| CAI (COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION) |
The use of a computer as a medium of instruction for tutorial, drill and practice, simulation, or games. CAI is used for both initial and remedial training, and typically does not require that a computer be connected to a network or provide links to learning resources outside of the course. |
| CBI (COMPUTER-BASED INSTRUCTION) |
is one of a plethora of acronyms applied to educational or instructional software. Corporate types are probably more familiar with the term CBT (Computer-Based Training), and academic types may use the term CBE (Computer-Based Education) or CAI (Computer-Assisted Instruction). There are others as well. |
| CBL (COMPUTER-BASED LEARNING) |
See CBT. |
| CBT (COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING) |
An umbrella term for the use of computers in both instruction and management of the teaching and learning process. CAI (computer-assisted instruction) and CMI (computer-managed instruction) are included under the heading of CBT. Some people use the terms CBT and CAI interchangeably. |
| CD-ROM (COMPACT DISC READ-ONLY MEMORY OR COMPACT DISC READ-ONLY MEDIA) |
A computer storage medium similar to the audio CD that can hold more than 600 megabytes of read-only digital information |
| CERTIFICATION |
The awarding of a credential acknowledging that an individual has demonstrated proof of a minimum level of knowledge or competence, as defined by a professional standards organization. Professional certification can be used as a screening tool and verification of an individual's skills and knowledge. |
| CHAT |
Real-time text-based communication in a virtual environment. Chat can be used in e-learning for student questions, instructor feedback, or even group discussion. |
| CLASSROOM TRAINING |
Conventional training which is held in a classroom. |
| C-LEARNING |
See classroom training or instructor-led training. |
| CMI (COMPUTER-MANAGED INSTRUCTION) |
The use of computer technology to oversee the learning process, including testing and record keeping |
| COLLABORATIVE TOOLS |
Collaborative Tools allow learners to work with others via e-mail, threaded discussions, or chat. In some cases, collaboration is used on team-based projects. Collaborative tools can sometimes provide the ability to host moderated discussion groups where students and instructors can collaborate on course-related materials or assignments in an asynchronous environment. In addition, real-time synchronous chat allows learners to communicate with their peers and instructors, emulating a physical classroom setting. |
| COMPLIANT (STANDARDS-COMPLIANT) |
E-learning that meets established standards of, and has received official approval from, an accrediting organization. |
| CONNECT TIME |
The amount of time that a terminal or computer has been logged on to a computer or server for a particular session |
| CONTENT |
The intellectual property and knowledge to be imparted. Different formats for e-learning content include text, audio, video, animation, and simulation. |
| CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM |
Content Management Systems (CMS) are used to store and subsequently find and retrieve large amounts of data. They work by indexing text, audio clips, images, etc., within a database. In addition, CMS often provide version control and check in/check out capabilities. Using robust built-in search capabilities, users can quickly find a piece of content from within a database by typing in keywords, the date the element was created, the name of the author, or other search criteria. |
| COURSEWARE |
Any type of instructional or educational course delivered via a software program or over the Internet. |
| CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT) |
The part of the computer that contains the microprocessor, power supply, hard drive, and disk drives |
| CYBERSPACE |
The nebulous "place" where humans interact over computer networks |
