A. Glossary of Distance Learning Related Terms
Application
A software program that allows a user to perform specific tasks like word processing, email, accounting, database management.
Asynchronous
Learning where people are not online at the same time and interaction does not occur without a time delay, allowing people to participate on their schedules. Examples include email, blogs, and discussion forums.
Bandwidth
The capacity of a communication channel to carry information. The greater the bandwidth, the faster the data transfer. The amount of data sent or received over any given time is limited by bandwidth.
Blog (Weblog)
A public web site where users post journals of their thoughts, beliefs and areas of interest. Blogs are typically updated frequently and reflect the views of the blog’s creator.
Browser
The program that is used to view and access web pages. Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, Apple Safari, and Netscape Navigator are some of the most widely used browsers.
Cache File
A computer memory with very short access time used for storage of frequently or recently used instructions or data —called also cache memory. Frequently when web pages are stored in cache it may cause the website to display improperly. Users will be required to clear their cache files (temporary internet files) for the web page to display properly.
Canvas
Canvas is a learning management system (LMS) that is provided by MGCCC to instructors and students. Canvas allows instructors to provide course content, assess learning, and communicate with students. Students can use Canvas to keep track of their course materials, submit assignments, communicate with classmates and the instructor, and check their grades.
Chat
An online, real-time, two-way method of communication that uses text to send and receive instant messages.
Cookie
A small text file placed on your hard by a web site to record information about you. When you return to the website, your computer serves up the “cookie” to the web site and previously recorded information such as your name, site login/password, preferences, shopping cart info, and more are passed along. The web page is then customized based on that information.
Discussion Forums
A place where people can record their thoughts about specific topics. In online courses, instructors typically use discussion forums to foster interaction among students and to share thoughts on course related topics.
Download
The process of transferring a file from a website or course site to your computer.
E-Learning
Education designed for delivery where students and instructors are not in the same physical location, using electronic resources such as the internet, a computer network, a learning management system, etc.
Email
Electronic mail: a method of communicating that involves sending messages between two or more computers.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
A list of answers to questions that users regularly ask.
File Server
A computer that stores and manages files and software on a computer network
Firewall
Specialized hardware or software designed to secure a computer or network from unauthorized access.
Home page
The opening page or main document that appears when you visit a web site usually contains links to other web pages.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
Computer code used to define how text and images are displayed in a web browser.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
An Internet application protocol used for exchanging information over the world wide web.
Hybrid Course
A hybrid course is one where there is a blending of the traditional on-campus course along with an online component. In this format a portion of the course will be completed online using the MGCCC Canvas and the remaining portion will be completed on campus.
Hypertext
Highlighted text in a web page that links the user to additional information on other pages.
Internet The global network of regional and local computer networks.
Link
Hypertext that is usually underlined to indicate a pointer to additional related information.
Log in/on
The act of entering a username and password to gain access to another computer, application, web site, or file.
Log off/out
The act of disconnecting from another computer, application, web site, or file.
MSVCC
A consortium of Mississippi’s 15 community colleges that makes it possible for these colleges to leverage their distance learning resources – including faculty, courses, support services, and technology. Through the MSVCC, students may take courses from community colleges anywhere in Mississippi while getting support services from a local college. To take a course from a remote (provider) college, a student enrolls at a local (host) community college. The host college supports the student with a full slate of student services, including advisement and counseling, financial aid, and learning resources. The host college awards credit for the course. The remote (provider) college provides the course instruction.
Netiquette
Etiquette on the Internet, basic rules that define how electronic messages should be written so that messages are interpreted in the manner in which they were intended.
Network
A group of computers and devices that are connected to allow users to communicate and share information and resources.
Online
Connected to the Internet or another computer.
Online learning
Education or training that occurs where participants are typically not in the same physical location.
Plug-in
Software programs that enhance your browser and allow it to perform additional tasks such as playing audio, displaying video, and viewing documents as an integrated function of the browser.
Post
Used as a noun for messages “posted” to discussion forums or blogs.
Server
A computer with large storage capacity that serves out files, applications, and other resources.
Shell
A particular location in a learning management system (Canvas) where an instructor can provide content, assess learning, and communicate with students.
Software
A collection of computer instructions compiled to enable computers to perform specific tasks; also called program or application.
Spam
Unsolicited or unwanted email.
Streaming
A technique where media (audio, video, or both) are downloaded to the user’s computer in a continuous stream and played upon arrival.
Synchronous learning
Learning where people are online at the same time and interaction occurs without a time delay (real-time) and which requires them to attend at specific times.
Upload
The act of transferring a file from your computer to another.
URL (uniform resource locator)
The address used to identify a web page or file on the Internet.
Virtual
Not physical.
Virtual classroom
The area where students and instructors interact online. Example: Canvas
Web Enhanced Course
A web-enhanced course is one where the course meets in the traditional format on campus at all regularly scheduled meeting times. However, an online component is provided by the instructor as a resource or enhancement to course instruction.
Web page
An HTML file or document; part of a web site.
Web site
A group of related web pages that includes a home page.
WWW (World Wide Web)
As defined by the World Wide Web consortium, “The World Wide Web is the universe of network-accessible information, an embodiment of human knowledge.” Alternatively, the web is the collection of users and resources on the Internet that use HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
Zip file
A file that has been reduced in size to allow faster transferring between computers, or to save storage space. To zip a file in Windows XP, right click on the name of the file and choose, Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder. To open a zipped file, double click on the zipped folder.
B. Characteristics of a Successful Online Student
- Self-Motivated or Self-Directed
- Good Written Communication Skills
- Good Reading Skills / Enjoys Reading
- Ability to Manage Time Wisely
- Computer Access with Dependable Internet Access
- Perform the same level of performance/learning as in a face-to-face course
- Possess Basic Computer Knowledge:
- Create, Save, Manage Files
- Navigate the Internet
- Download Files
- Attach Files to Email Messages
- Save and Open Attachments
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