Technology Concepts
Chat
A synchronous form of Internet communication in which individuals type messages to one another
Cognitive Load
The amount of working memory that is available to a learner to process new information and that is taken up at a given time by a learning task
Computer Platforms
Types of computer systems identified by their operating systems, e.g., PCs with Windows operating systems or Macintoshes with Mac-OS operating systems
Augmented Reality
Coined by a Boeing researcher in 1990, it refers to a computer-generated environment in which a real-life scene is overlaid with information that enhances our understanding and uses of it
Cloze Exercises
Comprehension exercises with certain words removed to require students to fill in the blanks
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)
Computer software that continuously analyzes a student's test responses and presents more or less difficult questions based on the student's performance
Body Composition Analyzer
A device that assists with analyzing and monitoring physical fitness levels by determining the percent of body fat
Audio Teleconferencing
A distance education technology that uses a speakerphone to extend a basic telephone call and permits instruction and interaction between individuals or groups at two or more locations.
Classroom Observation
A form of evaluation that involves having a knowledgeable person come into the classroom to watch a lesson in process, to comment on how well the materials and activities work, and to make suggestions for improvements.
Avatar
A graphic representation of a real person in cyberspace; a three dimensional image that a person can choose to represent himself or herself in a virtual reality environment
Attachments
Email additions; may be documents, graphics, or software.
Applications
Software programs designed to perform a specific function for the user, such as processing text, performing calculations, and presenting content lessons.
Behavior
A response made by an individual.
Algorithm
A series of steps needed to solve a particular problem or perform a particular task; a methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem. Contrasts with the usually speedier -- but also more error-prone -- use of heuristics
Assessment Rubric
A set of guidelines used to reliably appraise or judge products or performances.
Computer Program
A set of instructions that tells the computer how to do something.
CLI
(short for Command Line Interface) the interface is where the user types a text command and the computer responds according to that command.
Compact Disc (CD)
A 4.72-inch-diameter disc on which a laser has digitally recorded information such as audio, video, or computer data.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
A branch of computer science concerned with the design of computers and software that are capable of responding in ways that emulate the decision-making capabilities of the human mind.
Auto-correct
A built-in feature of word-processing software that automatically detects and corrects misspelled words and incorrect capitalization
Computer System
A collection of components that includes the computer and all of the devices used with it.
Byte
A collection of eight bits, equivalent to one alphanumeric character.
Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD)
A committee composed of the parent, administrator, assessment personnel, regular education teacher, special education teacher, and other pertinent representatives who meet on a regular basis to make decisions in regard to admission, services, and dismissal from special education.
Computer Gradebook
A computer database program that can store and manipulate students' grades.
Bulletin Board (BB)
A computer system set up to allow notices to be posted and viewed by anyone who has access to the network
Accelerometer
A device that assists with analyzing and monitoring physical fitness levels by counting calories
Concept Map
A graphical representation of interrelated concepts that students can use as a learning aid or that teachers can use as an aid in content organization; tools designed to help people think through and explore ideas or topics by developing these visual outlines of ideas
Adventure Learning (AL)
A hybrid (online and in-person) distance education approach that provides students with opportunities to explore real-world issues through authentic learning experiences within collaborative learning environments
Automaticity
A level of skill that allows a person to respond immediately (i.e., automatically) with the correct answer to a problem
Computer
A machine that processes information according to a set of instructions.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
A magnification system in which a video camera is mounted on a frame with a television monitor. Users place materials on the desktop below the camera, set the desired magnification level, move the materials around as necessary, and information appears on the monitor in a size that can be read comfortably by an individual with visual impairments
Assessment
A measurement appraisal process that is ongoing, developmentally appropriate, and dynamic; the process of gathering evidence of learning.
ARPAnet
A network created in 1969 by the U.S. government-funded Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) to enable communications among important defense sites in the event of a worldwide catastrophe such as a nuclear attack; later became the Internet
Conditions
A portion of the instructional objective that indicates under what circumstances students are expected to perform.
Cell
A single block in a spreadsheet grid, formed by the intersection of a row and a column that may contain numerical values, words, or character data, and formulas or calculation commands.
Analogy
A statement that likens something new to something familiar. Analogies are typically used either to make abstract information more concrete or to organize complex information.
Conditional Information
A type of information that describes the potential usefulness of facts, concepts, and principles.
Application Activity
A type of instructional activity that provides students with an opportunity to practice using what they are learning.
Attitudes
A type of learning that refers to feelings, beliefs, and values that lead individuals to make consistent choices when given the opportunity.
