To get started with your distance education & online learning program, it`s best to be familiar with the technical terms that will most likely be used in your courses. Here is a list of common terms and phrases used in online education:
Audio Conferencing
Telephone, 3-way calling, multi-line phone source, or internet tools using speaker and microphone to communicate and coordinate meetings and even class instruction. Often this approach is used in classes to illustrate corporate conditions and familiarize students with alternative communication resources.
Bandwidth
The data transmission speed as determined by line capacity, internet service provider, and user system. Higher bandwidth translates into higher volumes of information at a faster transfer rate. Online learning is facilitated by high-bandwidth communication. Most educational institutions maintain dedicated high-bandwidth lines (dedicated meaning only used for data transfer…they`re always “on”) to ensure rapid access to information and stable transfer of data.
Blog
A web log (abbr. blog) is an online document published regularly on a specific topic. Instructors often use blogs as supplemental lecture material or to comment on a discussion topic. Blogs can be established as independent material and subscriptions can be maintained so regular visitors can request direct blog access transmitted to their computers or mobile devices.
Broadband
A high-speed internet connection that is often a dedicated transfer line that allows users to access streaming media, high bandwidth content, and large-file transfers. Broadband connections are encouraged for online students as well as users who would like to access rich multimedia content. Broadband is the high-speed alternative to dial-up telephone modem connections and is often a pre-requisite for online study.
Browser
An application that allows users to access internet web-page content. Browsers simplify the process of navigating various sites by adapting data to a user-friendly interface. The most common browsers are Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, and Safari.
Chat
Online interaction between two or more individuals via electronic means. Though predominantly text, modern chat programs allow users to transfer images, files, and even voice and video media instantly. Chatting is an interactive virtual process that enables instructors and students to engage in discussion with immediate feedback. Chat programs are available on personal computers and mobile devices and vary by provider.
Cookies
Snippets of text sent by a server to a web browser, and then sent back to the server. HTTP cookies are used for tracking and authenticating information about users and their website preferences. Cookies are not computer programs; they are just information files that relay data between the user and the server. With respect to online education, cookies are used by schools to differentiate users logging in to their system, and also to track them in virtual classrooms, resources, and forums.
DHTML
Refers to “Dynamic HTML”, scripting language used to create interactive and animated websites. By using a combination of static HTML and dynamic scripting like JavaScript, DHTML allows a website to enhance visitor usability and interaction with the site. For online students, DHTML allows users to enter in data, perform lesson tasks online, and also to receive important updates on class information and class materials.
Form
A form is a type of webpage element, where a user is able to enter and submit some specified type of information. Forms are an important part of online schools and online learning, since forms facilitate the exchange of information between students and teachers. An example such educational uses is an online application form, a form to submit test answers, a form to exchange forum comments, etc.
HTML - Abbreviation for HyperText Markup Language, is the scripting language used to create web pages. Forming the foundation of websites, HTML is the code that arranges the layout of text and images as they appear on the World Wide Web. In the context of online learning, HTML is a core component of how classroom content is delivered to the student`s computer. From school lesson plans to course outlines, exams, and forums, HTML provides the backbone for how information is presented.
HTTP - Abbreviation for HyperText Transfer Protocol, is an Internet protocol used by web servers and browsers to transmit data (sound, video, images, text, etc.) back and forth. There are other protocols such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), but HTTP is mainly used as a means to access the visual content of websites and web pages. For students doing online classes or taking courses using online resources, HTTP is the medium in which they can do their research, study online readings, view course lessons, etc.
Instant Messenger
Also referred to as an IM, is a type of real-time text communication between two or more parties. Using the Internet, an instant messaging program allows text messages to be transmitted from one person to another. IM programs are usually free, and are offered by companies like MSN, Yahoo!, Google, AOL, and ICQ. Additionally, instant messaging programs have added functionality on top of text messaging, being able to handle voice chat, transfer files, and more. In the context of online education, IM is a useful medium for communication between the student and their instructor. Large chat rooms can be established with multiple students to facilitate real-time class discussion and online learning. Multimedia files can be distributed quickly and quickly commented upon, improving classroom discourse in a distance learning environment.
Internet Service Provider
An Internet Service Provider, or ISP, is a web-related company that provides customers with access to the Internet. Usually charging a monthly fee (although free, ad-supported ISPs do exist), Internet service providers are key in being able to access the Internet. These companies usually provide customers with such services as E-mail, customized portal pages, FTP, and more. Some popular ISPs include America Online, EarthLink, ClearWire, and NetZero. Obtaining a subscription to an ISP is vital in being able to access online information about schools, enter into online courses, and to be able to communicate is distance learning situations.
Netiquette
A combination of the words “Network” and “Etiquette”, Netiquette refers to the standard conventions of respect and politeness for Internet forums, online chats, message boards, instant messaging, and other forms of electronic real-time communication. A common example of netiquette is refraining from using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, since typing in all caps implies that the user is shouting. As well, it is common netiquette to use Standard English while typing, refraining from using “U” to imply “you” or “ttyl” for “talk to you later”. For students entering into a school-based online forum or chat, it is important to use proper netiquette when communicating with other students and/or instructors. This helps maintain the quality of the conversation and improve the relevancy of classroom discourse.
Streaming Video
A video that is viewed while it is downloaded to a computer or mobile device. The video is not saved to a hard drive, but rather sent and received simultaneously. This is a multimedia tool used in online education and distance education which allows students to participate in virtual classroom discussions or view video media lectures remotely. Streaming video is also used for research and study material, accessible via the internet.
Threaded Discussion
Messages, emails, or forum posts pertaining to a single topic and often addressing an initial original message or response. This format is particularly useful in online learning because it allows students to read questions and responses from other students and professors. Students may respond to instructors and to one another; effectively simulating an actual discussion.
Video Conferencing
Communicating via streaming video with two or more persons. Video conferencing usually includes an audio component and is conducted using broadband internet and a computer interface. This form of communication is common in online education and is incorporated in virtual classroom lectures and discussions.
Whiteboard
The term used to describe a community or forum display program. Online classrooms use whiteboard programs to share images and interactive displays in much the same way an instructor uses a blackboard and chalk for traditional classroom teaching.
School List
Unsure about the spelling of a certain online school or online college? Check our comprehensive list of school names to find the appropriate program.
