Web-Teaching

active learning: learner speaks, writes, performs experiments, plans, etc., as opposed to reads, listens to lecture, etc.

animation: as used in Web-Teaching, a sequence of drawings or graphic images stitched together to form a movie.

applet: an application written in the Java language intended for inclusion within a Web page.

ASP (Active Server Page): an embedded server-side script used to serve interactive pages instead of using more traditional CGI programs. It includes a database-access component.

asynchronous discussion: discussion occurring at different times (such as messages posted to a discussion board).

asynchronous: used as an adjective in Web-teaching jargon to describe situations where learners and teachers are separated in time and usually in space.

attach (attachment): to add a copy of a document (attachment) to another document so that the first acts as a carrier for the second

attribute: in HTML programming, attributes are settable properties of elements

audiotutorial system: structured learning system in which audiotapes provide the instructions. Many other media may be involved.

bandwidth: in Internet jargon, the amount of electronic information that can be delivered per unit time.

biometrics: is the statistical study of biological phenomena. As applied to verifying the identification of humans, biometric identifiers are physiological and behavioral characteristics that are completely unique to a person—their fingerprint, hand shape, iris patterns, face, and voice being among them.

Boolean: a system developed by mathematician George Boole, logical variables are represented by the digits 0 (false) and 1 (true). A Boolean expression evaluates to true or false. Consider the expression A AND B. In this scheme of logic, for the expression to be true, both A and B must be true. The Boolean logic operators are AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, and XOR. For OR to be true, A can be true, B can be true, or both A and B can be true. For NOR to be true, neither A nor B can be true. For NAND to be true either A or B must be true, or neither can be true, but both cannot be true at the same time. For XOR to be true, either A or B must be true, but both cannot be true. Booleans are used extensively in computer programming. Boolean expressions are used widely in Web searches.

bot: short for robot or "knowbot." Also called crawlers and spiders. A search program, sometimes called a software agent. Bots search multiple sites simultaneously, can eliminate dead links, can download pages, use sophisticated search refinement, and can generate reports.

broken link: Web pages tend to be dynamic and often are revised, removed, or relocated. The links in one page that tie to another, especially between different sites, are not automatically updated. Broken links are the result. When a broken link is clicked an error message such as "file not found" or "Error 404" results.

browser: software that makes use of URLs and the Internet to obtain information (files) from a server. Most have graphical user interfaces (GUI). Examples are Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer.

bulletin board: a scheme for accessing posted messages. One computer would be designated as a host. Access was by telephone through modems.

bundled: computer jargon describing a package containing several related products, such as a piece of hardware together with one or several software packages used in conjunction with the hardware. The software packages often are limited editions of very well-known, powerful applications, and the purchaser is urged to upgrade to the full version at extra cost.

CD-ROM: compact disk read-only memory. A storage medium, originally used mainly by developers to package their product. Now available for use by the consumer, both a write-once-and-keep-forever and a write/erase/rewrite form are available.

certificate authority: the Internet equivalent of a passport office. Certificate authorities issue digital certificates and validate the holder's identity and authority. CAs "embed an individual's or an organization's public key along with other identifying information into each digital certificate and then cryptographically ‘sign’ it as a tamper-proof seal, verifying the integrity of the data within it and validating its use." {U18.15}

CGI: Common gateway interface, the connection between the browser and server that runs a program. CGI programs can set and read small amounts of text on the client machine (called cookies), get and tabulate browser and operating system information, and so forth. By using CGI rather than browser—based scripting, nearly all users will be able to make full use of your pages. CGI scripts usually are not limited by browser or firewall limitations.

client: in Web jargon, this is a receiver of information, a connection to the Web where browser software is used to view materials served from somewhere else on the Web. The "opposite" term is server.

cognitive artifact: according to Donald Norman, a device created to assist with a task that changes in a fundamental way the skills needed to succeed with the task.