Case Study
A type of problem solving that requires students to actively participate in real or hypothetical problem situations that reflect the types of experiences actually encountered in the discipline under study
Auto-tuning
A unique vocal distortion technique made possible with vocal-editing software
Bookmark
A way to store addresses of frequently used websites on your computer; in a browser, a set of Internet locations or URLs organized so that a user can return to them quickly
App
Abbreviation for application, software that normally has an extension of .app and refers to any Internet application specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones
Assistive Technology
Adaptive technologies are designed specifically for persons with disabilities. These are devices that extend the abilities of an individual with special needs in ways that provide physical access (i.e., wheelchairs, braces) and sensory access (i.e., Braille, closed captioning); other examples include augmentative communication devices, powered wheel chairs and environmental control systems. For electronic communications, text-based resources such as bulletin boards, e-mail, and distribution lists should fully accessible to students with disabilities, regardless of the assistive technology they use. Schools should also ensure that Web pages are accessible to students and instructors using a wide variety of assistive technology. Developers have to either avoid certain types of inaccessible features or formats, or create alternative methods for accessing the inaccessible content.
Alternative Keyboard
Customized keyboards created for users with special needs (e.g., enlarging the keys to provide more space for the student to press a key; removing keys that are not relevant for a given software; programming multi-step functions like save, print, quit into a single key press)
Blood Pressure Devices
Devices that assist with analyzing and monitoring physical fitness levels by monitoring and reporting blood pressure
Alpha testing
Alpha testing is the early testing phase of the project. The full functionality of the alpha version of the software program may not yet be implemented. This early review allows the client to evaluate the project.
Browser
Also known as a web browser, software designed to allow a computer user to go to Internet websites that are connected to each other via the World Wide Web (WWW)
ASCII format
American Standard Code for Information Interchange; a standard way of representing text, which allows different computer brands to "talk" to one another. It is sometimes referred to as plain text or unformatted text.
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
An agreement created by a school or other educational organization that describes the risks involved in Internet use; outlines appropriate, safe student behavior on the Internet; asks students if they agree to use the Internet under these conditions; and asks what information about themselves, if any, may be posted on the school's website
Animation key frame
An animation key frame is a single still image defined throughout an animated sequence that occurs at a pivotal point in that sequence.
Computer Conferencing
An asynchronous communication medium in which two or more individuals exchange messages using personal computers connected via a network or telephone lines.
Common Gateway Interface (CGI)
An authoring specification on the Internet for how data will be collected at a website, CGI programs are written in a language such as PERL
Antecedent
An event, object, or circumstance that prompts a behavior.
Advance Organizer
An outline, preview, or other such pre-instructional cue used to promote retention of content to be learned.
CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory)
Digitally encoded information permanently recorded on a compact disc; Also known as compact disc, read-only memory. It is a compact disc used to store computer data. CD-ROMs have a maximum capacity of 650MB.
Bitmap and vector graphics
Bitmaps are graphics stored patterns of colored dots (pixels on the screen). Vector graphics are stored as mathematical descriptions of sets of lines, triangles, squares, circles, etc, with defined line widths, line colors and, for polygons, fill colors.
Calculator-Based Lab (CBL)
Calculator with probes or sensors connected to it to allow gathering of numerical data
Circular reference
Circular reference of electronic spreadsheet formula happens when you enter a formula that includes functions referring back to the cell in which the formula is contained. When this happens, users receive an error message referring to circular reference.
Compression and extraction tools
Compression is the process to reduce file size through "zipping" or "archiving". The compressed or zipped file can be from a large file or can contain several files that have been squeezed into a single file. After compression, the extraction process is used to describe the process where software is decompresses to its original size. A utility software such as Win-zip usually contains both compression and extraction functions.
Authoring Software
Computer programs used to develop multimedia or Web applications; programs used to create documents utilizing point and click features but require some knowledge of the program; authoring programs such as Adobe Flash can be used to create multimedia productions or Adobe Dreamweaver can be used to create web pages.
Computer Algebra System (CAS)
Either software or devices with software that help carry out complex numeric calculations involved in higher-level math problems (e.g., Maple)
ASP.NET
First released in 2002, a scripting language that must be installed on a server to be used in web development; a scripting language that generates HTML source code to create dynamic web pages
Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
For learners of English and foreign languages, activities in which they use computers in language testing, teaching, and learning in and out of class
Blu-Ray Disc
High definition DVD format
ActionScript
In Adobe Flash, an advanced authoring environment for creating content for the web, a mobile, or virtually any digitalplatform
Blended Intercultural Collaborations
In language learning international class-to-class partnerships in which projects and casks are developed by the partner teachers in the collaborating institutions; students work with students of other cultures to provide authentic writing and research experiences
Cognitive Overload
Inhibited functioning created by excessive demands being placed on memory and/or other cognitive processes.
CMYK graphics
Graphics generally use RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) or CMYK colors. While graphics on the Web or designed for on-screen display are RGB images, both commercial offset printing and inkjet desktop printing utilize CMYK. Dots of cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow, and black (the K) are placed next to each other that trick the eyes into seeing millions of colors.
