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.
Band:
A range of frequencies between defined upper and lower
limits.
Bandwidth:
Information carrying capacity of a communication channel.
Binary:
A computer language developed with only two
letters in its alphabet.
Bit:
Abbreviation for a single binary digit.
Blackboard:
A Course Management System (CMS) that offers instructors
a robust set of tools, functions and features for
teaching. It contextually reviews the teaching and
learning environment for instructors. It acts as a
classroom for those students who do not physically
enter-act with the instructor.
Byte:
A single computer word, generally eight bits.
Browser:
Software that allows you to find and see information
on the Internet.
Central
Processing Unit (CPU): The component of a
computer in which data processing takes place.
Channel:
The smallest subdivision of a circuit, usually
with a path in only one direction.
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.
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.
Cyberspace:
The nebulous “place” where humans interact
over computer networks. Coined by William Gibson in
Neuromancer.
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.
Digital
Video Interactive (DVI): A format for recording
digital video onto compact disc allowing for compression
and full motion video.
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.
Fiber
Optic Cable: Glass fiber that is used for
laser transmission of video, audio, and/or data.
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.
Frequency:
The space between waves in a signal. The
amount of time between waves passing a stationary
point.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ): A collection of information
on the basics of any given subject, often used on
the WWW.
Full
Motion Video: Signal which 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.
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, i.e. HTTP
is a WWW address.
Hypertext:
A document which has been marked up to allow a user
to select words or pictures within the document, click
on them, and connect to further information.
Interactive
Media: Frequency assignment that allows for
a two-way interaction or exchange of information.
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.
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.
Mosaic:
An example of browser software that allows WWW use.
Multimedia:
Any document which uses multiple forms of communication,
such as text, audio, and/or video.
Multi-Point
Control Unit (MCU): Computerized switching
system which allows point-to-multipoint videoconferencing.
Netscape:
An example of browser software that allows
you to design a home page and to browse links on the
WWW.
Network:
A series of points connected by communication channels
in different locations.
On-Line:
Active and prepared for operation. Also suggests
access to a computer network.
Origination
Site: The location from which a teleconference
originates.
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.
Protocol:
A formal set of standards, rules, or formats
for exchanging data that assures uniformity between
computers and applications.
Satellite
TV: Video and audio signals are relayed via
a communication device that orbits around the earth.
Serial
Line Internet Protocol (SLIP): Allows a user
to connect to the Internet directly over a high speed
modem.
Server:
A computer with a special service function
on a network, generally receiving and connecting incoming
information traffic.
Slow
Scan Converter: Transmitter/receiver of still
video over narrow band channels. In real time, camera
subjects must remain still for highest resolution.
Synchronous:
Communication in which interaction between participants
is simultaneous.
Telecommunication:
The science of information transport using
wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic channels
to transmit 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 which
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.
Uplink:
The communication link from the transmitting
earth station to the satellite.
World
Wide Web (WWW): A graphical hypertext-based
Internet tool that provides access to homepages created
by individuals, businesses, and other organizations.