comprehensive multimedia delivery system: a delivery system capable of delivering nearly all media formats — text, sound, images, movies, etc.clicking, click: to depress a mouse button; depression of button on a mouse.

compression; compressed file: file in which wasted space has been removed by using a computer application that replaces current bits and bytes with new ones. Formulas or algorithms allow duplicate or empty space removal, and also permit reconstruction of the original file identically (lossless compression) or nearly identically (lossy compression).

computer adaptive testing: the test-taker's ability level relative to a norm group is estimated iteratively during the testing process. Items are selected based on the current ability estimate. The procedure is thought to maximize the information about the test-taker's ability level. Test-takers receive few items that seem very easy or very hard. Testing ceases at a given level that is the test-taker's highest sustainable performance.

courseware (course management software): computer software designed to support the activities normally incorporated by a teacher in an online course.

crawler: see bot.

digital camera: records image as digital information on some digital storage medium (like a memory card).

digital technologies: technologies in which information is dealt with as strings of zeroes and ones rather than as a continuous (analog) signal.

domain name: easy-to-remember address used for identifying and locating computers on the Internet. These are translated by the Domain Name System (DNS) into the numeric IP addresses used by the network. Domain names must be unique.

draw; drawing program: graphics program that creates image elements using vectors whose appearance can be modified by selection followed by changing a parameter. [Contrast with paint programs that store information on a pixel-by-pixel (dot-by-dot) basis.]

drive space: the amount of room available on a hard drive. At one time, PCs with 10-megabyte drives were thought to be huge; today 2-gigabyte drives are small.

DVD (): an evolving format for compressed, digital video.

elements; HTML element: in HTML programming, an element is contained between a pair of tags. Tags are markup instructions for text that are embedded in text. In HTML, tags are set off by the "<" and ">" symbols. Tags are programming instructions. As used in this Chapter, elements are entities contained with the FORM element.

e-mail: electronic mail delivered and received over a digital network such as the Internet. Software creates, transmits, and interprets the data streams.

face validity: A proposition has face validity when it seems reasonable, rational, and appropriate without any need for further justification or research. It describes a situation where an argument makes sense to the person hearing that argument to the degree that no further support is needs to affirm the validity of the argument.

feature set: in software jargon, a set of operations provided in a particular software package. For example, browser software is expected to include making, editing, and displaying bookmarks as part of its feature set.

firewall: allows limited access to your site from the Internet. "Approved" traffic can move in and out according to a plan. You select the services necessary for your teaching, but bar others.

form: an HTML tag that permits incorporation of interactive elements such as text fields, radio buttons, and checkboxes.

frequently asked questions (FAQ): some questions seem to arise over and over in asynchronous conversations, listservs, and newsgroups. To address this problem, create a file of frequently asked questions together with answers, and make that file readily accessible.

ftp (file transfer protocol): a procedure for transferring files from one computer to another.

GIF (graphics interchange format): a pixel-based image format created by CompuServe and used widely on the Web.

helper application: program used by a browser to assist with some task or operation. For example, Navigator uses the helper application StuffIt Expander to translate and expand .hqx (dot hqx) files.

hot spot: an area of the screen which, when clicked, is expected to bring about some action such as moving to a different section of text, playing a movie, showing in image, etc. When the pointer (cursor) moves onto a hotspot, the shape of the cursor changes to that of a hand with a pointing finger.

