Glossary of Terms

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

Asynchronous: Not occurring at exactly the same time. Asynchronous conversations use "store and forward" tools, in which participants compose and send their messages at times convenient to themselves. These messages are stored on the network until a time convenient to the recipient. Examples of asynchronous communications are e-mail and voice mail.

B

Bandwidth: The measure of the capacity of information that can be transmitted over a communications channel such as a telephone or data line.

Bookmark: In Networked Learning usage, a bookmark is an entry in a personal list of favorite or important World Wide Web sites. The bookmark contains the title of the HTML site and the URL or location where it can be found. Users can quickly return to a site they have found on earlier excursions on the network by clicking on the appropriate bookmark.

Browser: The World Wide Web client program used to retrieve and display information from a World Wide Web server program. The most popular browsers are distributed by Netscape Corporation.

C

Chat: A network-based software program that allows multiple users to interact, through text-based conversations in real-time or synchronously.

Client: The end-user software, operating on a local computer, that originates requests for services, information or processing to a remote server. World Wide Web browser software is the most popular type of Internet client, but there are also mail clients, computer conferencing clients and gopher clients.

Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL): The use of a computer to guide and direct learning. The most common types of CAL are tutorials, drill and practice and simulations. CAL is based upon human-computer interaction and normally has no direct intervention by an instructor or tutor.

Computer Networks: Computers linked together through direct wire connections (LAN – Local Area Network) or telecommunications devices (WAN – Wide Area Network) to support sharing of resources and files, and to support human communication.

D

Directory: The list of programs, text files and other data stored on disk on a computer system. Most computer system storage devices are segmented into multiple directories to help operators organize and locate stored materials.

Distribution List: A software program running on an e-mail server, which maintains a list of the e-mail addresses of all those who subscribe to the list. When one of the list members posts an e-mail to the distribution list, it is automatically redistributed to all distribution list members - thus supporting one-to-many communications. Distribution lists provide the most accessible and lowest cost form of group interaction which can be used to support collaborative learning.

Download: The process of copying a file from a remote computer to the storage device on your own computer. The process uses a protocol (usually File Transfer Protocol or FTP) to guarantee that the transfer is error-free and arrives in exactly the same format as it is stored on the host computer.

E

Electronic Network: A group of interconnected communication devices used to support human interactions, transfer of data or information or transactions between connected devices.

Emoticon: The graphic figures created by text characters in the form of happy faces :-) , winks ;-} , frowns ;-( etc. that are used to express emotion, irony or other affective communications.

E-pal: The equivalent of a pen pal whose communications are supported by e-mail.

F

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): A document that lists and answers commonly asked questions related to a particular computer application, discussion group, hardware or other topic. These files are extremely valuable for new users and help improve communications by allowing new users to benefit from the experiences of earlier adopters. Experienced users create FAQs to avoid having to answer the same question over and over again. These experts are often very helpful and willing to answer relevant questions which are not yet on the FAQ, and conversely, often less than patient with users who do not take the time to read carefully the FAQ.

Firewall: A combination of hardware and software tools that provide security to a site, by refusing to allow certain types of information to pass between two computers or local area networks. Firewalls may restrict access to certain types of information (such as e-mail or text only) or restrict access to that between certain locations (thus preventing access by unknown users).

Flame: To inappropriately respond with anger or excessive emotion to the comments of other network users. Some researchers have claimed that the lack of face-to-face contact in networked-based communication encourages users to be more aggressive and impolite than they are in face-to-face interactions. This lack of social constraint and common courtesy seems to be more prevalent in unstructured discourse, such as Usenet newsgroups, than in formal education or training contexts.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): The programs and standards used to transfer a program from one computer on the Internet to another. Anonymous FTP refers to downloading data from a site which allows unrestricted downloading from anyone. FTP programs are used to both retrieve (get) files and send (put) files from one computer to another. Anonymous FTP is built in to many World Wide Web browsers. Separate FTP programs must be used to send information to other computers or to retrieve information from locations that are password protected.

G

Gopher: A hierarchical text-based distribution and publishing system. Although some information still remains in gopher format, most new information is now being published using HTML for the World Wide Web.

