 |
|
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
|
|
ADSL
|
|
Abbreviation for Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, Bellcore's term for digital transmission to the home via the standard telephone wiring already in place. ADSL allows high bandwidth one-way (e.g., video) with control signals returning from the home at 16 Kbps. ADSL is not limited to entertaining uses, but offers a variety of other applications including education, health care, and multimedia retrieval.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ALN
|
|
Abbreviation for Asynchronous Learning Network, a people network for learning that combines self-study with substantial, asynchronous interactivity with others. In ALN, the learner uses computer and communications technologies to work remote learning resources, including coaches and other learners, but without the requirement to be online at the same time.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
|
|
|
AMPLIFIER
|
|
A device that supplies power to and strengthens an incoming signal for output.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ANALOG
|
|
Represented as a continuous signal or quantity, as opposed to digital, represented by discrete numbers with an extremely wide range of values.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ANSI
|
|
American National Standards Institute, the organization responsible for most standards used for US audio-visual and computer equipment.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ASPECT RATIO
|
|
The proportions of a projected picture area. In the U.S., standard video aspect ratio is three units high by four units wide, usually shown as 3:4. Slides are 2:3.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ATM
|
|
Abbreviation for Asynchronous Transfer Mode, a very high-speed transmission technology. ATM is a high bandwidth, low-delay packet switching standard using a cell-based approach. Each packet of information is a 53-byte fixed-cell, allocated to services on demand.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
|
|
|
AUDIO MONITOR
|
|
A speaker for listening to the playback of a tape or record or CD, editing, and quality check.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
AUDIO
|
|
The frequencies corresponding to sound waves that can normally be heard by the human ear.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
AUDIOCASSETTE
|
|
A cassette designed to hold audiotape for automatic play in tape recorder devices.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
BANDWIDTH
|
|
The capacity of a data connection or network, measured in bits per second (Bps) digital transmission, or cycles per second (hertz) for analog transmissions. It is analogous to the number of lanes on a highway, or the diameter of a water pipe. Think of it as "data throughput."
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
BAUD
|
|
A signal element change per second on a communications line. Same as "bits per second."
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
BEHAVIOR MODELING
|
|
A training process designed to change behavior in which trainees view behavior models, rehearse the behaviors, receive feedback, and then transfer these behaviors to their work environment.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
BENCHMARKING
|
|
A process that helps you learn from the best practices of others who are doing similar work, by comparing and contrasting efforts.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
BETA VERSION
|
|
A new updated software or hardware product that is ready to be released to users for testing. This is usually one of the last steps before a product is released to market.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
BIT
|
|
Short for binary digit; a bit is the smallest unit of information handled by a computer.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
BOOLEAN LOGIC
|
|
A system used by most larger search engines for searching and retrieving information from a database by using and combining terms such as AND, OR, and AND NOT to sort data. BYTE Short for binary term; equal to 8 bits.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CABLE MODEM
|
|
A modem designed for use on a TV coaxial cable circuit. The cable modem is put on a home cable TV line and the subscriber, for an additional fee, is given a circuit on which the user can dial up one of the commercial online services or the Internet. Its potential speed and bandwidth are high, but local cable providers will need to invest billions of dollars to change their cable networks to 2-way.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CAI
|
|
Abbreviation for computer-assisted instruction, an educational program designed to serve as a teaching tool. These programs often use tutorials, drills, and question-and-answer sessions to present a topic and to test the user's comprehension.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CATHODE RAY TUBE (CRT)
|
|
The video display tube used in video monitors and receivers, radar displays, and video computer terminals. Contains a cathode and heater element at one end that produces electron beams that hit a phosphor coating on the face of the tube and make it glow.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CBT
|
|
Abbreviation for computer-based training, which refers to the use of computers and specially developed tutorial programs for teaching.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CD
|
|
Compact Disc; a 4.5" disc encoded by lasers to store audio, video, or computer data or all three.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CGI
|
|
Abbreviation for Common Gateway Interface, the programming interface for executive programs on Web servers, which defines the structure for passing data from the server's gateway program.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CHANNEL
|
|
An organized set of information transmitted to a subscriber at specific intervals.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CHIP
|
|
Minuscule piece of silicon, an IC, or integrated circuit.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CLIENT-SERVER
|
|
A powerful computer used to manage disk drives, printers, or network traffic.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CLIENT
|
|
A PC, laptop, or workstation that makes requests for data from a larger computer or server. Clients rely on servers for resources such as files and devices.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CODEC
|
|
