Download Glossary of Computing Terms

Glossary of Computing Terms
From the Skills Team, University of Hull
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
Term
3G
Definition
3G, short for 3rd Generation, is a term used to represent the 3rd
generation of mobile telecommunications technology. 3G
introduced the first generation of mobile broadband.
4G
4G, short for 4th Generation, is a term used to represent the 4th
generation of mobile telecommunications technology. Seen as
the next generation of mobile broadband, it offers superfast
internet speeds that make it quick to use the internet on
compatible phones, tablets and dongles.
Accessibility
A characteristic of technology that enables people with
disabilities to use it. For example, Acrobat Reader has an
option which allows documents to be read out loud.
ADSL
(asymmetric
digital subscriber
line)
A type of DSL that uses the majority of the bandwidth to
transmit information to the user and a small part of the
bandwidth to receive information from the user. This has the
effect that downloading is usually quicker than uploading.
Android
Is an operating system for smartphones.
Asynchronous
An online event in which people are not necessarily logged in at
the same time. Asynchronous learning is self-paced and allows
people to access information at different times - examples are
CD-ROM materials and online course lecture notes. Contrast
with synchronous.
Athens
An access management system which provides users with
access to numerous web-based services such as online
databases and subject resources (www.athens.ac.uk).
Attachment
A file which is sent along with an email message. Attachments
can be text documents, photos, sounds, etc.
Web: http://libguides.hull.ac.uk/skills
Email: [email protected]
Term
Audio
conferencing
Definition
Live voice-only communication between a number of different
locations. Compare to video conferencing.
Authoring tools
Software applications that are specially designed to let people
create online learning modules that include media such as: text
presentations, graphics, questions and links to other learning
materials. Sometimes called authoring systems.
Bandwidth
The amount of information that a communication channel can
carry. The greater the bandwidth, the faster the data transfer.
The amount of data sent or received over any given time is
limited by bandwidth and so file size is an important
consideration for networks with a bandwidth.
Blended learning
A combination of in-class and online learning activities. Also
known as distributed learning.
Blog (weblog)
A website where one or more users post regular informal
journal entries containing the comments and thoughts which
normally reflect the views of the blog’s creator(s). Blogs can be
either public or private.
Bluetooth
A wireless networking technology using radio waves enabling
users to send data and voice signals between electronic devices
(such as smartphones or wireless keyboards) over short
distances.
Blu-ray Disc (BD)
An electronic data storage medium that uses optical technology
for storing and playing back audio, video, text and graphics
images. The Blu-ray Disc format is designed to supersede the
DVD format as it offers a much larger storage capacity. The
major application of Blu-ray Discs is as a medium for Playstation
3 games and video material such as TV series and feature films.
Bookmarking
Bookmarking is the act of storing a resource or web address
for later retrieval. All modern browsers offer bookmarking
facilities. There are also bookmarking websites that allow users
to share their bookmarks between devices and/or other people.
Delicious is an example of a bookmarking website.
Broadband
A transmission channel able to carry many signals
simultaneously - the term is usually taken to mean the high
speed transmission of data.
Broadcast
Transmitting content to many people simultaneously - examples
include satellite broadcasts and IP multicasting. Learners can take
part in a learning event which is broadcast over the network
from a single source. Live presentations such as classes or
meetings can also be broadcast across the Internet.
2
Term
Browser
Definition
A program that searches, locates and displays a particular piece
of data. In particular, Web Browsers are used to display web
pages obtained from the Internet. Chrome, Firefox and
Internet Explorer are common web browsers.
CD-ROM
(compact disk
read-only
memory)
An electronic data storage medium that uses optical technology
for storing and playing back audio, video, text, programs and
other information in digital form.
Chat
An online, interactive, real-time communication which uses text to
send and receive messages and generally the messages disappear
when a session is finished. The environment in which the chat
takes place is often called a chat room. Chat is an example of
synchronous communication.
Client computer
A computer that a learner uses for online learning.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is the use of computing resources delivered
over a network (usually an intranet or the internet). Users
often access cloud based applications through their browser or
other program.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage allows users to save their data by transferring it
over a network (usually the internet). Cloud storage is useful if
you are
Collaborative
learning online
Linking together people by using technology in several locations
so that they can interact with one another. Learning is
coincidental in such a context.
Community of
practice
The concept of a community of practice refers to the process
of learning that takes place when a group of people who have a
common interest in some subject or problem collaborate
usually over an extended period of time to find solutions and
share ideas.
Computer
assisted
assessment
(CAA)
The use of computers to assess the progress of students.
