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Cable Modem
A device that connects a computer to the Internet through
a Cable TV coaxial cable. Cable modems are considered to be
a high bandwidth, or high speed connection.
CBE
See Computer-based Education. Ignore this term, nobody
uses it anymore.
CBL
See Computer-based Learning. Ignore this term, nobody uses
it anymore.
CBT
See Computer-based Training.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read Only Memory. An optical disc, recorded on
and read by a laser, used to store large quantities of information.
One CD-ROM has 650 Mb of storage capacity. Due to our current
state of "bandwidth blues" CD-ROM delivery as a
subset of e-learning will be around for long time.
Certification
A formal evaluation process conducted by a neutral third party
on a fee-basis, typically using a rigorous, accurate, reliable,
validated software test suite and evaluation methodology.
Certification is for a specific version only of the product
being tested. Certification may lapse after a specific duration.
Certification can be lost or revoked. Certifying body stands
behind its evaluation of the product or service.
Chat or Chat Room
Text-based group communication on the Internet. Multiple users
can type their questions and answers for everyone to see.
This form of group communication occurs in real-time. Sounds
great but fairly messy for e-learning. Synchronous web-casts
or threaded discussions better.
Chunking
The process of separating learning materials into brief sections
in order to improve learner comprehension and retention.
Classroom Training
Any training conducted where the students and facilitator
interact in a real, physical classroom. Unlike "Instructor-led
Training (ILT)" which, although there is an instructor,
could still take place over an Internet connection. Also,
known as the preferred method of learning by many students
because of the perks (e.g., day out of the office, meet new
friends, and most importantly, free donuts).
Clip Media
Pre-existing pictures, audio files, videos clips that can
be "clipped" out and pasted directly into a computer program.
Also known as "stock media".
CMI
See Computer Managed Instruction.
Cognitive Loading
The process of placing elements into a person's short-term
memory. Great term for impressing colleagues and prospecive
clients (e.g., "Although this looks like a boring, passive
text screen, we are actually cognitively loading the word
items into the learners STM. STM? Oh yes, short-term memory...")
Collaborative Learning
Learning through the exchange and sharing of information and
opinions among a peer group. Computers excel in mediating
collaborative learning for geographically dispersed groups.
Competencies / Competency Model
A structured list of knowledge, skills and attitudes that
are required for job performance. Competencies are used as
the foundation to guide needs analyses and evaluations. Unfortunately
most competencies end up in a filing cabinet to be referenced
only when updating job descriptions. Used properly, they are
powerful drivers of assessment and training.
Compliance
A 'self-test' software test suite is available to both implementer
and user. Software test suite usually designed to rigorously
test inputs, processes, and outputs of a guideline, recommendation,
specification, or standard: Know the source. Provider of test
suite may or may not allow users of test suite to claim more
than conformance (no formal Endorsement).
Compression
A technique used to encode information so that it fits in
a smaller package for easy storage or transmission. In
other words, "we have to compress this audio or video
file so it will download faster on a low bandwidth connection.
Yes, the quality will be terrible but we have no choice."
Computer Based Education
A generic term for a computer program used by a learner to
acquire knowledge or skills. See e-learning.
Computer Based Learning
A generic term for a computer program used by a learner to
acquire knowledge or skills. See e-learning.
Computer Based Training
A generic term for a computer program used by a learner to
acquire knowledge or skills. See e-learning.
Computer Managed Instruction
The components of e-learning that provide assessment, student
tracking and personalized lesson plans.
Computer Supported Learning Resources (CSLR)
The parts of a e-learning product other than those that instruct,
test, or track progress. These include glossaries, bulletin
boards and chats, bibliographies, databases, etc. Nobody
really uses terms like these, ignore it!
Condition
One of the three required parts of a properly composed learning
objective, as defined by Robert Mager. Circumstances under
which the performance will be tested and materials that will
be provided to the student are described in the condition
statement. This is one of the parts of Mager's learning
objective guidelines that is always ignored, and with good
reason.
Conformance
The implementer asserts adherence to guidelines, recommendation,
specification or standard. User tests assertion by inspecting
results. No form of testing is used other than evaluating
actual results against expected results.
Cookie
A small file placed on a user's computer by a visited web
page. Many e-learning programs will store the student's name,
history, and score information in a cookie file. Also,
the sweet bakery items given to classroom students right before
they complete their workshop evaluations so they won't bash
the instructor.
Cost Avoidance
Component of analyzing competing business alternatives based
on reducing or eliminating costs, such as student travel and
instructor fees. Return-on-investment studies take account
of cost avoidance in calculating final returns. Also, the
term to describe corporations refusal to spend any real money
on e-learning (and then wondering why they have a bunch of
boring page turners).
Cost-benefit Analysis
Method of analyzing competing business alternatives based
on comparing total costs to total benefits. A proper cost-benefit
analysis takes into account all benefits, including productivity,
savings, and motivation, and weighs them against all costs,
including expenditures, overheads, and lost opportunities.
Course
Term used to describe the collection of elements that make
up training on a given subject. Usually a course is broken
up into lessons, sections, or modules but course is sometimes
used interchangeably with these terms.
Course Map
Usually a flow-chart or other illustration, a course map details
all of the component elements of a course. Course maps often
illustrate the recommended order that students should complete
the training.
Courseware
Software designed specifically for use in a classroom or other
educational setting, containing instructional material, educational software,
or audiovisual materials. "Courseware" is a term used to
describe software resources which are used for Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL).
to mediate or support a course or module.
Criterion
One of the three required parts of a properly composed learning
objective. The performance level that must be achieved by
the student along with a concrete measurement for the performance
level are described in the criterion statement.
Criterion Referenced Instruction
A system of instruction developed by Bob Mager. Synonym for
performance based instruction; instruction whose value is
measured by the ability of the end-user to meet specified
criterion after completion. Another classic and effective
system that seems to be forgotten or ignored too often in
the world of e-learning.
Curriculum
A series of related courses.
Cyberspace
Jargon referring to the Internet, or the World Wide Web.
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