Short for compressor/decompressor. Technology used to compress or decompress data by using hardware, software, or both. Commonly used codes for computer video include MPEG, Indeo, Cinepak, and QuickTime.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
COLLABORATION
|
|
People working together online over time. A unique value of online learning is the ability to extend the duration of a course in this manner.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
COMMUNITY BUILDING
|
|
Extending collaboration to create an ongoing sense of working together, sharing information and experience, as well as building trust with other professionals or people with a common goal or mission.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
COOKIE
|
|
A file put on a user's hard drive by a Web site the user has visited. This file collects information about the user, e.g., the type of browser or computer being used, and transmits it back to the Web site.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
CRT PROJECTOR
|
|
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) refers to a specific type of technology, used in televisions and certain video projectors. CRT projectors are those units with separate red, green, and blue "guns" that project an image.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
|
|
|
DESKTOP CONFERENCING
|
|
A form of videoconferencing involving a small video camera mounted on top of a desktop computer monitor. Individuals or small groups of people can see and hear each other as they share graphics and data on the computer screen as a sort of electronic white board.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
DHCP
|
|
Abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a standard method for assigning IP addresses automatically to the devices on a TCP/IP network. As a new device connects, the DHCP server assigns an IP address from a list of available addresses. The device retains this IP address for the duration of the session. Once the device disconnects the IP address becomes available for use again.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
DISTANCE LEARNING
|
|
A learning process meeting 3 criteria: a geographical distance separates communication between the trainer and participant; the communication is 3-way and interactive; and some form of technology is used to facilitate the learning process.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
DLP PROJECTOR
|
|
DLP (Digital Light Processing) like LCD is an additional technology utilized in the popular plug-and-play line of lightweight, easy-to-use, data/video projectors, and takes very little time to set up.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
|
|
|
DVD PLAYER
|
|
DVD (Digital Video Disc) is an optical disc system about the size of a CD ROM, but capable of storing an entire movie. Typical capacity for these discs is 4.5 GB, or about 133 minutes of digital video.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
DYNAMIC HTML
|
|
A collective term for a combination of new Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) tags, style sheets, and programming that allow animation and event-driven activities.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
E-LEARNING
|
|
The process of learning via computers over the Internet and intranets. Also referred to as Web-based training, online learning, distributed learning, or technology for learning.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ENCRYPTION
|
|
The scrambling of a video signal, often used in cable and pay-TV systems. Also used in satellite video-conferencing.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ETHERNET
|
|
A widely used local-area network (LAN) protocol that allows for the transfer of data at 10 megabits per second.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
EXTRANET
|
|
A term to describe an intranet designed to allow secure access by outsiders (customers, vendors, investors) to specific internal information or training.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FEEDBACK
|
|
The regeneration of sound caused by a system's microphone pickup of output from its own speakers causing a ringing sound or high-pitch squeal.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FIBER OPTICS
|
|
Transmission "wires" made of thin glass which can transmit a much higher bandwidth than traditional copper wire. Transmits pulses of electronically generated light, often over very long distances.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FIREWALL
|
|
Software or hardware that limits access to a computer from a network or other outside source. They are often used to thwart would-be hackers' attempts to infiltrate computer systems.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FOCUS
|
|
Sharpening a blurred image on a screen, monitor, or any display adjusting picture to achieve the greatest possible resolution.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FORMAT
|
|
Referring to the size of the actual video or audiotape used, i.e., standard VHS tape is referred to as 1/2" format.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FRAME RELAY
|
|
A packet-switching protocol that efficiently handles high-speed, bursty data over wide area networks. It offers lower costs and higher performance than the traditional point-to-point services (leased lines).
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FREQUENCY
|
|
The rate of repetition in cycles per second (Hertz) of musical pitch or electrical signals. Low frequencies are bass; high frequencies are treble.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FRONT SCREEN PROJECTION
|
|
An image projected on the audience side of a light-reflecting screen.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
FTP
|
|
Abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol, a protocol that defines how to transfer files from 1 computer to another, or an application program that moves files using the File Transfer Protocol.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
GATEWAY
|
|
A computer system that transfers data between normally incompatible networks or applications. The data is reformatted so that it is acceptable to the new network or application before it is passed on. A gateway may connect to 2 dissimilar networks or it might allow 2 incompatible applications, such as mail systems with different message formats, to communicate over the same network.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
GIGABYTE
|
|
1,073,741,824 bytes (roughly 1 billion bytes).
