The Online Education Glossary

Since online education is a relatively new phenomenon, terms and phrasings used to describe the various aspects of an online education are often foreign sounding and confusing. This glossary is designed to facilitate your understanding of online education. Search for terms by letter or browse at your leisure. Hopefully this will make your transition into online classes easy and fast. If you are looking for a word that is presently not defined in our glossary, let us know! Contact us here.

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

Academic Advisor
A school faculty member who provides educational guidance to students by recommending courses, skill emphasis, and resources to aid students in the pursuit of academic and career goals. Advisors provide a point of contact within an educational institution and can often direct students to helpful colleagues, departments, organizations, and reference tools to assist in research and study.

Accredited
Institutional, national, regional, or organizational standards required of colleges, universities, career institutes, and schools to offer certain levels of degree programs or claim educational credentials. Schools may only claim accreditation if they consistently meet criteria established by the accrediting body.

Associate's Degree
Post-high school educational credential granted to students interested in either A.) applying earned credits toward continued education and a Bachelor Degree or B.) earning degree recognition for career enhancement through training and standardized recognition. Associate Degrees typically require two years of education and include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS), and Associate of Business Administration (ABA).

Asynchronous Communication
Indirect communication allowing students and instructors to collaborate on topics without immediate feedback. Email, voice mail, and message boards are methods of asynchronous communication which provide opportunities for students to correspond and learn at an individual pace without coordinating precise meeting times with professors and peers.

Asynchronous Learning
The process of utilizing asynchronous communication to deliver learning materials. Instructors can delay material or set deadlines over a period of time rather than requiring immediate participation. Asynchronous learning is typically associated with distance and online learning programs; however, traditional courses may employ asynchronous learning selectively.

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.

Audit
Taking a class without receiving credit. While this approach may seem foreign to some, many non-traditional students do not require the credentials as much as the skill training involved in specialized education. Students often audit a course to incorporate material into their personal knowledge bank.

Back to Top

B

Bachelor's Degree
Post-secondary credentials that allow students to continue education in pursuit of a Master Degree, begin a career with established and recognized qualifications, or pursue advancement within an existing career with enhanced skill training and higher pay. Most Bachelor Degrees require four years to complete and include Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Bachelor of Nursing (BN). A Bachelor Degree is generally the minimum requirement for pursuit of Master Degree education.

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.

Back to Top

C

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.

Cohort
A group of students the progress together throughout an educational program. The cohort system is popular among career colleges and technology-oriented programs, but is not exclusive. The advantages of the cohort are familiarity and comfort with peers who share the same classes, instructors, and material at the same learning pace. Study groups are more efficient and collaborative learning is optimized. While the general pace is the same, individuals will learn at varying rates and will, therefore be able to provide assistance to one another.

College Counseling Services
A college counseling center is staffed by helpful, friendly personnel working to ensure that students are acclimated to the school environment. The counseling center is designed to be a comfortable setting with individual attention, small class sizes for seminars, and general interest in the well-being of students. Counseling services handle a wide array of student issues including stress management, coping with school-related problems, dealing with interpersonal issues, etc. Most counseling services focus on helping new students, non-traditional students, and working adults in getting readjusted to the learning environment. They give advice on finding a good balance between work, study, and family, promoting sound study habits and classroom behavior.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP provides subject-specific tests to allow college students an opportunity to receive automatic credit for a course without any participation or grading. Exams are intended to reflect learning achieved outside of the classroom. Eligibility varies by program and by school, but testing can often accelerate graduation by eliminating extraneous required curriculum.

College
Used to denote an educational institution, often one that is a post-secondary school. Colleges used to imply an institution that was between a secondary school (high school) and universities. However, as the differences between colleges and universities became less distinct, the terms are basically synonymous. For some large universities, colleges refer to a department-level organization that teaches students and confers a specialized type of degree.

Computer Based Training (CBT)
Training or instruction in which a student interacts with a computer program instead of a live teaching instructor. Computer based training can be distributed via CD-ROM, a LAN network, or even the Internet. CBT is especially effective for learning computer applications, since the CBT program itself can be integrated with the applications. This allows of learning by practice, as the user simultaneously uses the software application while being instructed by the CBT program.

Concentration
Term used by some colleges and universities as a reference to a student`s type of academic major or focus. Basically a program of study, concentration refers to a series of courses in a degree-earning program. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained learning in a specialized subject within the degree itself. As an example, a Business major can sometimes earn a concentration in accounting, finance, or marketing. An education major, depending on the school, can earn a concentration in administration, adult learning, or education leadership.

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.

Correspondence Learning
A form of distance learning, typically associated with education via postal mail. Coursework (guides, assignments, textbooks, tests, etc.) are sent to the student learner via mail; all correspondence between the teaching instructor and students takes place by mail, telephone, e-mail, and/or fax. Essentially, correspondence learning is distance learning, with the connotation of not using Internet-based online lessons.

