LHRIC: Distance Learning Terminology

back

Significant Distance Learning Terminology:

Analog:: A signal that is received in the same form in which it is transmitted, while the amplitude and frequency may vary.
Amplitude:: The amount of variety in a signal. Commonly thought of as the height of a wave.
Asynchronous:: Communication in which interaction between parties does not take place simultaneously.
Asynchronous Transmission Mode (ATM):: A method of sending data in irregular time intervals using a code such as ASCII. ATM allows most modern computers to communicate with one another easily.
Audio Bridge:: A device used in audioconferencing that connects multiple telephone lines.
Audioconferencing:: Voice only connection of more than two sites using standard telephone lines.
Backbone:: A primary communication path connecting multiple users.
Band:: A range of frequencies between defined upper and lower limits.
Bandwidth:: Information carrying capacity of a communication channel.
Bit:: Abbreviation for a single binary digit.
Byte:: A single computer word, generally eight bits.
Channel:: The smallest subdivision of a circuit, usually with a path in only one direction.
Codec (COder/DECoder):: Device used to convert analog signals to digital signals for transmission and reconvert signals upon reception at the remote site while allowing for the signal to be compressed for less expensive transmission.
Compressed Video:: When video signals are downsized to allow travel along a smaller carrier.
Compression:: Reducing the amount of visual information sent in a signal by only transmitting changes in action.
Desktop Videoconferencing:: Videoconferencing on a personal computer.
Dial-Up Teleconference:: Using public telephone lines for communications links among various locations.
Digital:: An electrical signal that varies in discrete steps in voltage, frequency, amplitude, locations, etc. Digital signals can be transmitted faster and more accurately than analog signals.
Distance Education:: The process of providing instruction when students and instructors are separated by physical distance and technology is used, often in tandem with face-to-face communication, to bridge the gap.
Distance Learning:: The desired outcome of distance education.
Echo Cancellation:: The process of eliminating the acoustic echo in a videoconferencing room.
Fiber Optic Cable:: Glass fiber that is used for laser transmission of video, audio, and/or data.
Full Motion Video:: Signal that allows transmission of complete action taking place at the origination site.
Fully Interactive Video:: (Two way interactive video) Two sites interact with audio and video as if they were co-located.
Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS):: Microwave-based, high-frequency television used in educational program delivery.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN):: A telecommunications standard allowing communications channels to carry voice, video, and data simultaneously.
Internet:: An international network of networks primarily used to connect education and research networks begun by the United States government.
Internet Protocol (IP):: The international standard for addressing and sending data via the Internet.
Listserv:: An e-mail program that allows multiple computer users to connect onto a single system, creating an on-line discussion.
Local Area Network (LAN):: Two or more local computers that are physically connected.
Microwave:: Electromagnetic waves that travel in a straight line and are used to and from satellites and for short distances (i.e., up to 30 miles).
Modem:: A piece of equipment to allow computers to interact with each other via telephone lines by converting digital signals to analog for transmission along analog lines.
Multi-Point Control Unit (MCU):: Computerized switching system that allows point-to-multipoint videoconferencing. .
Point of Presence (POP):: Point of connection between an interexchange carrier and a local carrier to pass communications into the network.
Point-to-Point:: Transmission between two locations.
Point-to-Multipoint:: Transmission between multiple locations using a bridge.
PPP:: A software package which allows a user to have a direct connection to the Internet over a telephone line.
Protocol:: A formal set of standards, rules, or formats for exchanging data that assures uniformity between computers and applications.
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP):: Allows a user to connect to the Internet directly over a high speed modem.
Synchronous:: Communication in which interaction between participants is simultaneous.
T-1 (DS-1):: High-speed digital data channel that is a high volume carrier of voice and/or data. Often used for compressed video teleconferencing. T-1 has 24 voice channels.
T-3 (DS-3):: A digital channel that communicates at a significantly faster rate than T-1.
Telecommunication:: The science of information transport using wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic channels to transmit or receive signals for voice or data communications using electrical means.
Teleconferencing:: Two way electronic communication between two or more groups in separate locations via audio, video, and/or computer systems.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP):: A protocol that makes sure that packets of data are shipped and received in the intended order.
Transponder:: Satellite transmitter and receiver that receives and amplifies a signal prior to re-transmission to an earth station.
Video Teleconferencing:: A teleconference including two way video.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL):: The address of a homepage on the WWW. .
World Wide Web (WWW):: A graphical hypertext-based Internet tool that provides access to homepages created by individuals, businesses, and other organizations.