Assessment usually takes the form of a questionnaire which
students fill in (and it is then scanned into a computer) or
students enter their responses directly into a computer.
Computer-aided
design (CAD)
Computer-aided Design is the use of computers to create,
analyse, modify or optimise designs.
Computer-aided
Manufacture
(CAM)
Computer-aided Manufacture is the use of computers to
control machines related to the manufacture of designs.
3
Term
Computer-based
courseware
(CBC)
Definition
Educational software that delivers course material and
instruction via computer.
Computer-based
training (CBT)
Training (or learning) which can be accessed by a computer.
Also known as computer assisted learning (CAL),
computer-based training and computer-based learning.
Computermediated
communication
(CMC)
Any form of communication between two or more people who
interact via computers connected through a network connection
using social software.
Content item
Information stored in a database and used to communicate skills
or knowledge. It can be in any media format, including text,
graphics, animation, video, and audio.
Content on
demand (COD)
Availability, as required, via a network of an item packaged in a
media format such as audio on demand (AoD) and video on
demand (VoD).
Conversational
framework
A framework for teaching and learning which defines the core
structure of an academic dialogue. The premise for adopting
this view is that teaching and learning is essentially a dialogue
between teacher and students. Particular types of CBC, such as
intelligent tutoring systems, can achieve a one-to-one
conversation between a student and program with varying
degrees of success. It is thought that the framework can
significantly help in the design and development of CBC.
Database
An organised collection of data. Databases are usually organised
into items called records and each record can have a number
of categories called fields. Databases can be queried to find
out specific information and the records can be sorted.
Microsoft Access is an example of a database creation
program.
Any method of providing education. Methods include
instructor-led training, Web-based distance learning, online
laboratories, CD-ROMs, interactive TV, videos, and books.
Delivery
Dial-up
A connection between computers using telephone lines and a
modem.
Digital games
based learning
Learning using computer games such as role playing, simulations
or skills based games. The games are often enhanced by using
sounds, graphics and animations.
Digital repository
A central location where data, such as text, images, audio and
video, can be stored and maintained.
4
Term
Definition
Discussion
forums
A place where people can exchange messages of common
interest. Forums usually contain discussion lists grouped by
theme. Also known as Discussion Boards or just Forums.
Discussion list
An online conversation in which one person sends a question or
comment to a list of people who have signed up for discussions
on that topic. Respondents view the messages at their
convenience and send replies to everyone on the discussion list.
This is an example of asynchronous online communication.
Distance
education
An educational situation where the students and the instructors
are separated by time or location (or both). Delivery of
distance education course can be achieved by using synchronous
or asynchronous means such as chat, email, teleconferencing and
CD-ROMs.
Distance learning
The desired outcome of distance education.
Download
To copy files to a user’s computer (or other device) from
another connected computer (or from the Internet).
DSL (digital
subscriber line)
A broadband Internet access method for high-speed data transfer
over telephone lines.
DVD (digital
versatile disk)
An electronic data storage medium that uses optical technology
for storing and playing back audio, video, text and graphics
images. DVDs have a much higher capacity than CDs.
E-book
Text and graphics that have been organised in electronic or
computerised form and made available via computer.
ebridge
eBridge is the University of Hull’s VLE.
E-learning
E-learning is a general term for education that is delivered with
the assistance of electronic applications. Content can be
delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, standalone computer,
audio or video tape, satellite TV and CD-ROM.
Electronic
classroom
A classroom equipped with multimedia devices that are used to
enhance learning.
Electronic
whiteboard
A whiteboard which is connected to a computer and usually
requires a special type of pen. Electronic whiteboards can be
used to capture electronically notes made on the board or to
control and annotate computer-generated images (such as
slides). Also known as interactive whiteboards.
Email
Short for Electronic Mail. Used to send messages between
5
Term
End user
Definition
computer users and usually requires having an account which
has a unique address. Email can also be used to send materials
such as documents as attachments.
The person for whom a particular technology is designed.
E-portfolio
A personal digital record containing information such as a
personal profile and a collection of achievements.
Ethernet
Ethernet is a set of standards for local computer networking.
Ethernet cables can be used to connect computers and other
devices to network routers.
Extranet
A network that is only available to people chosen by an
organisation which may include people outside of the
institution.
Facebook
The largest social networking website. Facebook enables users to
connect with one another, share media such as photographs
and partake in micro blogging.
FAQ (frequently
asked questions)
A list of common questions that users may ask about a
particular topic - especially helpful for new users.
Feedback
Interaction between the learner and the instructor or system
which can increase the quality of the learning experience.