H

Homepage: The top level document which users first see when visiting a location on the Internet. It usually contains links to additional pages which further define and explain the content and services available at the site.

HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language): The protocol used to create documents for publication and distribution on the World Wide Web. HTML consists of tags (specific codes) added to text documents which format and create links to additional World Wide Web resources.

Hypermedia: Similar to hypertext, but includes materials stored on a computer system in any format (text, audio, video, computer simulation, etc.) which are linked together so that users may select the resources desired in any order they wish.

Hypertext: Text materials with imbedded links to additional materials. When a reader selects any of the links, the screen jumps to the linked text. On the Internet, this link may be to materials within the same document, or to materials located on any site on the Internet.

I

Internet Service Provider (ISP): A company or institution that provides Internet connection to end users. An ISP provides an e-mail address, connectivity software and a set of modems which customers can connect to and thus gain access to the Internet.

Internet: The collection of computer networks which use a common protocol (TCP/IP) and addressing scheme to share resources with each other. The Internet is owned by no one, but is maintained collectively by the individual, national, regional, commercial and institutional networks which make up the Internet. Network members allow others to use their resources in exchange for allowing their users access to all other Internet connected networks.

Intranet: A network of servers and clients within a single company or organization which uses Internet protocols and programs. Intranet can also refer to that part of an organization's network which is located inside a firewall. An Intranet allows a company to use the standardized, easy-to-obtain and generally user-friendly tools of the Internet (notably the World Wide Web), while restricting access to only employees of the organization. This greatly reduces the security risk from unauthorized users attempting to gain illegal access to sensitive data.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): ISDN is a digital standard type of telephone line connection that allows computers to make a dial-up connection to the Internet at speeds faster than those available from a modem connection.

J

Java: A computer language developed by Sun Computers, designed to be loaded and run automatically through World Wide Web browsers. Once downloaded, the programs use the processing power of the local computer to perform calculations, generate graphics or other applications. Results of these programs can then be relayed back to the host computer for extended record keeping, evaluation, etc.

L

Local Area Network (LAN): An network of electronic devices or computers connected within a single building, campus or group of buildings in close proximity to each other. LANs facilitate human communications and allow access to common resources including data bases and peripherals such as printers and modems.

M

Mail List: A program, running on an Internet host, which maintains a list of e-mail subscribers to a discussion topic. Any e-mail messages addressed to the list are forwarded to all subscribers. The list owner may restrict list membership to only certain addresses, such as those enrolled in a course, or may leave the list open to anyone who chooses to subscribe. Lists may be moderated, in that all messages must first be approved by the list owner, or unmoderated, in which case all messages are automatically forwarded to list members.

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions): MIME is an Internet standard that allows you to include attachments within e-mail messages. This feature makes it possible to share documents that cannot be properly displayed within an e-mail message (such as word processing, spreadsheet or sound files). Many e-mail programs now support the MIME standard, as well as earlier, non-standard or proprietary formats. To ensure that recipients will be able to decipher your attachments, make sure that your e-mail program is set to both encode and decode messages using MIME, rather than any earlier, proprietary systems.

Modem: The hardware device which converts the digital signals internal to a computer into analog signals which can be transported over ordinary telephone lines. Modems are often defined by the highest speed which they can transmit and receive data. Common formats used today are 14.4 kbps (kilo-bits/sec) and 28.8 kbps.

N

Newsgroups: A large collection of topic-specific discussion groups which support text-based, asynchronous communications among users located across the Internet.

O

Off-Line: Activity or tools to support work that is done when the user is NOT connected to the Internet. The product of this work is often later uploaded to the Internet for sharing with others at a later time.

P

PPP Connection (Point to Point Protocol): The most efficient protocol designed to provide TCP/IP between computers connected via a dial-up modem.

R

Router: An electronic device which reads the addresses included in messages sent from one computer on a network and directs them to the addressed computer or another computer closer to the end destination.

S

Search Engine: A program that allows users to enter key words and be provided with links to materials on an Internet, Intranet or single computer system. Each search engine maintains a database of URLs with brief descriptions of their contents to assist users in locating networked resources.