HTML, HTML tag: hypertext markup language. The Web involves sending files around the network in extremely simple formats so as to make them machine and platform independent. Inside these text files are "tags" read as text but demarked in such a way as to provide information to the software (browser) about how to display the text. This is not an exact method; the files may appear rather differently on different browsers.

http (hypertext transfer protocol): a procedure used by computers to transfer files from servers to clients (browsers). This is the principal procedure used on the Web.

hyperlinks: attributed to Ted Nelson {U01.03}, hyperlinks allow one to access documents in parallel, to jump from one to another on the basis of both content and relatedness. For example, if the name Ted Nelson in this description were hyperlinked, placing the cursor on the name and "clicking" would bring up information somehow related to Ted Nelson.

hypermedia: multimedia linked so as to permit branching from one place to another based on the intent of the user (or programmer).

hypermedia: multimedia linked so as to permit branching from one place to another based on the intent of the user (or programmer).

hypertext: text linked so that the user can jump from one idea to another, usually by clicking on text.

image map: an image with embedded clickable hot spots that serve as hyperlinks.

interface: as used here, name given to the computer screen or screens that enable a user to interact with a computer program.

interlaced; interlacing: the scheme for sending sliced sections of an image in an alternating fashion to make images viewable more quickly. As more information becomes available to the browser, the interlaced image sharpens.

internet appliance: a computer of varying specifications that connects to the Internet to provide Web browsing and e-mail capabilities usually without the use of a hard drive for storing other applications or data. These devices may vary from desktop to hand-held models.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): in the United States, access to the Internet is nearly always provided by commercial sources. Universities pay for this access, as do individuals. Cost and speed of access become issues for students.

Internet: a dynamic electronic network that permits computers connected anywhere on that network to exchange information. The Internet is essentially a worldwide network.

intranet: a private network that is contained within an organization such as a university or school district. It usually includes connections through one or more gateway computers to the Internet through firewalls — security systems designed to control all sorts of activity. The main purpose of a school intranet is to share school information and computing resources among faculty, students, and staff. An intranet uses the same protocols and methods as does the Internet: TCP/IP, http, etc.

IP address: a unique, numeric identifier used to specify hosts and networks expressed as four numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods, for example: 129.93.84.115. These are handled through the American Registry for Internet Numbers {U10.12}.

IP address: computers on the Internet are identified by a unique number called an IP address. These consist of four numbers between 0 and 255 separated by three periods (dots). IP addresses are provided Internet Service Providers (Chapter 4).

item response theory: item response theory (IRT) was developed to overcome shortcomings in the "true score" testing model wherein learners were assigned a score on a test, and that score represents the person's true ability. IRT looks at items, and expects persons of similar ability to perform similarly on an item. In this terminology, a test is unbiased when all testers having the same skill level have an equal probability of getting the item correct. If persons of similar ability but different gender perform differently on the item, then the item is said to be biased.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): standards for a lossy compression format used for images and QuickTime movies.

Keller Plan: a self-paced, mastery teaching strategy. Information is broken into multiple sections or units, with tests for each unit. To proceed through the course, the student must achieve a mastery level of learning in each unit. Grades are based on how many units are completed.

Kinko’s: commercial supplier of information handling services centering on multimedia production and especially duplication services.

LINUX (often pronounced LIH-nuhks with a short "i"): a UNIX-like operating system that was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive UNIX systems. Linux has a reputation as a very efficient and fast-performing system. Linux's kernel (the central part of the operating system) was developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

listserv: an automatic mailing system such that, when someone sends mail to the listserv, a copy is transmitted to all subscribers to that listserv.

lossless; lossy: descriptions of file compression strategies. Lossless compression retains all of the information so that the compressed file may be reconstructed exactly. Lossy compression involves some loss of information. JPEG and MPEG are lossy compression formats.

map: a clickable image such that, if clicking occurs in a "hot spot," some action will be taken. On the Web, this usually means activating some hyperlink.

metaprinter: software that behaves like a printer by receiving encoded information but which converts that to a different format. In principle, any application printing to a metaprinter may have its output converted to an HTML-tagged file that will appear on a browser much as would the printed copy.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): a communications protocol between electronic musical instruments and computers

MIME; Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension: standardized scheme that permits browser software to determine what to do with a file. The file is assigned an extension written as a few letters and a period or dot. Files ending in .html or .htm, for example, are interpreted as being tagged text. Files ending in .GIF are GIF image files, while those ending in .jpg or .jpeg are JPEG images. A file ending in .hqx has been encoded (in a format called BinHex 4.0) so that it can be transferred from computer to computer.

mirror: the use of multiple sites with duplicate information. Used to provide instantaneous backup for servers or alternate locations for downloading files.

