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A Glossary of Synchronous Terms
Awareness of the following web-based learning terms will assist
you as you create effective synchronous programs:
Application Viewing/Sharing - A feature that allows the
facilitator to share applications with participants over a synchronous
application. For example, a facilitator may use application sharing
to have participants alter a Microsoft Excel document, even though
the participants do not have Excel installed on their own computers.
Asynchronous - “Asynchronous” refers
to instruction that is not constrained by geography or time. Everyone
involved in an asynchronous activity performs his or her part
on his or her own time.
Audio - The most common synchronous medium.
Using audio, the facilitator and participants can talk to one
another over the Internet or through a phone bridge (teleconferencing).
Bandwidth - The speed at which information is
transferred via modem or other network-access device to Internet
users. The greater the bandwidth, the more quickly the data (audio,
video, text, etc.) reaches the user.
Blended Learning - A combination—or blend—of
different learning technologies. Blended learning is becoming
increasingly common with the availability of both synchronous
and asynchronous web-learning options. An example may be a course
that consists of an asynchronous web module that covers content
and a follow-up synchronous module that allows participants to
apply the content.
Chat - A real-time text conversation between
users over the Internet. Whatever a user types is displayed on
the other users’ screens as it is entered. Chat dialogues
can often be saved for later reference.
Computer-Based Learning - An all-encompassing
term used to describe any computer-delivered learning, including
CD-ROM and the World Wide Web.
Desktop Learning - Any learning delivered by
computer at the participant’s desk.
eLearning - A term used to describe electronically
delivered learning methods such as CD-ROM, web-based learning,
online assessments, web-based reinforcement tools, and online
coaching.
Evaluation - A test-like feature that enables
a trainer to conduct pre- and post-session assessments and to
monitor participants’ understanding of course material as
it is being presented.
Firewall - A set of software programs that keep
a network secure. Firewalls are widely used to give users access
to the Internet in a secure fashion as well as to separate a company's
public web server from its internal network.
Internet-Based Training - Training that can
be conducted over the Internet. Usually this is done with the
World Wide Web, but e-mail correspondence courses and file transfers
also fall into this category.
Online Learning - An all-encompassing term that
refers to any learning done with a computer.
Producer - A person who assists the trainer
during live synchronous events by acting as an “extra set
of hands.” In addition to training responsibilities, the
producer handles technical support so that the facilitator can
focus on instruction. The producer does not need to be in the
same physical location as the trainer.
Record/Playback - Feature that allows the trainer
and participant to record synchronous events, play them back later,
and edit them into asynchronous sessions. This feature benefits
individuals who miss sessions and allows quick creation of asynchronous
learning content.
Self-Paced Learning - Learning that is taken
at a time, pace, and place chosen by the participant. Generally,
there is no interaction (synchronous or asynchronous) with a trainer.
Survey/Poll - A quick way to check the pulse
of the class. Questions can be true-false, multiple-choice, or
other formats.
Synchronous Learning - Instruction that is led
by a facilitator in real time. Examples of synchronous interactions
include traditional trainer-led classrooms, conference calls,
instant-messengers, video conferences, whiteboard sessions, and
synchronous online classrooms/classroom software.
Synchronous Web Browsing - Allows trainers or
participants to bring the class to a specific Internet or intranet
site. A variation of the feature allows the use of browsers to
run short, self-paced exercises on the Internet or intranet as
part of a synchronous session.
VoIP - Technically, this is “Voice delivered
over the Internet Protocol. This means sending voice information
in digital form using the Internet.
Whiteboard - An application used in synchronous
interactive web conferencing that allows documents and content
materials to be posted on the screen for all participants to see.
The participants see the information being changed on their screens
in real time. Whiteboards work well for visual symbols, charts,
and graphs.
· The Synchronous
Training Primer ·Top
Synchronous Training Myths & Realties ·
· Glossary
of Synchronous Training Terms · Frequently
Asked Questions ·
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