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Common terms in distance education.

There are 2 columns in this sidebar: Term and Definition. Under Term there are 29 expressions which are followed by their explanations in column 2, Definitions.

Term: Asynchronous communications, Definition: Communications that are not sent and received at the same time. For example, the person receiving e-mail messages does not have to be present when the message is sent; the message is posted for later retrieval.

Term: Audioconferencing, Definition: Interactive audio communication between or among persons or groups at two or more locations.

Term: Bandwidth, Definition: A measure of the capacity of a particular communication method to transmit information.

Term: Browser, Definition: A software program that enables access to Internet resources, especially the World Wide Web. Examples include Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera, Ultrabrowser, Escape, HotJava, MSN Explorer, et cetera.

Term: Bulletin board, Definition: A discussion forum that can be accessed through the Internet on which users can post messages. One common public bulletin board is LISTSERV, which provides discussion forums on topics by area of special interest.

Term: Compressed video, Definition: Television signals that are transmitted at much less than the usual bit rate to allow travel along a smaller carrier. Compressed video includes signals from 3 megabits per second (Mb/s) down to 56 kilobits per second (Kb/s). (The full standard is 45 to 90 Mb/s.) The lower bit rates compromise the quality of pictures, especially when there is rapid motion on the screen.

Term: Computer-assisted instruction, Definition: A teaching process in which a computer is used to enhance the learning environment by assisting students to gain mastery over a specific skill.

Term: Computer-based training, Definition: Training that uses a computer to deliver instruction.

Term: CD-ROM, Definition: Computer disk-read-only memory. A disk encased in a plastic coating that is pitted with electronic data and has a high-density storage capacity that is read by a laser. Cannot be changed by the user.

Term: Desktop videoconferencing, Definition: Videoconferencing on a personal computer.

Term: Digital video interactive, Definition: A format for recording digital video information on compact disks to allow for compression and full-motion video.

Term: Downlink dish-receiver, Definition: Ground-level equipment set to receive signals from a communications satellite.

Term: Electronic mail (e-mail), Definition: Messages or documents that are transmitted, stored, or distributed electronically over a network. E-mail may travel anywhere in the world.

Term: Instructional television fixed service, Definition: Microwave-based, high-frequency television used in the delivery of educational programs.

Term: Interactive educational telecommunications system, Definition: A system that allows two-way or greater communications between users (such as an instructor and a student). Generally occurs in real time but may be set up for a delayed time to allow the receiving individuals to participate.

Term: Internet, Definition: A global collection of networks and communication interconnected through bridges, routers, and gateways.

Term: Intranet, Definition: A network that is internal to a particular organization that uses Internet technology and protocols. Sometimes used to deliver training to diverse computer systems without hardware conflicts.

Term: Listserver, Definition: An e-mail program that allows multiple computer users to connect to a single system, creating an online discussion.

Term: Local area network (LAN), Definition: A communications network that physically links communication devices, such as computers, and joins them to mainframes in a small area.

Term: Multimedia support center, Definition: A designated section or support unit in an organization that is directed to help with audio, video, and other technologies, including computer technologies and applications.

Term: Satellite communications, Definition: Communication through satellites placed in a geosynchronous orbit about the earth’s equator; a single “uplink” can transmit a signal back to earth. Broadcasting to thousands of sites costs the same as broadcasting to one site, so satellite communication is a cost-effective point-to-mass technology.

Term: Slow-scan television, Definition: A telecommunication technology that uses the telephone to capture still-frame pictures and display them on television monitors.

Term: Synchronous communication, Definition: Communication in which interaction between or among participants is simultaneous. The person initiating the transmission expects to interact electronically in real time with a person or persons at various sites.

Term: Telecommunication, Definition: The science of information transport using wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic channels to transmit and receive signals for voice or data communications using electrical means.

Term: Teleconference, Definition: Two-way electronic communication between two or more groups in separate locations via audio, video, and/or computer systems.

Term: Uplink, Definition: Equipment located where the telecommunication signals originate. May include signal dishes, fiber optics, or other communication lines, as well as other electronic equipment.

Term: Video teleconferencing, Definition: Real-time and usually two-way interactive transmission of digitized video images between two or more locations. Requires a wideband transmission facility.

Term: Wide area networks (WANs), Definition: Generally, networks that connect several physically distant locations. The Internet is an example of a worldwide WAN.

Term: Web-based training (WBT), Definition: A method for delivering computer-based training to widespread, limitless audiences. A system in which information is distributed via the World Wide Web and often stored at a distant location presents live content in a structure that allows self-directed, self-paced instruction.

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