Fibre-optic
broadband
Fibre-optic broadband is the transmission of data using pulses of
light through optical fibre cables. It enables much faster
transmission that traditional copper cables. Fiber-optic
broadband is being rolled out as a means for consumers to
connect to the internet at much faster speeds than traditional
DSL. In Hull, Fibre-optic is being rolled out as KC
Lightstream and is available in many locations in the UK.
Check with your local providers.
One GB is 1000000000 bytes or 1000 megabytes (MB). In terms
of storage, one hour of standard (not HD) television or 114
minutes of uncompressed music is approximately 1GB.
GB (gigabyte)
Graphical user
interface (GUI)
A user interface between a person and a computer that
incorporates a variety of media, in particular text and graphics,
that make it easier for the user to navigate their way through a
system. Often icons will be used to represent actions within a
system.
Handhelds
(handheld
devices)
Hard-drive
(HDD)
Pocket-sized computer devices such as smartphones that are
much smaller than desktop computers.
A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital
information. HDD drives are mechanically operated and consist
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Term
Definition
of one or more rotating disks coating with magnetic material
which are read by moving magnetic heads. Also known as hard
drive, hard disk or disk drive.
Host
A computer system on a network that is set up to receive and
distribute information to other computers.
HTML
Short for HyperText Markup Language - used to structure text
and images to create web pages which can be viewed with a
browser.
HTTP (hypertext The protocol that manages how information is exchanged over
transfer protocol) the Web.
Hypertext
Highlighted text in a web page which links the user to additional
related information or other web pages.
Ict (information
and
communication
technology)
The technology, such as computers and software, needed to
process, store and communicate information. Previously known
as IT, the name has changed to reflect the growing use of
communication technology (such as email and chat). Also known
as CIT (Computer and Information Technology) or ILT
(Information Learning Technology).
Instant messaging Instant communication between two or more people over a
(IM)
network. It is an example of synchronous communication. Instant
messaging requires a piece of software in which a user can post
a message which other users (who are also connected) can read
instantly. MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and Google
Chat are examples of instant messengers.
Interactive
multimedia
Allows two-way interaction with multimedia course material,
another computer, or another user with direct response to the
input. Interactive attributes commonly include data or text
entry, mouse input, touch screens, voice commands and video
capture.
Internet
The global network of regional and local computer networks
which provides communication and application services.
Intranet
A network owned by an organisation that is usually only available
to people working in that organisation.
iOS
Is an operating system for smartphones.
IP (internet
protocol)
The international standard for addressing and sending data
across the Internet. IPv6 is the latest version of internet
protocol as the current version, v4 is running out of addresses.
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Term
Knowledge
management
Definition
The process of collecting, organising, analysing and sharing
information held by individuals and groups within an institution.
Learning object
repository
A digital repository which contains a number of reusable learning
objects. An example is JORUM (www.jorum.ac.uk) which is the
JISC Online Repository for Learning and Teaching Materials.
Linkedin
A social network for professional networking.
Local area
network (LAN)
A group of computers and devices (such as printers and storage
devices) that are located in a relatively small area but can
communicate and share information with each other across a
network.
Mailing list
A collection of names and (email) addresses of people who have
subscribed to a particular group. The purpose of a mailing list is
to send out materials about a specific topic to the subscribers.
There is usually an opportunity for people to share knowledge
and ideas with others.
Managed learning
environment
(mle)
A VLE in which there is a more of a focus on the management
of the courses.
MB
One MB is 1000000 bytes. In terms of storage, a 4 megapixel
JPEG picture or 6 seconds of uncompressed CD music is
approximately 1MB.
Memory card
A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital
information designed for use in handheld devices such as
cameras, smartphones and games consoles. There are many
formats of memory cards the most popular being Memory
Stick (Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Duo Pro,
Memory Stick Micro), Secure Digital cards (SD card,
miniSD, microSD), XD cards and Multimedia Cards.
Metadata
Literally means “data about data” and is information that
describes another set of data. For instance, metadata about
content items can be stored in and retrieved from a database.
Microblogging
Microblogging differs from traditional blogs as the content is
typically smaller. Microblogs allow users to exchange short
sentences, links and images. Twitter is an example of a
microblog.
Microworlds
Three dimensional virtual environments (“worlds”) which
operate by a certain set of rules. Students can learn by
exploring and discovering facts about a microworld and
students can also create their own identity in the world.
8
Term
Definition
MMORPG
Short for Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, which
allows thousands of players to participate in a virtual world at
the same time over the Internet.
