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PDA
See Personal Digital Assistant.
PDF
Refers to the Adobe Acrobat file format for online documents.
Pedagogy
Opposite of andragogy. The art and science of how children
learn.
Performance
One of the three required parts of a properly composed learning
objective. Observable and measurable actions that should be
demonstrated by the learner after the completion of training
are detailed in the performance statement.
Performance Objective
The performance capability the learner should acquire by completing
a given training course. Synonymous with learning objective.
Performance-based Instruction
Learning activities centered on the acquisition of skills
more fundamentally than knowledge. Performance-based instruction,
also called criterion-referenced instruction, relies on learning
objectives to communicate what is expected to be achieved
and evaluation of task completion to determine success.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
A small, handheld computer currently limited in functionality
(e.g., calendar, rolodex, to do list). PDA's are expanding
in their capabilities to include wireless e-mail and Internet
access, thus opening opportunities for mobile learning and
support (m-learning).
Pilot Test
Also known as an Alpha test or formative evaluation. A version
of the training program is delivered to a sub-set of the target
audience for an evaluation of its instructional effectiveness.
Also known as a very simple step to help avoid disaster,
which is forgotten on the majority of projects.
Pixel
Term created by joining the words picture and cell, a pixel
is the basic unit of measurement for picture displays. Computer
screen size is often measured in pixels, with 640x480 and
800x600 being common measurements.
Plug-in
A small piece of software that works in conjunction with a
web browsers to add additional functionality, like streaming
audio or video.
Positive Reinforcement
Encouraging a behavior by rewarding that behavior after it
is exhibited. An example is buying a child a toy after they
do well on a test. An example in adult education is congratulating
a learner after a question is answered correctly, or providing
a completion diploma upon course completion. As my Dad
used to say, "I ain't going to give you a reward for
doing something you should be doing anyway!"
Prerequisite
A basic requirement or step in a process that must be fulfilled
before moving on to an advanced step. Being able to stand
is a prerequisite to being able to walk. In computer training,
using the mouse is a prerequisite to using a graphical user
interface.
PRM
See Programmer Ready Materials.
Processor
The chip or chip set that performs the operations central
to a computer's functioning.
Program
A detailed set of instructions that make a computer able to
perform some function. A program can be written by the user
but the term is commonly used to refer to a specific pre-created
software package, such as a word processor or spreadsheet.
Programmer Ready Materials
The individual components that are ready for assembly by a
programmer or multimedia developer. Typically, PRMs include
scripts, graphics, audio and video files. This is geek-speak,
nobody uses this term anymore.
Prototype
A working model created to demonstrate crucial aspects of
a program without creating a fully detailed program. Adding
details and content incrementally to advancing stages of prototypes
is one process for creating successful applications.
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