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.