Server: A program, run on a computer connected to the Internet, which dispenses information or performs services in response to requests delivered to the server from client programs operated by remote users. The World Wide Web server software is the most common type of Internet server, but e-mail and computer conferencing servers are also commonly found at large Internet sites.

Shareware: Computer programs distributed freely on a trial basis on the Internet and in other formats. The user is legally and morally bound to submit a payment to the author if the user finds the program useful and uses the program for an extended period of time.

Signature File: Text automatically added to the bottom of each e-mail note by an e-mail client. Like letterhead, the signature file usually includes the name, title, place of work, fax number, home page and other information which is tedious to retype, but helps identify the author to recipients of e-mail notes. Some users add favorite quotes or text character art to their signature files. Files longer than 6 lines or so are often regarded as screen clutter by experienced users.

SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol): This is the original protocol for directly connecting computers to the Internet via modem and telephone (serial) line. SLIP is similar in function to PPP, but does not operate as efficiently.

Spam: To add unwelcome and often commercial advertisements to large numbers of e-mail discussion or newsgroups. Usually the Spams are unrelated to the discussion or topic to which the list is dedicated, and thus are treated as unwelcomed "noise" by the legitimate discussion group members.

Surfing: When applied to networking, surfing refers to exploring the Internet and especially the World Wide Web, with no particular task in mind. Surfing is not unlike wandering through the stacks of a large library or bookstore. However, the Internet is much larger than any physical building and the "books" can be any combination of text, video, sound or computer simulation.

Synchronous: Taking place at the same time. For example, chatting or Internet voice telephone takes place synchronously.

T

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): This is the standard by which all machines connected to the Internet package, error check, and address information being exchanged in order to ensure error free transmission to the correct computer.

Telnet: The Internet program which allows a user to logon to and operate a remote computer located anywhere on the Internet. A logon ID and a password are usually required to gain telnet access to any remote computer.

Terminal Connection Software: Software that allows a computer to connect to the Internet through a modem, but with minimal functionality. File storage and transmission are more difficult, graphics and sound are not supported, direct printing of Internet documents is not possible and pointing devices such as a mouse do not operate through a terminal connection. Terminal access to the Internet is the lowest common denominator and works with older, text-based computers. It is generally more cumbersome and difficult to use than direct connection to the Internet.

Text Format: A method of saving word processing files that deletes most formatting and special characters so that the contents can be read or displayed using any word processor, text editor or World Wide Web browser. This is done in order to share documents (such as assignments) with any user (including the instructor). The feature to save your file in text format is usually found under the "Save as.." menu item in most word processors.

Threading: Providing linkages between e-mail or computer conference messages so that readers are able to follow contributions to a single conversation topic.

U

Upload: To copy a file from a local computer to another remote computer for wider distribution. Programs such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) are designed to help users upload and download materials. Common applications are to download course materials and to upload completed assignments.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): This is the address of an Internet-based resource. The resource could be a home page, a sound or video file, a binary file or any other type of Internet-based information. The address of the resource is formatted in a way that it can be accessed via a World Wide Web browser. The format of a URL is protocol://machine/location of the file.

V

Virtual Reality: An environment that simulates a real-life environment on a computer screen. In Networked Learning, traditional education environments (classrooms and college campuses) are often simulated with virtual reality programs to create a familiar learning environment for learners and instructors.

Virus: A computer program which is designed to replicate itself in the memory or storage devices of other computers. Viruses are spread through computer networks and through exchange of floppy disks. Virus programs may have destructive or practical joke components which can cause damage to materials stored on the infected computer. Virus checker and elimination programs are designed to detect and eradicate viruses.

W

Wide Area Network (WAN): A network of computers located at different locations, but which are connected together on a continuous basis. WANs perform the same functions as Local Area Networks (LANS), however the connected machines may be located at great distances from each other.

WWW: World Wide Web, or the Web. The set of Internet resources which are defined and organized using a set of addressing, processing and transmission protocols. The original format for documents and multi-media resources developed for the World Wide Web is HyperText Transmission Protocol (HTTP). However, the World Wide Web has expanded and can display information designed for many other Internet tools including Gopher, Telnet, FTP etc.