Animation, path
Most animation software lets developers specify a beginning position and an ending position, then calculates the positions in between.
Blog
Short for "web log," a web page that serves as a publicly accessible location for discussing a topic or issue; began as personal journals and expanded to become public discussion forums in which anyone can give opinions on a topic
Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)
Software designed to help teach information and/or skills related to a topic; also known as instructional software or courseware, computer-based instruction (CBI), computer-based learning (CBL), computer-assisted learning (CAL), or generic terms such as software learning tools
Charting/Graphing Tool
Software tools that automatically draw and print desired charts or graphs from data entered by users
Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
Software used by architects and others to aid in the design of structures such as houses and cars
Asynchronous
Not occurring at the same time, form of distance communications in which information and messages are left for the receiver to read later; contrasts with synchronous communications, in which information and messages are sent and received immediately
Chat Room
On computer networks, a location for person-to-person real-time (synchronous) interaction by typing messages.
Audio Video Interleave (AVI) Format
One of several digital formats for video that are able to be used with video editing software
Avatar Spaces
Online environments in which users can interact through their graphic representations (i.e., avatars)
Classical Conditioning
Pavlovian view of learning as involuntary physical responses to outside stimuli (e.g., dogs salivate automatically at the sight of a dog food can)
Accommodation
Piagetian view of how children change their views of the world by incorporating new experiences
Assimilation
Piagetian view of how children learn by fitting new experiences into their existing view of the world
Clip Art
Previously created graphics designed to be added to word processing or desktop publishing documents or to computer-based instruction.
Aptitude-Treatment Interaction (ATI)
Research finding that formats that are beneficial for one group have a negative impact on a group with the opposite characteristic
Bitmapped (BMP) Graphics
Sometimes called paint or raster graphics, in which each pixel directly corresponds to a spot on the display screen. When scaled to larger sizes, this type of graphic looks jagged or aliased; Developed originally for use on Disk Operating System (DOS) and Windows-compatible computers, an image format used for drawn images, illustrations, clip art, or animations
ADDIE model
Sometimes referred to as the ADDIE model, the current version of systems approach of instructional design is a process comprised of a series of phases: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Currently, almost all ISD models are based on the generic ADDIE.
Cloud Computing
Term for the distribution of applications, processing power, and storage across many computers accessible via the Internet.
Beta version
The beta version of instructional software is a full-functioning version of the product with all known problems resolved. Both the client and the design team review the beta version to search for problems that will need to be addressed. Since the beta version is at the final stage of development, the project should require very few changes or modifications.
Absolute address or absolute positioning
occurs when it is necessary to keep a certain position that is not relative to the new cell location. It is possible by inserting a dollar sign, $, before the column letter or a $ before the row number, or sometimes both to lock the cell location to a fixed address or position.
Attention
The process of selectively receiving information from the environment.
Animation
The process of taking a series of individual pictures -- called frames -- and stringing them together in a timed sequence to give the appearance of continuous motion. Animations are motion files, either in 2-D animation or 3-D animation. On the Web, HTML's push-pull animation is very low-end. Software tools such as JAVA, VRML, DHTML, animated GIF's, Flash, and Shockwave are the development tools for Web animation.
Backbone
The set of high-speed data lines connecting the major networks that make up the Internet.
Bit
The smallest amount of information that the CPU can deal with; a single binary digit.
Bandwidth
The term describes the data-carrying capacity of a transmission line. In other words, how much data flows on a given transmission path. It can apply to network connections, system buses, or any "pipe" through which data pours. High-bandwidth connections deliver more information at a much faster speed and therefore make full-screen, full-motion video possible.
Audiographics
The use of audio teleconferencing accompanied by the transmission of still pictures and graphics via slow-scan video, fax, or an electronic graphics tablet.
Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)
The use of the computer as a device for mediating communication between teacher and students and among students, often over distances. Electronic mail and computer conferencing are two types of application software commonly used in CMC.
Computer-Based Instruction (CBI)
The use of the computer in the delivery of instruction.
Computer-Managed Instruction
The use of the computer in the management of instruction, including applications such as student record keeping, performance assessment, and monitoring students' progress.
Computer-Assisted Testing (CAT)
Using a computer system to administer and score assessment measures; also, computer adaptive testing, computer-based testing
Compensation
Using technology to accommodate difficulties individuals have with performing specific tasks, e.g., providing speech recognition software to those with physical disabilities that limit their use of a pencil or a keyboard
Antivirus software
antidote utilities to detect, eliminate and protect from viruses, worms and Trojans. It typically contains an engine, a resident virus shield, virus databases or DAT files, a task scheduler, an e-mail scanner, and an update manager. It guards against computer viruses either by lurking in memory and checking everything you run for viruses or by scanning the files on the disks at a time you specify. Computer users sometimes have to install other software such as firewalls, pop-up blockers, and anti-spyware to guard their computers against other threats.