Mobile internet
Mobile internet refers to accessing the internet from a handheld
device such as a tablet or smartphone.
MODEM
(modulator/demo
dulator)
A device that converts signals and enables computers to
interact with each other via telephone lines.
Multicasting
The broadcasting of media from one computer to many - for
example, sending an email to a group of people.
Multimedia
The combination of text, graphics (particularly using colours),
video and audio used to create information that can be
presented in an engaging and dynamic way.
Multimedia
Messaging
Service (MMS)
A standard way to send messages that include multimedia
content like images, videos and sound to and from mobile
phones.
MyAdmin
MyAdmin in the University of Hull’s online administration
interface and allows students to change their details, make
payments, manage University accommodation, book Skills Team
appointments and check results. (http://myadmin.hull.ac.uk)
Network
A group of computers and peripherals (such as printers and
storage devices) in several locations connected through wires,
and telephone or cable connections. See also wireless network.
Online
The state in which a computer is connected to the Internet or
another computer via a network.
Online
community
A meeting place on the Internet where people share common
interests.
Online learning
Learning that uses material presented on a computer.
Open learning
An approach to learning in which students have control over
their learning. For instance, students can decide what they
learn, where they learn and the pace of their learning. Open
learning commonly uses distance learning giving learners access
to specific resources.
Open source
Terms applied to software in which the original program, the
“source code”, is made available to users so that they can
access, modify, and redistribute it.
9
Term
Definition
Operating system An operating system is a collection of software that manages
(OS)
computer hardware resources, provides common services and
provides common interfaces for computer programs. Microsoft
Windows is an example of an operating system.
Outlook Web
Access (OWA)
Outlook web access is a website through which you can access
your university email. There is a mobile version available called
Outlook Mobile Access (OMA).
OWA: http://owa.hull.ac.uk
OMA: http://oma.hull.ac.uk
Pebblepad
PebblePad is an ePortfolio and personal learning environment.
It is used in some courses for assessment and learning and as
PDP in some departments.
Pocked campus
Pocked Campus is a portal for Scarborough Campus students
giving them access to room bookings and the latest news in
addition to links to other university services.
Portal
A web site that is a gateway to additional information on the
Internet. The University of Hull Portal is a gateway to many
University services.
http://portal.hull.ac.uk
Program
A set of commands that tell a computer how to perform
specific tasks.
Protocol
A set of standards or procedures that allows the connection,
communication and data transfer between two computers. IP
and HTTP are protocols that are used on the Internet and the
Web (respectively).
Real-time
communication
Communication with little or no delay having the effect that
interaction is synchronous.
Reusable learning
object (rlo)
A reusable collection of information, such as overviews,
summaries and assessments, which support specific learning
objectives. Learning objects often contain metadata which
allows them to be used in different contexts, such as on
different computers and with different languages. This metadata
also helps to classify and store learning objects in a digital
repository.
Rich content
High quality course or web page material, often presented using
advanced or sophisticated design techniques employed to
emphasise the message or learning
A router is a device that forwards data between computer
Router
10
Term
Definition
networks. Home routers usually have inbuilt modems and act as
the connection between computers and other devices to the
internet.
Routers with inbuilt Wi-Fi capabilities are often known as
wireless routers.
RSS (Really
Simple
Syndication)
Allows users to subscribe to websites that have “feeds” information which is sent out regularly. RSS is typically used for
news websites allowing subscribers to receive short summaries
or headlines with links to full articles.
Self-paced
learning
Learning that is done asynchronously, such as from CD-ROMs or
over the Internet without an instructor, where the user controls
the flow of course material.
SENDA
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act was set up in
2001 to replace the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) with
the effect that it is unlawful for institutions to discriminate
against students with a disability. Governing bodies of
institutions could be held legally liable for any failures to abide
by the act.
Server computer
Large capacity central computer which most users within an
organisation have access to and which is used to store data and
software applications.
Shibboleth
A system that enables organisations to build environments that
allow users to access web-based resources using a single login.
Simulation
A software application which is designed to model real
scenarios and allows users to participate and experience
without risk.
Skills 4 Study
Campus
Skills 4 Study Campus is a fully interactive e-learning resource
designed to help students develop the study skills they need.
University of Hull students can login via Athens:
http://www.skills4studycampus.com/orglogin.aspx
Smartphone
A smartphone is a mobile phone built on a mobile operating
system, with more advanced computing capability and
connectivity than a feature phone.
SMS (short
messaging
service)
Service available on most mobile phones that allows users to
send short messages to other mobile phones. Some other
handheld devices and even some landline telephones also have
SMS capability.