Course Management System
Sometimes referred to as CMS, a Course Management System is software used by schools to facilitate distance learning. The difference between CMS and other forms of distance learning distribution, is that the CMS software is centralized, with the creation and management of the software coming from a single location. This software is then distributed, often by the Internet, to a wide array of locations and learners. Having instructional materials located on a centralized system helps provide faculty with the ability to rapidly create and deploy course content. Items such as lecture notes, assignments, tests, quizzes are all easily editable and simple to distribute. For online learners, learning through a Course Management System means that students will be able to work with teachers in a seamless environment; discussion forums, online chat, and course materials will all be easily accessible.

Back to Top

D

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.

Diploma Mill
Also referred to as a degree mill, a diploma mill is an educational institution that actually lacks any accreditation from a proper, legitimate accrediting agency. Lacking official recognition, these organizations usually give out degrees and diplomas for a flat, low-fee cost and without any significant amount of studying required. They, in effect, are like a mill that churns out degrees without any value. Students should be careful of such degree mills as earning a degree from such a school can have an adverse affect on your resume and career prospects.

Distance Learning
Education that specializes in situations where both the student and teaching instructor are separated by time, space, and/or means of communication. There are several forms of distance education: correspondence through regular postal mail, asynchronous/synchronous online learning, broadcasted lessons via radio/television, lessons propagated by storage media like CD-ROMs or DVDs, and mobile learning through handheld PDA devices. Students typically learn without the presence of a physical classroom, and matters of classroom administration such as testing, teaching, and evaluation occur outside the classroom as well.

Doctoral Degree
Often referred to as a doctor of philosophy degree, or Ph.D., the doctoral degree is the next highest academic degree following a master`s degree. A doctoral degree requires high level knowledge and education in a field of study, and entails scholarly research. Applicable to a wide variety of fields such as science, education, and fine arts, a Ph.D. degree is awarded to graduate students who have completed original research, passed an examination on their concentration, and are able to write and defend a thesis critiqued by other professors. In other professional fields, a doctoral degree, different from the doctor of philosophy, is conferred: doctor of arts (D.A.), doctor of musical arts (D.M.A.), doctor of education (Ed.D.), doctor of theology (Th.D.), and doctor of business administration (D.B.A.) Many doctoral degrees in both academic and professional fields require an earned master's degree as a prerequisite. However, programs for recent graduates to go from a Bachelor degree to a Ph.D. are also available.

Back to Top

E

Excelsior College Examinations (ECE)
Known as Excelsior College Examinations, formerly called Regents College Examinations, is a credit-granting series of exams. ECE allows students to earn accepted college credit for degree programs by taking an exam. Most Excelsior College Exams are based on objective, multiple choice questions, while others are entirely essay-based. ECE exams are based on coursework covered in typical undergraduate-level university courses, examining a student`s proficiency for facts and terms, and also testing how well they apply learned concepts and essential skills.

E-Learning
Term applied to any form of computer-assisted learning. E-learning can take the form of portable electronic devices, online lessons, digital media, network distribution, and more. E-learning is applicable to both distance learning and more traditional forms of education, such as blended learning. E-learning can be synchronous, asynchronous, instruction-oriented and/or computer-based. For students pursuing a distance learning or online degree, E-learning gives them additional flexibility and convenience in pursuing their studies at their own pace. E-learning is ideal of those who have commitments outside of school, such as family, work, etc. For traditional learning environments, E-learning augments classroom education by offering students additional outlets to learn, do research, and study.

Enrollment Advisor
An enrollment advisor or enrollment counselor is a college or university employee tasked with guiding new and prospective students through the registration process. Typically, an enrollment advisor will contact prospective students through telephone and/or e-mail contact. They will discuss the student`s educational goals and other school-related requirements. The role of an advisor is to ensure that the school`s programs are a good fit for the student, and that the student will be able to benefit from the competitive advantages the program offers. Tasked with managing the recruitment of enrolling students, advisors are an important step in the registration process.

Externship
Learning opportunities outside of the classroom that provide experience and applied learning in a real-world environment. Externships consist of supervised practice in a business or off-campus workplace. Many career-oriented degree programs include externship credits in the curriculum, in order to build hands-on competency, experience, and industry contacts to help students find employment following graduation.

Back to Top

F

Field of Study
Field of study refers to the general subject or category that a student chooses to study. For example, a student wanting to study accounting would select business as their field of study. A student studying early childhood education, would have education as their field of study. Typically, field of study refers to the broad subset of categorized learning at the school or college.

