|
Bandwidth
The measure of amount of information that can flow through
an information channel. Commonly measured in bits per second.
Modem connection to an internet server is a typical example
of a low-bandwidth connection; an Ethernet connection within
a LAN is an example of a high-bandwidth connection.
Baud
A measure of the quantity of information transmitted on a
communication line; largely replaced by the use of bits-per-second.
BBS
See Bulletin Board System.
Behavior
An action or set of actions performed by a person under specified
circumstances that reveal some skill, knowledge or attitude.
Training seeks to increase desirable behaviors or introduce
new behaviors and/or eliminate undesirable ones.
Benchmark
A standard of reference used for comparison. The performance
of a learner is measured against a benchmark such as the performance
of an expert. The performance of a technology-based training
product is measured against a benchmark such as the training
procedures it replaces.
Beta Test
An important function of quality control and one of the last
steps before release of a software product. Beta testing involves
the use of a product by selected users to create a formal
documentation of content errors, software bugs, usability,
level of engagement, and other factors. Also the term used
by your vendor when you call them to report errors in your
review copy ("What, you found 10 errors? Uh, well, that
was just the beta copy, we know it has errors.")
Bit
The elementary constituent of digital information, the value
of which can take only the forms 0 or 1. Bits are often measured
by adding prefixes to signify a value. One kilobit contains
approximately 1,000 bits; one megabit contains approximately
a million bits; one gigabit contains approximately one billion
bits.
Bits-per-second (bps)
A measure of the speed of the information transmission over
a communication line; often confused with baud.
Blended Learning
A training curriculum that combines multiple types of media.
Typically, blended learning refers to a combination of classroom-based
training with self-paced e-learning. The defacto buzzword
of 2001 and 2002 -- will this jargon creep ever stop?! Why
didn't we call it "blended" learning when workbooks
came with audio tapes?
Blog / Weblog
"Blog" is short for "Web Log" and refers
to short messages that are posted onto a web site by an author.
Blogs are typically informal and personal messages, almost
like daily diary entries. Blogging has caught on as a cheap
form of knowledge sharing and expert communication. See www.blogger.com
for more information.
Bloom's Taxonomy
A hierarchical ordering of affective and cognitive learning
outcomes developed by Benjamin Bloom. Hello, out there,
anyone ever hear of Bloom?
Branching
A tutorial structure that progresses through material in a
path that depends on the learner's response to questions.
Broadband
Digital signals delivered (along with analog signals) over
copper medium to businesses and households. Typically refers
to an internet connection via a cable modem or DSL line with
speeds 1 Mb/s to 10 Mb/s.
Browser
Also called a Web Browser. A program used to access the text,
graphic, audio, video and animation elements of the Internet
and Intranets. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer
are the most commonly used browsers. If your student audience
uses both IE and Netscape, and your e-learning program uses
Javascript code, look out; subtle differences in browsers
will bite you in the butt.
Bulletin Board System
Also known as BBS. The computer equivalent of a public note
board, messages can be posted to a BBS for viewing by other
users and other computers. A BBS is often called a threaded
discussion.
Byte
A word made up of eight bits of information. One byte is the
amount of information required to represent one character.
|
