Terminology
Asynchronous Learning
Instruction and learning occur not only in different locations, but also at different times.
Blackboard Course ID
The Blackboard Course ID, for example BIOL1411.20230117.646070, consists of 3 parts: the course alpha (BIOL1411), the start date (20230117), and the section ID (646070) - a unique number used for searching.
Blended or Hybrid Courses
These courses offer a combination of online and in-person learning activities. Percentages for each format may vary among disciplines, but must fall within a range specified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
Browser (web browser)
Software application used to locate, retrieve, and display content on the World Wide Web, including webpages, images, video, and other files. Examples include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Competency Based Education (CBE)
Students master skills at their own pace.
Learning Management System (LMS)
Information system that administers instructor-led and e-learning courses and keeps track of student progress. CTC’s LMS is Blackboard Learn.
Master Course
Course developed through collaboration of DEET staff and Content Reviewer. DEET checks that the course satisfies SACSCOC and other accrediting agency standards and complies with ADA, usability, and copyright requirements/restrictions.
MP4 (MPEG-4)
Digital format most commonly used to store video and audio.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Teaching, learning, or research resources that are in the public domain or that have been released under an intellectual property license that permits their free use, adaptation, and redistribution by any person. The term may include full course curricula, course materials, modules, textbooks, media, assessments, software, and any other tools, materials, or techniques, whether digital or otherwise, used to support access to knowledge.
Online Learning (eLearning)
Learning is accomplished online via the Internet. In general, CTC online courses are 100% online.
Plug-in
Software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program.
Self-Paced Learning
Student determines when learning takes place. CTC self-paced courses typically have a specified start and end date and may have milestones within this timeframe.
Shell
What appears in Blackboard when a course is scheduled in Colleague and the information is transferred to Blackboard. DEET course support staff copy content into the shells.
Streaming Media
Audio and video that is downloaded to a computer from the Internet as a continuous stream of data.
Synchronous Virtual Lecture (SVL)
Lecture classes in which the scheduled class time is conducted virtually via a video conferencing system such as Blackboard Collaborate, ZOOM, or WebEx.
Synchronous Learning
Forms of education, instruction, and learning that occur at the same time, but not in the same place.
Template
Basic format used for all CTC master courses. The template ensures that all required components are included in the course as it is developed, and that a consistent navigation is maintained.
Video Conference
Real-time video session between two or more users that reside in different locations. Some video conferences are recorded for future viewing.
Virtual Classroom
Digital learning environment that takes place over the Internet rather than in a physical classroom.
Webinar
Digital seminar or workshop in which the facilitator and participants view the same screen at the same time. Some webinars are recorded for future viewing.
