API (application program interface)

A connection point at which information is transmitted between software applications to run smoothly, where certain maintenance services, such as file management functions, must be performed. The application communicates the need for these services to the operating system over an API.

ASP (application service provider)

An application service provider allows a company to have a software application hosted, and in some cases managed, by a third party. ASPs provide IT and business operation expertise in a particular market niche or in a particular functional area (such as human resources). An ASP delivers standardized application software via a network, though not particularly or exclusively over the Internet.

asynchronous learning

Any self-paced learning event that is delivered after the original live event. Also used to indicate a learning event where the interaction is delayed over time, such as a correspondence course. Forms of asynchronous communication include email, listservs, audiocassette courses, videotaped courses and Internet courses.

CBT (computer-based training)

Any instructional event that can be accessed via a stand-alone computer. Training materials and content are delivered via software applications and run off of a CD-ROM or are installed on the learner's computer. CBT evolved as a way to augment and reduce reliance on the classroom model.

client-server model

A network arrangement with a server and one or more clients. Both the server and the clients are complete, stand-alone computers. The server can be a personal computer, minicomputer, or mainframe, and it provides resources such as data management and allows clients to share information with each other. Also referred to as client/server architecture.

corporate training portal concept

A location on the corporate Internet or enterprise intranet that serves as a central source of information that allows access to students' training and training administrator functions. The portal serves as a gateway to eLearning including course enrollment, course tracking, and launching courses by using synchronous, asynchronous, and other delivery methods.

eLearning

Using the Web to facilitate, measure, and manage learning to increase individual knowledge and skills through learning based on roles.

firewall

A security barrier between a company intranet and the larger Internet to protect systems from viruses and other unwanted digital intrusions. Firewalls are used to thwart would-be hackers from infiltrating computer systems.

HTML (hypertext markup language)

A language used to create electronic documents, especially pages on the World Wide Web (WWW) that contain connections called hyperlinks. HTML tells a web browser how to display the Web pages it receives.

IAEM (Internet Archive for Electronic Music)

Is a Databasesystem (network) which stores Electronic Music pieces, where VCHs can connect to get their content.

intellectual capital

The amount of profit an enterprise acquires from the productivity of its employees, customers, and suppliers. The better trained and more knowledgeable these individuals are, the higher the company's intellectual capital will be.

intranet

A private network inside a company or organization that uses the same kinds of software that you would find on the public Internet, but which is only for internal use. As the Internet has become more popular, many of the tools used on the Internet are being used in private networks; for example, many companies have Web servers that are available only to employees.

Java ![tm] technology: an open standard

Fundamentally, the Java platform is a new way of computing. It is based on the power of networks and the idea that the same software should run on many different kinds of computers, consumer gadgets, and other devices. With Java technology, you can use the same application from any kind of machine

a PC, a Macintosh computer, a network computer, or even new technologies like Internet screen phones.

knowledge management system

Software that collects, stores, and makes information available among individuals in an organization. It includes information about such resources as people with a certain expertise. It can correlate what people have learned from doing their jobs, and it is designed to facilitate the exchange of these understandings among employees. A Knowledge Management System can help companies avoid reinventing the wheel, and it can enhance the exchange and dissemination of understandings within an enterprise. (www.brandon-hall.com)

knowledge transfer

The ability for an organization to effectively train its employees through classroom, online, or mobile learning using a learning management system.

LAN (local area network)

A group of two or more computers linked together for communication purposes, generally within a small geographical area, such as a floor of an office building.

learner profile

A template created for each individual learner registered on Sun's LMS-powered learning network that supports, tracks, and records data describing personal characteristics and more complex tracking information, such as the number of courses completed, the student's test results, and other details about a student's progress.

learning extranets

The connecting of two or more enterprise intranets, allowing the organization to share resources and communicate over the Internet in their own virtual space.

LMS (learning management system)

Software that automates the administration of training events. The LMS registers users, tracks courses in a catalog, and records data from learners; it also provides appropriate reports to management. The database capabilities of the LMS extend to additional functions such as company management, online assessments, personalization, and other resources. Learning Management Systems administer and track both online and classroom-based learning events, as well as other training processes. An LMS is typically designed for multiple publishers and providers. It usually does not include its own authoring capabilities; instead, it focuses on managing courses created from a variety of other sources. (www.brandon-hall.com)

LSP (learning service provider)

A learning service provider is a specialized type of ASP offering learning management and training delivery software on a hosted/rental basis by using diverse business models. LSPs also include companies providing certification and testing services, online collaboration services, media production and delivery services, and online tutoring.

network-centric model

This model describes a situation where the Internet or enterprise intranet serves as the key vehicle for operations. A network-centric learning model includes the following three elements: the Internet or enterprise intranet, Web-based content, and Web-based administration of the entire system.

open architecture

A term used to describe a learning management system's software infrastructure when it is interoperable with multiple types of systems, while maintaining its functionality features. Sun's Java technology-based LMS software offers complete interoperability with all its client's offerings.

open Internet development platform

As business practices have matured in the Internet world, it has become clear that there is good reason to expect that companies will be able to know when to cooperate and collaborate based on common standards. CORBA is an example of a widely used open standards and development platform, based on independent platforms.

portal

A location on the Web that serves as a central source for information and content targeted to a specific group. Serves as a gateway to information and eLearning from a variety of different sources.

session Bean

An enterprise bean that is created by a client and that usually exists for the duration of a single client/server session. A session bean performs operations, such as calculations or accessing a database, for the client. While the session bean may be transactional, it is not recoverable should a system crash occur.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

SVG is a language for describing two-dimensional graphics in XML using vector graphic shapes, images and text that can be dynamic and interactive. SVG-1.0 is a Web standard (a W3C Recommendation).

synchronous learning

A learning event delivered in real time to the learner that can include immediate, two-way communication between participants. Assignments are given, questions are asked and answered, and exams and pop quizzes are taken.

VCH Virtual Concert Hall

VCH is the term used for a Terminal presenting a virtual 3D-Room with speakers where the audio rendered for a headphone or other Loudspeakersetups connected to the Terminal.

VPN (virtual private network)

A means of augmenting a shared network on a secure basis through encryption and tunneling. Through encrypting, the organization secures its data from prying eyes, while realizing the cost advantages of the shared network.

WAN (wide area network)

A group of two or more networks at different geographic locations that are linked together for communication purposes.

Web-centric

Content that is purely web-based, meaning it is only available through a learning network connected to the Internet or an enterprise's intranet. The open standards of Sun's LMS product make it compatible with various types of web-centric content.

WBT (Web-based training)

Training that occurs using a web interface that is accessed over the Internet or an organization's intranet.

XML (extensible markup language)

XML is an emerging markup language standard for data content representation of documents and for exchanging information over the Internet. It is becoming a universal standard for exchanging data in e-services environments.