All Terms

hypertext

Computer-based text that can be clicked to open a different Web page, window, or interactive element associated with the text; used to deliver a richer experience to the user.

icon

An on-screen symbol that represents a program file, data file, or link.

informal assessment

Method of assessment used to gauge student understanding during instruction; often occurs during a lesson and may differ from student to student, based on student need and level; commonly used strategies include asking questions, reviewing student, and making observations.

inquiry-based learning

Instructional method in which students formulate questions about a phenomenon, fact, or piece of literature and strive to answer those questions through an exploration of the content; based on the idea that students learn and retain more when they are personally engaged with the content; for inquiry, this means they have questions to which they seek answers.

instructional design

Educational practice involving the systematic application of learning theory to the selection of materials and activities that best support learning.

intellectual property rights

Legal protection for ideas under U.S. law; includes patents, trademarks, Web site layout and design, copyright, databases, domain names, etc.

interactive whiteboard

An electronic device that connects to a digital projector to display anything on the computer to which it is connected; enables the user to control computer applications directly from the white board using a finger or hand, write notes in digital ink, save work to share later.

interactive writing

Approach to writing instruction that involves students and teachers in the collaborative composition and writing of text; can be used to teach children about how written text works.

interest groups

Grouping students by interests; often determined by an interest survey.

Internet service provider (ISP)

Company or organization that supplies the Internet connection to a computer.

Intranet

Closed or private network of connected computers.

JavaScript

Scripting language used for client-side Web development; program executes using the Web browser rather than a program that must be installed and then executed on the user's hard drive.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) (jay-peg)

Joint Photographic Expert Group; a compressed graphics format common on the Internet.

just-in-time learning

Instruction designed to be delivered at the moment that it is needed; often delivered as a result of formative assessment results.

kinesthetic learner

A kinesthetic learner receives and processes information when the students are able to use their body and sense of touch. They are "hands-on" learners.

learning centers

Instructional activity centers located around a classroom and intended to be used by small groups and individuals for review, practice, or exploration of various concepts using prepared materials.

learning contract

An agreement between a student and teacher (or other adult such as a parent) detailing how the student will work toward specified learning objectives.

learning logs

An personal journal kept by the student to enter assignments, notes, or other details pertaining to a field of study; meant to reinforce student responbsibility for learning.

learning objectives

The content or skill a student must master; usually defined by outcomes or what a student knows and can do with the content.

learning outcomes

What students will know and be able to do as a result of a learning activity.

learning styles

A method of learning that is particularly suited to an individual; usually plays to an individual's strengths and preferences so that learning is optimized; includes, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles.

listserv

An electronic subscription service that utilizes e-mail for delivery of specialized content; may include an initial e-mail from the service and then multiple replies for other subscribers.

local area network (LAN)

A computer network linking two or more computers together in a defined area, usually within a building or campus.

metacognition

Thinking about thinking; a practice designed to help students think abou tthe cognitive processes they use in different learning situation; usually involves questions such as "What process did I use to solve that problem" and "Do I understand the task?"; goal is for students to plan their approach to learning based on self-knowledge.

model answers

Examples of student work that provide a model of excellent, average, and poor quality; used to help students understand criteria for mastery and establish goals for their own work.