First Professional Degree
Known as a professional degree, a FPD is a degree award conferred after completion of two years of college-level education, in addition to a professional academic practice program. First Professional Degrees are typically seen in the legal (LL.B / Juris Doctor J.D.) and medical (M.D.) fields. Some examples of Professional Degrees include: dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), optometry (O.D.), osteopathic medicine (D.O.), pharmacy (D.Phar.), podiatry (D.P.M.), veterinary medicine (D.V.M.), chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), and theology (M.Div. or M.H.L.).

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.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
FAFSA is an abbreviation of the phrase "Free Application for Federal Student Aid." FAFSA is an annually recurring financial aid form that can be completed by current university students, and also prospective students. This form is an official, federal application for aid, and students are required to complete this to determine eligibility. Upon qualification, FAFSA allows students and families to earn financial aid, grants, scholarships, loans from federal, state, and local governments, in addition to schools and educational institutions themselves.

Back to Top

G

Graduate Student
Also referred to as a postgraduate student, is a student who holds a bachelor`s or first-professional degree, and who is also trying to obtain a masters degree or a doctoral degree. The term can also be applied to students trying to obtain an educational specialist degree or post-masters certificate of advanced study. To become a graduate student, prospective college graduates most typically submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Graduate Studies
Graduate studies refers to the curriculum and coursework that exists in a post-graduate environment, beyond the bachelor`s degree. This coursework is designed to eventually lead to the conferment of a master`s degree, professional, or doctoral degree.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test aimed for students seeking post-graduate education. Similar in style to the SAT (Standardized Achievement Tests), the exam tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test, where all questions and answers are done electronically. As well, just as SAT II tests exist to test specific subject areas, there are GRE Subject Tests which do likewise. Test specializations include biochemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, literature in English, biology, and more. The GRE is widely used by colleges and universities, especially those in the United States, as part of the graduate application process.

Back to Top

H

Hope Scholarship
The HOPE Scholarship was created in 1993 as a university and college scholarship program. This program has been adopted by several states as a scholarship for `Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally'. Funded federally by the administration of local lotteries, the HOPE scholarship pays for full tuition, delivers a textbook allowance, and pays for most other required school costs. The scholarship`s minimum requirements are that the student be a resident of the state, must have maintained a B average in high school (3.0 GPA), and must be able to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their college or university education. This scholarship credit can by claimed by a student enrolling in a degree, certificate, or other educationally-recognized credential program, either full-time or part-time.

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.

Back to Top

I

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.

Internship
A paid or unpaid work experience that emphasizes education and work-environment acclimation. Internships are a common first step for many students, graduates, young adults, and industry neophytes seeking to break into a new career field by building experience. Most internships are part-time during school and full-time in the summer. Students often apply for regular employment where they intern.

Back to Top

J

K

L

Lifetime Learning Tax Credit
The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is available to students following their first two years of undergraduate education, graduate education, or working career education. In essence, the Lifetime Learning Credit applies to college juniors, college seniors, graduate school students, and American adults pursuing continuing education. Those who qualify for the credit receive a 20% tax credit for the first $5,000 of school tuition and fees, and for the first $10,000 thereafter. This credit is applicable on an individual taxpayer (family) basis, and features similar income requirements to the HOPE Scholarship.

Back to Top

M

Master's Degree
Sometimes referred to as a master's of arts (M.A.) or master's of science (M.A), is an advanced academic degree awarded upon completion of a postgraduate or graduate course. A master's degree can take anywhere from one to three years, although part-time programs do exist which can take even longer. The master's of arts degree is given to those pursuing a liberal arts focus, and the master's of science is given to those with a science concentration. Master's degree courses are a mix of research-based and course-based instruction, although classes may feature a more prominent focus in any of the above areas. For professional programs, other types of master's degrees are conferred: education (M.Ed.), business administration (M.B.A.), social work (M.S.W.), public administration (M.P.A.), and fine arts (M.F.A.). Master degree programs also exist for certain legal and medical specializations (ex. master of laws, LL.M.).

M-Learning
M-learning (mobile learning) is probably the newest form of 'non-traditional' education. Imagine on your 30-minute bus ride home: reading the lecture notes from the class you just attended without hauling around any papers or books. That's what M-learning is making possible. In essence, this type of learning incorporates cell phones and/or PDAs to communicate educational materials. For example, students in an M-learning course could receive class notes or homework via their mobile devices. This communication tool could be used in collaboration with a traditional classroom-based course, or an online learning course. M-learning offers the advantage of having access to course information without having to get to a computer.

Many teachers are just beginning to catch on to the communication potential of M-learning by uploading lectures and homework assignments to their students' personal cell phones and/or PDAs. Most of the time this method is used in conjunction with a traditional course, and only used to implement in-class time.

Back to Top

N

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. Further, 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.

