GLOSSARYGLOSSARY
Asynchronous: Communication in which interaction between parties does not take place simultaneously.
Authorware (or Authoring Tools): Computer programs that are designed for use by non-programmers in the creation of computer-based training modules, interactive presentations and multimedia. The software translates simple commands or icon choices into the necessary programming code.
Browser: Software that allows you to find and see information on the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer are examples of browsers.
Compact Disc (CD):A high-density storage medium. A CD-ROM contains information to be read only. A CD-R can have new information "written" onto it.
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI): Teaching process in which a computer is utilized to enhance the learning environment by assisting students in gaining mastery over a specific skill.
Chat: Two or more individuals connected to the Internet have real-time conversations by typing messages into their computers. The words are visible to other members of the group as they are typed. Chat "rooms" can be private or public.
Distance Education: The process of providing instruction when students and instructors are separated by physical distance and technology, often in tandem with face-to-face communication, is used to bridge the gap.
Distance Learning: The desired outcome of distance education.
Download: Using the network to transfer files from one computer to another.
Electronic Mail (E-mail): Sending messages from one computer user to another.
Facsimile (FAX): System used to transmit textual or graphical images over standard telephone lines.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): A protocol that allows you to move files from a distant computer to a local computer using a network like the Internet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): A collection of common questions and answers about a topic.
Home Page: A document with an address (URL) on the world wide web maintained by a person or organization which contains pointers to other pieces of information.
Host: A network computer that can receive information from other computers.
Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML): The code used to create a home page and is used to access documents over the WWW.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): The protocol used to signify an Internet site is a WWW site.
Hypertext: Specially-coded data which allows a user to select words or pictures within the document, click on them, and jump from one document (or part of one) to another.
Interactive Media: Frequency assignment that allows for a two-way interaction or exchange of information.
Internet: An international network of networks that allows different computers to communicate and exchange information and data.
Link (or hyperlink): A link is the means by which a user jumps from Internet document (or part of one) to another. It may be a graphic, a button, or underlined text. When the browser arrow is over it, a little hand shows.
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.
Multimedia: Any document which uses multiple forms of communication, such as text, audio, and/or video.
Network: A series of points connected by communication channels in different locations.
Online course: Course material and teacher-student interaction takes place over the Internet. Some online courses may require one or more campus meetings.
Protocol: A formal set of standards, rules, or formats for exchanging data that assures uniformity between computers and applications.
Search engine: A specialized Internet tool that looks through WWW pages for the occurrence of a specified word, phrase or subject. Altavista and AskJeeves are examples of search engines.
Server: A computer with a special service function on a network, generally receiving and connecting incoming information traffic.
Synchronous: Communication in which interaction between participants is simultaneous.
Teleconferencing: Two way electronic communication between two or more groups in separate locations via audio, video, and/or computer systems.
Telecourse: Material that would traditionally be communicated through face-to-face lectures is presented through a series of videotapes. A telecourse generally has these components: program viewing, reading assignments, campus visits, written assignments or projects, and tests (usually taken on-campus).
Uniform Resource Locator (URL): The address of a homepage on the WWW.
World Wide Web (WWW): A graphical Internet tool that uses hypertext to access homepages created by individuals, businesses, and other organizations.
Adapted from "Distance Education at a Glance" by the Department of Engineering, University of Idaho.
Contra Costa College Homepage
Last updated: 17 April 2004
For questions about the website and/or the Distance Learning Program, contact Lynda Lawrence, Senior Dean of Instruction.