MNG (Multiple-image Network Graphics): an emerging format to deal with Web-based multimedia.

motivation: the process whereby goal-directed activity is instigated and sustained.

movie: in the context of this book, a computer file that may be played by a computer as if it were a motion picture.

MPEG: a lossy compression format that is very efficient for movies. Requires hardware (chip) to replay from most desktop computers.

multimedia: forms of media, such as video, audio, text, and images.

newsgroup: originally, a bulletin board organized by topic. Newsgroups have evolved to offer systematic access through e-mail or Internet.

node: a computer which serves as a point of exchange in a an inter linked group of computers, receiving, routing, and retransmitting information. Node is also used to indicate any computer on the Internet.

optical character recognition, OCR: a scheme for taking printed images as from typewriting, newspapers, and books, and converting those images of letters into digital text files usable by computers.

optical character recognition, OCR: a scheme for taking printed images as from typewriting, newspapers, and books, and converting those images of letters into digital text files usable by computers.

packet sniffing: many network data analysis tools are able to capture packets and store them for later review. Though useful for problem analysis, this also permits capturing information, including sign-ons and passwords. Firewalls provide no protection against packet sniffing.

page: describes a hypertext file transmitted from server to client using the Web.

paint; painting program: image strategy involving individual dots or pixels in a screen. Difficult to modify after files are created.

Perl: a high—level programming language with process, file, and text manipulation facilities that make it particularly well—suited for CGI script authoring. There is a well—organized Perl Web—site.

Photo CD: digital format developed by Kodak and used to create optical storage media holding very large amounts of visual information.

pixel: dot on a computer screen. There are typically 72 dots per inch on a computer screen.

plug-in: dynamic code modules, native to a specific platform on which a browser runs, that enhance the capabilities of the browser.

plug-in: dynamic code modules, native to a specific platform on which a browser runs, that enhance the capabilities of the browser.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics): a pixel-based image format.

portal: a Web site or service that offers a broad array of resources and services, such as e-mail, news, weather, forums, search engines, and online shopping malls. Most of the traditional search engines, such as Yahoo, have transformed themselves into Web portals. Courseware providers are seeking to establish themselves as portal sites. They have interests in two portal strategies: one for students, and the other for faculty as researchers.

RAM: random-access memory. Space in computer where programs and data are stored while in use. At one time, 64K was large; this manuscript was produced on a system with 192 megabytes.

scan; scanner: to scan an image is to create a digital file from the image. A scanner goes from analog information (the picture itself) to a digital file from with the image can be recreated on a computer display device.

search engine: search engines are huge databases. They contain URLs for Web pages. Search engines compile their databases by using software agents (programs, called bots, crawlers, or spiders) to crawl through Web space from link to link, identifying and perusing pages. Bots often index most of the words on the publicly available pages at the site. Search engines, actually search through a database using keywords and phrases, and differ in size, speed, and content. No two search engines use exactly the same ranking schemes, and not every search engine offers exactly the same search options. Search engines use rules to rank pages. No two search engines are identical. Because the Web is a dynamic environment, similar searches performed hours apart may give markedly different results, especially when current events are searched.