Non-Traditional Student
Sometimes referred to as an adult student, adult learner, or returning student, a non-traditional student is basically anyone who is not enrolled in a traditional full-time learning environment (ex. high school, college, university, etc.), and especially those waiting a significant amount of time between educational institutions). Characteristics of non-traditional students include: the aforementioned delay in enrollment (ex. not entering college after graduating from high school), part-time enrollment, full-time employment, and being financially independent. Often, non-traditional students are single-parents, have dependents other than a spouse (ex. children), and have significant working experience after high school graduation.

Back to Top

O

Online Learning
Refers to a form of distance learning that occurs over the Internet. A subset of the E-learning concept, online learning refers only to Internet-based classes and instruction. In an online learning environment, most of the curriculum and coursework occurs through e-mail and/or downloadable lessons, and class discussions take place via an online message board, forum chat, etc.

Back to Top

P

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Prior Learning Assessment refers to the method of acknowledging work/life experience that can be substituted for classroom learning. Sometimes referred to as life/work credit, prior learning provides an incentive for returning students by incorporating existing knowledge and recognizing the value of experience relative to education. Admissions representatives or academic advisors should be consulted prior to applying PLA credit.

Private Institution
Schools that are not under government control are private institutions. Funding is provided through alternative private means, often from alumni donation or for-profit funding. Private institutions may also be nonprofit and receive funding from alternate non-public sources. Government funding is usually limited or unavailable for private institutions; however, institutional control is also independent of government officials.

Public Institution
Public organizations or officials are elected or appointed to control public institutions. Funding is achieved through tax and levy sources as well as donations and other public sources. Such institutions are accountable to government officials and must remain consistent with government standards.

Back to Top

Q

R

S

School Housing Assistance
In addition to academic and career guidance, some schools provide housing assistance to help students, faculty, and staff in relocating closer to the school`s campus. Students who want to attend a college often live inconveniently far away or simply do not want to spend extra time commuting back and forth from home. Some schools have on-campus housing options, but most often off-campus housing is available nearby in the form of apartments and shared housing. The housing assistance office will help students locate vacant housing options, give out details on nearby apartments, establish roommate lists, and even provide financial assistance.

Section 508
Section 508 refers to a section of the 1998 Rehabilitation Act requiring that electronic and information developed after June 25, 2001 be accessible to people with disabilities. This means that all copiers, faxes, electronics, software, and internet applications be accessible to those with recognized disabilities.

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.

Survey
A survey course is a general concept or broad area program designed to provide introductory information and foundational knowledge in a subject. Many classes that are designated as core curriculum are survey, to allow students the opportunity to gain exposure to general information while seeking more specialized focus in a degree field.

Syllabus
An introductory document that outlines topics and material to be covered in a course--including tests, papers, quizzes, lectures, and assignments. A summary of objectives and focus is often included. Syllabi are distributed by professors and department heads as resources and guidelines students should be familiar with when applying for a class.

Synchronous Communication
Simultaneous, real-time communication via instant message, live streaming 2-way media, telephone, or other means which allow two or more persons to send and receive immediate feedback. These tools are often used for online learning in the form of real-time discussion boards and online virtual classrooms.

Synchronous Learning
Utilizing real-time communication to participate in electronic or e-Learning. Virtual Classrooms and instant messaging are examples of synchronous learning which allow students and instructors to engage in online education through remote, live discussions.

Back to Top

T

Terminal Degree
Usually the highest level of education available in a field. Most professions consider a doctorate degree to be the highest; however, some careers accept custom specialized credentials to be the highest. Some common doctorate and equivalent terminal degrees include: Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy, M.D. (medical doctor), D.D.S. (doctor of dental surgery), D.D.M. (Doctor of dental medicine), D.V.M. (doctor of veterinary medicine), J.D. (juris doctor).

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.

Back to Top

U

Undergraduate Student
A student seeking a post-secondary education up to the bachelor's degree level. Undergrad programs include certificate, career diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree.

University
A postsecondary or higher education institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Universities must have at least one degree at the master level or higher. Most universities have a board of trustees, president or chancellor, and department heads or deans. The majority of advanced research is conducted through the university system, and most higher education is received from university instructors.

Back to Top

V

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.

Virtual
Online representation or digital simulation. Distance learning often utilizes virtual classroom education to allow students to interact with peers and instructors without having to physically enter a classroom; this allows students to receive the same quality of education from a more convenient setting. Virtual learning preserves the communication significance of classroom learning while encouraging working adults and distance-restricted students to pursue continued education.

Back to Top

W

Web-Based Training (WBT)
Training provided through network communication and can involve a physical instructor or a virtual classroom. This system is most commonly used in corporate education as an online learning tool. Career schools typically prefer eLearning over WBT because it allows for a more interactive dynamic.

White Board
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.

Back to Top

X

Y

Z