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
HDSL
|
|
Abbreviation for High bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line, which is used for digital transmission of data over standard copper telecommunications lines. HDSL is symmetrical; an equal amount of bandwidth is available in both directions.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
HDTV
|
|
High Definition Television, often used to describe advanced production and delivery systems.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
HEADPHONE
|
|
A device consisting of one or two electro-acoustic receivers attached to a headband for private listening to audio sources.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
HEADSET
|
|
A headphone with a built-in microphone usually mounted on an adjustable boom. It is audio active, meaning the wearer can both listen and respond.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
|
|
|
HIGH FIDELITY
|
|
Accurate and faithful reproduction of the original signal; absence of distortion.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
HTML
|
|
Hyper-Text Markup Language, a computer language used for creating and displaying text and graphics over the Web.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
HTTP
|
|
Abbreviation for "Hypertext Transfer Protocol," the protocol used to transfer documents over intranets or the Internet.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
HUE
|
|
Color value (red, blue) rather than intensity/brightness.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
INPUT
|
|
The signal that enters a unit or system; the jack or receptacle into which a signal is fed.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
INTERACTIVE VIDEO
|
|
A computer program and video program running in tandem under the control or influence of the user. The user's choice and action impact the way in which the program unfolds.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
INTERACTIVITY
|
|
The means by which a user is engaged with the content of a course, typically used as a tool to ensure learning.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
INTERFACE
|
|
To connect normally incompatible components so that the signal from 1 is readable by the second. Often transmitting 1 standard or language to a device that recognizes another, different standard or language.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
INTERNET
|
|
A global Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network that links millions of computers. The Internet can be accessed through commercial online services, as well as local Internet service providers. Currently, there are more than 30 million users in more than 70 countries linked via the Internet.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
INTRANET
|
|
A private Internet for use by people who have been given the authority to use the network. Companies are increasingly using intranets to provide their employees access to corporate information.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
IP ADDRESS
|
|
Abbreviation for Internet Protocol, the most important of the protocols on which the Internet is based. The IP allows a packet to traverse multiple networks on the way to its final destination.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ISDN
|
|
Abbreviation for Integrated Services Digital Network, a telecommunications network that allows for high-speed digital voice, video, and data transmissions. ISDN lines contain 2 B channels at 64 Kbps each and a D channel at 16 Kbps. The 2 lines when used together allow for data transmission at 128Kbps. Both a network terminator and ISDN terminal adapter are needed to connect to an ISDN line.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
ISP
|
|
Abbreviation for Internet Service Provider, a vendor providing direct access to the Internet.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
JAVA
|
|
A language used on the Internet that allows applications to be run over the Internet. The client, with an Internet browser, is able to run applications that are not on the client machine, but rather on the server that is connected to the Internet.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
KEYSTONING
|
|
The distortion (usually of a wide-top narrow-bottom effect) of a projected image caused by improper projector-to-screen angle. So named for its similarity in shape to the keystone used in constructing an arch.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
KILOBYTE
|
|
1,024 bytes or 8,192 bits; abbreviated K, KB, or Kbyte.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
|
|
|
LAN
|
|
Abbreviation for local area network, a network that physically connects a group of computers, usually in 1 building or office, that allows them to communicate with each other.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
LAVALIER MIC
|
|
A small microphone worn on a cord around the neck or clipped to the lapel. Can be wired or wireless.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
LCD PROJECTOR
|
|
A device that allows text, graphics, and video information to be displayed onto a large screen. This type of projection system is economical and lightweight.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
LCD
|
|
Liquid Crystal Display. Refers to the technology used to display a given image. Calculators, laptop computers and video projectors are several examples of equipment which use LCD technology.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
LEARNING PORTALS
|
|
Web sites that provide online learning courses for immediate purchase, and include courses developed by a third party. Some also provide additional features, such as collaboration and community. Note: if a publisher provides only its own content, that is an Online Store, rather than a Portal.
|
| Back to top >> |
|
|
LUMEN
|
|
|
