Commonly Used Distance Learning Terms
Asynchronous – a learning mode in which the time of actual instruction and the reception of the instruction are different. The sender and receiver do not communicate at the same time. In other words, you can truly take the course any time, any place.
Blackboard – a course management software program for Web-based and Web-enhanced classes. Most online credit courses originating from MWCC are delivered via the Internet and Blackboard.
Browser – free software that enables users to access and display files from the World Wide Web, e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
Computer conferencing – a form of distance learning where faculty and students create and respond to questions, messages, or articles; sometimes a "threaded," or connected discussion takes place.
Discussion board – a place on Blackboard that revolves around a common theme; an assembly of documents or notes about a given topic on the Internet. Users are drawn because of their common interest.
email–Electronic mail – the system whereby messages are automatically passed from one computer user to another through computer networks. To send and receive email, you will need to have access to an email program such as Eudora or Microsoft Outlook, and know how to use it before you begin an online course.
ISP – Internet Service Provider, a service, for example AOL, needed by users who are going to access the Internet from home or work, unless they are connected directly to the Internet through a local area network (LAN).
MCO (Massachusetts Colleges Online) – This consortium of the 15 Massachusetts public community colleges and the nine state colleges will provide the mechanism for students to share the online course resources of the state system. Check it out for more information.
Modem – a telecommunications device that translates analog signals from the phone lines into digital signals that are understood by the computer, and vice versa.
Real-time – any process in which there is virtually no delay between events. Asking a question during a classroom discussion is done in real-time. Responding back to an earlier email is not. However, a virtual discussion group or whiteboard are synchronous and done in real-time.
Synchronous – a learning mode in which the time of instruction must be the same as the reception of the instruction. In other words, communications that occurs between instructor and students at the same time, although not necessarily in the same place. Classroom-based instruction and interactive video are examples of synchronous learning environments.
Threaded discussion – a form of asynchronous discussion on the Web whereby one user posts a message or a document, and other users see it and respond to it in their own time. The thread occurs as users keep the topic ‘alive.’
URL – Uniform Resource Locator. An address on the World Wide Web. Example: The URL for this MWCC Web site is http://www.mwcc.mass.edu.
Web page – a location on the World Wide Web, identified by a URL, which contains a block of data. MWCC’s Web site is divided into many Web pages on various topics, e.g., admissions, distance learning, etc.
Web-based classes – classes that are delivered primarily, or completely, through the World Wide Web. Instructional tools in this format include, but are not limited to, conferencing, chat, e-mail, uploading and downloading assignments, classroom management, security, hyperlinks, video and audio clips, online testing, multimedia.
Web-enhanced classes – classes in which the World Wide Web is used as a component to assist delivery of the course; typically mixed with other delivery methods. Many MWCC courses are Web-enhanced and allow students to take online quizzes, provide electronic distribution of course materials, links to Web sites, research option, a forum to discuss the course electronically, and submit assignments.
World Wide Web – a distributed information retrieval system in which documents formatted in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) are linked via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to other documents, as well as audio, video, and graphics files. By using a Web browser and clicking on hot spots, computers are connected across the Internet.