.  Services include e-mail, the World Wide Web, FTP, newsgroups, etc.  Popular ISPs include America Online, Earthlink and Compu Serve. Top of Page J, K L  Lifetime Learning Tax Credit     The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is available to people beyond  the first two years of undergraduate studies, graduate students or working U.S., citizens to improve or upgrade their job skills.  It can be used for B61qualified tuition and related expenses (i.,e. tuition and fees) paid by a taxpayer. This Lifetime Learning Tax Credit also applies to Distant Learning classes  Listserv The proprietary name of an Internet mailing list service developed by Eric Thomas. List Servers Subscription (usually free of charge) email systems that allow all participants to simultaneously view email messages.  A major way people in a profession or with like interests share current information. Top of Page M N Netiquette Informal rules of conduct for how to behave on the Internet.  For example, in a distance learning course, it is poor netiquette to use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in a message as this is the equivalent of shouting. Newsgroup Usually refers to a public email discussion arena that does not require subscription.  Top of Page  O Online Course A class delivered via Internet, using email and/or the Web.  Usually requires interaction by students and instructors. Online University A school granting baccalaureate or higher degrees having no campus and no faculty of its own.  It repackages or otherwise makes available courses from other colleges using computer technology. Top of Page P, Q, R S Streaming Video Video sent in compressed form over the Internet that you view as it is being received, rather than waiting until the entire file to be downloaded first.  There may be two versions available:  a dial-up version which is usually a smaller file with a smaller video screen and a slower frame rate, for 56k dial-up users, and a high-speed version a larger file with higher quality image is designed for users with faster broadband Internet connections. Syllabus A document provided by an instructor at the start of a class that offers an overview of the course.  The syllabus usually covers course objectives, topics to be studied, assignments, required textbooks, grading policies, due dates for assignments, examination dates, and other relevant course information. Synchronous Communication Communication over distance in which all parties participate at the same time.  Emphasis is on a simultaneous group learning experience.  Teachers and students communicate in "real time".  The technology used is usually interactive audio conference or video conferencing or online chat rooms.  Although learners are separated by space they  must attend at a specific time.  If the class uses video conferencing, they must go to a designated place where the video feed is set up.  When bandwidth and computer capability permit video and audio streaming on home computers can be used learners can communicate synchronously from home. Synchronous Learning Any learning event where interaction happens imultaneously in real-jtime.  This requires that learners attend class at its scheduled time.  Could be held in a traditional classroom, or delivered via distributed or e-Learning technologies. System Requirements   The technological conditions required to run a software application.  Includes the operating system, programming language, database, hardware configuration, bandwidth, processing power, and so forth. Top of Page T Teleconferencing Any method of connecting participants at a distance via telecommunications technology.  The main types are video teleconferencing, audio teleconferencing, and computer teleconferencing. Telecourse A class that delivers content via televised lessons (sometimes referred to as modules).  Students watch the lessons on cable television or on videotapes.  Tapes are usually available to check out or to view at the college offering the class. Threaded Discussion A common feature of distance learning that allows students to interact with their classmates and instructor.  A threaded discussion is a series of messages on a particular topic posted in a discussion forum.  A threaded discussion is asynchyronous, not fixed in time or space, so students can log on ay any time from any Internet-jenabled computer to seek clarification for issues they encounter in their coursework, to discuss topics raised in class, or to initiate new discussions on related topics.  A good onlinje discussion has the same effect of group or in-class discussion, in which students build on one another's perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of the materials. Transferability The acceptance of credits granted by one school into another school.  Transferability of credits is determined by the individual institutions.  Some institutions have agreed to accept each other's courses so all or nearly all classes taken at one school will be accepted by the other.  Students should always check in advance to see if their credits will transfer. Top of Page U, V Video Conferencing Video and audio transmission sent by satellite.  With one-way video and two-way audio learners see and hear the instructors; instructors can hear but not see the students.  With two-way video conferencing people in multiple locations see and hear each other simultaneously.  At present, most teleconferencing has brief time lag between the sent transmission and reception. Vlogging         Virtual   Vlogging is short for video blogging, also known as vidcasting. When Apple enabled iTunes to subscribe to Podcasts, they opened the door to "syndicated" feeds. Almost all blogs provide syndicated feeds--through RSS, Atom, and the like--and some feeds provide "enclosures." It is within the enclosures that the audio portion of any given podcast is provided. But enclosures aren't limited to audio; they can also contain video. Vlogging is the practice of attaching video to RSS and Atom enclosures.   Simulated or conceptual, not physical in nature.  In distance learning the term "virtual classroom" refers to the online environment in which students and instructors interacat. W, X, Y, Z Wireless network/ Wired Network (Ethernet) Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind. It is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and enterprise (business) installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment locations. Wireless telecommunications networks are generally implemented and administered using a transmission system called radio waves. On the other hand, there’s the traditional “Wired network,” (e.g. Ethernet Local Area Networks.) Ethernet is a [wired] system for connecting a number of computer systems to form a local area network, with protocols to control the passing of information. The benefit of a wired network often lies in higher bandwidth capacity and more secure network security.   Top of Page Please send any questions or recommendations for words/terms that you would like to see added to this glossary to Pauline.Menge@pueblocc.edu