Glossary of terms
CMC Computer mediated
communication Internet Service
Provider (ISP) Asynchronous communication
Delayed communication between the sender and
the receiver (for example, an email might be sent at Audio conferencing
A virtual meeting, where people sit in front of microphones to talk to other meeting participants at other locations. Speakers are used to hear others talk. This is usually done via a telephone, or more recently, via computer. Browser
A browser is ‘internet’ software which enables you to gain access to the vast amount of information available on the Internet. At UniSA we recommend Internet Explorer 6. Chat, Chatrooms
You can chat with your lecturer and other students in an online chatroom. This is synchronous (ie simultaneous) communication - that is - real time communication. CMC Computer mediated communication
Any communication which is mediated through a computer - email, listserv, discussion groups, audio conferencing, video conferencing. Course
A course is a unit of study covering one semester (for example ‘Communication and the Media’) A full-time student will normally take several courses each semester. Discussion
An online discussion is a mechanism that allows asynchronous communication - much like an archive of email-like messages. Often used to support online teaching and learning. Email
An asynchronous communication method. Letters can be sent electronically between 2 or more networked computers. Flame
An electronic communication which is abusive. Freeware
Software that can be downloaded for free from the internet for use on your computer (no guarantees). A popular search engine used to find web sites on the internet. HardwareThe physical computer (box, hard drive, monitor) as distinct from the software, which are the programs that are loaded into the memory of the computer. Interactive
When a learner inputs information there is a response. The response may come from a computer or from a person via a computer, but there is a response. For example, when you post a discussion item, another student can post a response to your item. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A company who provides a paid service for enabling your computer to make connections to the internet. The ISP links individuals to the internet through their home computer and (usually) a telephone line. Instant messaging
Short messages that pop up on a internet enabled computer, or a mobile phone. ICQ (see instant messaging)
A software program that allows instant messaging. Listserv
An email-like communication between subscribers. When a message is posted to a listserv email address, all those who have signed up to the listserv will receive that message in their email. Often, people use Listservs where there is a common professional or academic interest. For example, teachers or engineers might subscribe to a listserv which deals with their area of specialty so they can exchange information, concerns and professional fellowship with one another. Navigation
The part of the web site that provides an overview of contents with links to major sections. Online @ UniSA 2004 CD-ROM
Previously called Get connected. A CD-ROM provided free to all new and external students on enrolment that contains software, information and links for studying online at UniSA. PDF File
I had to download an assignment that was in Microsoft word format. If people didn’t have Microsoft word or were able to afford much internet time then PDF would be suitable. With PDF you can download the document exactly how the author intended it and it prints out with all the correct fonts and everything. So usually it’s uneditable so it stays in the format it ‘wants’ to be. Program
A UniSA specific term for the degree the person is studying over several years. Programs are made up of a collection of different courses. Search
A place in a web site where you can enter words into a field to try to find the information you are looking for. The words you enter are matched against the words used in the pages of the web site. If a match is found it is listed in a results page. Normally the page that uses your keyword frequently and/or in the title, will be displayed on the top of the list. Self-directed learning
This is a learning approach that gives more power to the learner. Learner and student agree on what learning is needed and how the learning will be evidenced, and how that evidence will be assessed, and in what timeframe. Server
A special type of computer that is connected to the world wide web. Software
The programs that run on your computer. Splash page
The front page of a web site, open where key navigational links can be found. Sometimes called ‘Home’ Synchronous communication
Simultaneous communication between people where messages are sent and responded to immediately (using the telephone is a good example of this). Chat rooms and video conferencing are good examples of synchronous communication. UniSAnet
The online environment at UniSA. URLs
Unique reference location. Each web page on the internet has a unique address, usually commencing with the expression http://www.servername. It tells your browser on your computer which internet page to open and display on your monitor. Video conferencing
A virtual meeting, where people sit in front of cameras and watch screens/ televisions to see and hear other meeting participants. Webloggs
An online diary that can be shared. Windows Media Player
Software from Microsoft that plays movies and sound over the internet on your computer. |
|
Disclaimer | Copyright © February, 2004 University
of South Australia |