Social networking A social network is an online service that enables users to build
11
Term
Definition
networks and social relations among people they know, who
share interests or backgrounds.
Social software
Software that allows people to communicate or collaborate by
using a computer network and that supports group interaction.
Examples include instant messaging and chat.
Solid-state drive
(SSD)
A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital
information. SSD are use circuit assemblies to store data
persistently and are therefore more resilient to drops and
knocks as they have no moving parts. USB flash drives are a form
of SSD.
Standalone
computer
A computer that is not connected to a network.
Streaming
A technique where media (such as audio or video) is
downloaded to a user's computer in a continuous stream and
played upon arrival.
Synchronous
An online event in which people are all logged in at the same
time and communicating with one another. Contrast with
asynchronous.
TB
One TB is 1 trillion bytes or 1000 gigabytes (GB).
Technologybased instruction
Training through media other than the classroom - it includes
not only using computers, but also television, audio tape, video
tape and print.
Teleconferencing
Video or audio conferences conducted over
telecommunications channels such as telephone lines, local area
networks and the Internet. See audio conferencing and video
conferencing.
Turnitin
Turnitin is an online submission system that allows students to
submit assignments over the internet. Turitin provides
mechanisms to allow departments to check for plagiarism and
to provide feedback online. You should always follow
departmental guidelines on submission as you may also be
required to submit a paper copy.
Twitter
Twitter is a popular microblogging website.
www.twitter.com
Upload
To send a file from one computer to another. Compare to
download.
URL (universal
Address of a page on the World Wide Web.
12
Term
resource locator)
Definition
USB (Universal
Serial Bus)
Universal Serial Bus is an industry standard connector for use
with computers, computer peripherals, handhelds, smartphones
and other devices such as cameras and games consoles. There
are a number of different connectors available.
USB flash drive
A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital
information designed for portability. Also known as Pen
drives, USB sticks, memory sticks and flash drives.
User interface
The components of a computer system that a person uses to
interact with the computer - such as the screen display, the
keyboard and the mouse.
Video
conferencing
Live video and audio communication between a number of
locations.
Virtual
Not physically existing as such but made to appear to do so by
software.
Virtual classroom
An area where students and instructors interact online.
Virtual
community
See online community.
Virtual learning
environment
(vle)
A software system for the organisation of online educational
courses. Services such as resource banks, links to websites and
communication tools are often provided in a VLE.
Virtual Research
Environment
(VRE)
A set of tools and systems used to enhance the process of
research both within and between institutions. In particular,
VREs can be used for research administration, the creation and
analysis of data, collaboration and storage of research
publications.
Visualisation
tools
Tools which are used to create images, diagrams or animations
so that information can be displayed visually. For example in
medicine, a 3D image of a brain can be constructed by using 2D
image scans.
Voice over ip
Voice transmitted digitally using IP and so allowing two people
to talk using their computers. This method avoids the fees
which are charged by telephone companies.
Web page
A HTML file or document which is part of a website and usually
viewed with a browser.
Web-based
Education or training delivered over the Internet and accessible
13
Term
training (WBT)
Definition
using a browser which may incorporate the use of an instructor
or facilitator.
Website
A set of files stored on the World Wide Web. A website may
consist of one or more web pages. Most companies now
provide a website so that consumers can obtain information and
advice. For example, the BBC has an extensive website at
bbc.co.uk.
Wi-fi (wireless
fidelity)
A trademark for sets of product compatibility standards for
wireless local area networks. Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to
local area networks and was developed for use in mobile
devices such as laptop computers and smartphones. It is now
also used in desktop computers, so removing the need for
network cables.
Wiki
A web application that allows users to add content and also to
edit content created by other users. An example is Wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org) which is a free online encyclopedia.
Wireless network
(wireless)
Wireless networks are telephone or computer networks that
use radio rather than cables to carry information. Wireless
networks can be used in public places enabling users with
suitable laptops to connect to a network.
World wide web
(www)
The collection of users and resources on the Internet that use
HTTP. Often just called “the Web”.
WYSIWYG
(what you see is
what you get)
A program that allows users to see computer text and graphics
on screen exactly as they will appear when printed or published
online.
References
This document has been prepared with the assistance of the following online
glossaries:
http://www.learningcircuits.org/glossary.html
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning/elearning-glossary.htm
http://www.learnframe.com/aboutelearning/glossary.asp
All web addresses in this leaflet were correct at the time of publication.
The information in this leaflet can be made available in an alternative format on
request. Email [email protected]
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