Secure Sockets Layers (SSL): encode sensitive information such as credit card numbers that pass between client and server by creating a temporary "key" ( a digital code book) that enables the computers on either end to scramble and unscramble information. All the computers relaying the message see it as massively encrypted. The keys are dynamic, and last for a single session. The systems depends upon organizations that verify identities and issue certificates of identity called certificate authorities.

self-regulated learning (self-regulation): the active, goal-directed, self-control of behavior, motivation and cognition for academic tasks by an individual student.

self-regulator (self-regulation): a learner who actively controls his or her learning by use of good strategies for cognition and motivation.

server: computer connected to the Web that transmits files. Most computers can be made into servers given suitable software. WebSTAR can make nearly any Macintosh into a server. The "opposite" term is client.

shareware: software created as a public service and provided for testing after which, if used for substantial time (usually defined as a month), the user is honor bound to pay a small fee to the creator.

sliced; slicing: breaking the image file into several chunks for transmission.

sneakernets: facetious name given to the method of transferring information using floppy discs or similar media. The notion is that persons must physically carry the information, and that they might wear shoes called sneakers.

spider: see bot.

spreadsheet: software to handle systematic arithmetic and logic operations. Originally created to help with bookkeeping operations. (Spreadsheets vaulted personal computers to the desktops of everyday business managers.)

Sputnik: a space satellite launched by the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was a political entity that included Russia. After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a world wide political activity known as the "Cold War."

subject directory: directories are edited by experts. They are organized into hierarchical subject categories, and sometimes annotated with descriptions. They do not have access to full-text documents. Only subject categories and descriptions may be searched. An example is Yahoo! {U04.06}.

synchronous discussion: simultaneous discussion. Occurring at the same time (such as chat or videophone).

synchronous: used as an adjective in Web-teaching jargon to describe situations where learners and teachers work at one common time and usually in one common place.

tag: in HTML, an instruction embedded within an ordinary text file that may be interpreted by browser software as an instruction.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): the communication protocol of the Internet. TCP assembles a file into smaller packets that are transmitted over the Internet and received by a similar program that reassembles the packets into the original message. The IP handles the address part of each packet so that it gets to the right destination. Each network computer checks this address to see where to forward the message. In principle, packets may arrive via different routes. A client requests and is provided a service (such as sending a Web page) by a server. TCP/IP is from one point in the network to another. Each client request is considered to be a new request, one unrelated to any previous request. The "connection" is maintained only until all transmitted packets have been received.

thread: in Web-based discussions, a way of linking contributions (posts) which address the same or closely related topics. Responses to the original post are automatically linked to it.

UNIX: For all computers there is some core software that runs underneath everything else called the operating system. UNIX is a computer operating system designed to be used by many people at the same time (it is multi-user) that has TCP/IP built-in. It is a very common operating system, and the majority of Internet servers use this system.

URL, uniform resource locator: a five-part information string that conveys a type of operation (e.g., http, ftp, mailto), the IP address of a machine where the desired file is located, the path on that machine to the file, the name of the file, and, through 2 to 4 letters appended to the file name in what is called an extension, information about the nature of the data in the file.

volition: volitional processes are included within self-regulation, and deal with an individual's ability to assume responsibility, to perform duties conscientiously, and to predict success. Volition helps learners control cognition and motivation. Volition is thought to be trainable.

Web page: describes a hypertext file transmitted from server to client using the Web.

Web site: server that serves the Web. Usually indicates a net location from which a substantial amount of related information is served.

Webify: to make material ready for delivery over the Web.

weblet: a complete, self-contained subset of hypertext linked materials available from a single source other than the Internet. Weblets are constructed by persons for whom access must be assured, and for whom the full power of the Web is not essential. While weblets provide access and security, they defeat one of the Web's main objectives, namely, unrestricted, worldwide hypertext linkage.

Web-teaching: instruction or training conducted using the Web.

whiteboard: shared screen in which two (or more) parties can discuss a document and independently mark the same document.

World Wide Web, Web, WWW: a scheme for using the Internet to exchange information in hypermedia formats.

wrap: lines that start a new line when they texts comes to the end of the screen. Without wrap, the right side of long lines can be invisible off the screen.

WYSIWYG: (pronounced WIZ-ee-wig) software which provides a "what you see is what you get" medium for producing HTML text. Whatever appears on the design screen will appear the same when viewed.