Glossary

Asynchronous communication
A type of two-way communication that occurs at different times, allowing participants to respond at their own convenience. Email is an example of asynchronous communication.

Audioconferencing
The use of voice communications, usually accomplished using standard telephone lines. When more than one person is in a single location, speakerphones or special audioconference terminal equipment is employed. When, more than two locations are involved, multipoint network bridging equipment is used.

Computer Conferencing
Uses computer-to-computer connections as a means of time-independent information sharing and communication between participants. Files of information are exchanged electronically and electronic-mail is used for person-to-person or person-to-group communication. Real-time conferencing may be available through "chat" software or desktop video software.

Cookie
User-specific information transmitted by the Web server to the user's computer so that the information might be available for later access by itself or other servers.

Distance Learning
Flexible learning that uses telecommunications technologies to expand student access to college curricula and to provide more convenient learning options.

Firewall
A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network, especially intranets. The firewall examines each network transmission and blocks those that do not meet specified security criteria.

HTML
HyperText Markup Language is a set of programming commands inserted around blocks of text that describe how to display it. Documents on the Web are typically written in HTML.

Internet
A global network connecting millions of computers and more than 200 million users worldwide. That number is growing rapidly.

Intranet
A "private" network based on TCP/IP protocols (i.e., the Web) and normally accessible only by the organization's members or employees. An intranet's Web sites look and act just like any other Web sites, but the firewall surrounding an intranet prevents unauthorized access.

ITV Classes
Uses interactive television to connect more than one classroom so that an instructor can deliver course content to multiple sites at the same time.

Multimedia Teleconferencing
An application where at least three of the forms of teleconferencing are used together to appeal to a variety of human senses or perception. An example is a teleconference using two-way audio/video conferencing and audiographics. The videoconference system provides audio and video while the audiographics provides high-resolution, still-frame visuals.

One-Way Videoconferencing
Employs one-way motion-video from an origination site to multiple receive sites. It is used where it is not important to the content or message to “see” participants at the receive sites. Receiving sites are usually provided a way to respond to the origination site, usually by audio conference (voice) or facsimile. Common transmission systems include satellite and ITFS (Instruction Television Fixed Service). Standard telephone lines usually provide the interactive audio portion where desired.

Online Classes
Use a computer, with a connection to the Internet, to access a “virtual classroom” where class content is delivered in written and graphic forms.

PC Online
Peninsula College’s Online classes are asynchronous with start-and-stop dates, regular assignments, and project due-dates.

Satellite Teleconferencing
One-way reception off-satellite.

Synchronous communication
A type of two-way communication that occurs with virtually no time delay, allowing participants to respond in real time. Chat rooms are an example of synchronous communication.

Teleconferencing
The use of electronic channels to facilitate interactive communication among groups of people at two or more locations. Teleconferencing is the generic term that refers to a variety of technologies and applications, including audioconferencing, audiographics, one-way videoconferencing, two-way videoconferencing, computer conferencing, and multimedia teleconferencing.

Two-Way Videoconferencing
Similar in concept to audioconferencing, permitting voice and motion-video communications through either analog or digital connections.

Video Classes
An instructional delivery system that uses videotaped programs, together with textbooks and study guides to deliver course content.

Videoconferencing
Twoway, fullmotion, fullcolor electronic form of communications that permits two or more people, in two or more different locations to engage in face-to-face audio and visual communication. See also interactive television.

WAOL
The acronym for WashingtonOnline, a consortium of community and technical colleges in the state of Washington delivering online classes.

Web enhanced
The use of a Web-based course management system, like WebCT, to augment or “enhance” traditional teaching and learning.

World Wide Web (WWW)
A hypertext-based, distributed information system originally created to facilitate sharing research information. The Web presents the user with documents, called web pages, full of links to other documents or information systems.