apps
software applications, typically small, specialized programs downloaded onto mobile devices.
dotLRN (.LRN)
An open source enterprise elearning platform being used in iTEC as the basis for one of the customisable learning environments.
FP7
'Framework programmes' (FPs) have been the main financial tools through which the European Union supports research and development activities covering almost all scientific disciplines. FP7 runs for seven years from 1 January 2007 and will expire in 2013.
interoperable
This refers to the ability of software and hardware on different machines from different vendors to share data.
learning story
Learning stories are groups of activities “packaged together” to provide a holistic learning experience. Learning stories are used by teachers to help them produce lesson plans that include the principles of innovation, derived from the scenario, and the units of educational interaction provided by the learning activity.
mash-ups
Web-based applications to mix at least two different services from disparate, and even competing, Web sites. A mash-up, for example, could overlay traffic data from one source on the Internet over maps from Yahoo, Microsoft, Google or any content provider. (adapted from Webopedia)
Moodle
Moodle is an Open Source Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It has become very popular among educators around the world as a tool for creating online dynamic web sites for their students. It is also being used as the basis for one of the customisable learning environments.
podcast
A type of digital media consisting of an episodic series of digital files subscribed to and downloaded or streamed online to a computer or mobile device. The word is derived from "broadcast" and "pod" from the success of the iPod, as podcasts are often listened to on portable media players. (adapted from Wikipedia)
scenarios
Scenarios are relatively abstract descriptions of a learning and teaching experience describing the interactions of the learners and teachers with each other, tools and resources, the learning context and environment, etc. They are intended to include innovation in technology supported learning and teaching, in one form or other.
shell
The outermost layer of a program. Shell is another term for user interface. Operating systems and applications sometimes provide a shell to make interaction with the program easier. (adapted from Webopedia)
social constructivism
Social constructivism is a theory of knowledge wherein groups construct knowledge for one another, collaboratively creating a culture of shared artefacts with shared meanings. When one is immersed within a culture of this sort, one is learning all the time about how to be a part of that culture on many levels. (adapted from Wikipedia)
user interface
An interface is a set of commands or menus through which a user communicates with a software application. The user interface determines how easily you can make the program do what you want. A powerful program with a poorly designed user interface has little value. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that use windows, icons, and pop-up menus have become standard on personal computers. (adapted from Webopedia)
VLE
Virtual Learning Environment: an education system based on the Web that models conventional real-world education by integrating a set of equivalent virtual concepts for tests, homework, classes, classrooms, and the like, and perhaps also other external academic resources. Virtual learning environments are the basic component of contemporary distance learning. (adapted from Wikipedia)
widget
An ICT based software application or tool that provides a user with useful data or a function. Often widgets are small user interfaces that give access to information on the internet, or make use of information on the internet.
webinar
Short for web-based seminar, a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web. A key feature of a webinar is its interactive elements - the ability to give, receive and discuss information. (adapted from Webopedia)
web 2.0
A term given to describe a second generation of the World Wide Web that is focused on the ability for people to collaborate and share information online. Web 2.0 basically refers to the transition from static Web pages to a more dynamic Web that is more organized and is based on serving Web applications to users. Other improved functionality of Web 2.0 includes open communication with an emphasis on Web-based communities of users, and more open sharing of information. (adapted from Webopedia)
wiki
A collaborative website comprising the collective work of many authors. A wiki allows groups of individuals to collaboratively edit, delete or modify content that has been placed on the Web site, including the work of previous authors. (adapted from Webopedia)
WP
Work package – the programme of work carried out within one part of a larger project, to generate results and outputs called deliverables.
