Technology as a Foundation Skill Area

TFS Glossary
acceptable use policy	A policy developed by an organization for the appropriate use of information technology, including the Internet.
assessment	The systematic process of gathering information about what a student knows, is able to do, and is learning to do. A variety of forms can be used, including tests, observations, interviews, portfolios, daily work, self-assessment, and peer assessment.
audioconferencing	Audio (or sound) communication between two or more people at different locations.
Boolean search	The use of and, or, and not connectors to expand the search capabilities of an electronic online resource.
CAD software	Software used in computer-aided design (e.g., architecture, graphics).
CAM software	Software used in computer-aided manufacturing (e.g., furniture making, automobile assembly).
cartridge drive	A storage device that uses re-writeable removable media such as Zip^TMand Jaz^TM drives.
CD-ROM	Compact disc read-only memory. A medium capable of storing large amounts of digital data representing text, sound, animation, graphics, and video.
CD-ROM drive	A computer peripheral designed to access the data contained on a CD-ROM.
CGL	Computer-guided learning. Interactive software that allows students to have more control over the pace of their own learning.
compatibility	Data created in one application is directly useable by another application.
computer-controlled devices	Computer-controlled devices include robots, probes, and electronic switches.
concept mapping software	Software that allows a user to create concept or mind maps.
data mining software	Software that assists in searches for correlations in large databases.
database software	Software that allows a user to enter, access, and manage data.
desktop publishing	Computer-aided creation and layout of text and graphics.
digital camera	A device that produces digitized photographic images for use in a computer.
digital image	An image that may be accessed and manipulated from within a computer program.
downloading	Receiving a file from an outside source using telecommunications. (See also uploading.)
drafting software	Software used in computer-aided creation of diagrams representing scale drawings of physical structures.
educational software	Software that supports the attainment of specific learning outcomes.
electronic communities	Individuals with a common purpose or goal who are linked by telecommunications.
e-mail	Electronic messages sent and received through a computer network. The network may be local or cover a wide area such as the Internet.
ergonomics	The scientific study of the interaction between people and their work environment. Ergonomic considerations include keyboard height, lighting conditions, and body position and posture in relation to the computer.
graphing calculator	A hand-held computer that allows a user to input a variety of equations to produce graphs. This device may also have spreadsheet and statistical analysis capabilities.
groupware	Software that facilitates collaboration over a network for the purpose of completing a product or task.
hacking	The unauthorized access to a computer system.
hardware	The physical equipment of a computer system, including the monitor, keyboard, central processing unit, and storage devices.
HTML	Hypertext markup language. A computer-based language that facilitates graphic communications on the Internet.
hypermedia	Software used to link networks of text, graphics, and audio and video files.
hypertext	A linking feature that allows a user to access supplementary text by selecting a specifically marked word or image on the screen.
information technologies	Tools such as computers, software, printers, the Internet, automated library systems, scanners, projection devices, and a variety of support materials (e.g., software) used by teachers and students to enhance teaching and learning.
intellectual property	The presentation of ideas that may be protected by copyright or patent.
Internet	A worldwide electronic network connecting many separate personal computers.
intranet	The application of Internet technology within an organization.
keyword search	The use of descriptive terms to locate information electronically. (See also Boolean search.)
liquid crystal display(LCD)	Technology that displays or projects computer images.
local area network(LAN)	A group of computers and peripheral devices linked within a limited area for the purpose of sharing information and resources.
Logo	A simple, but powerful computer programming language designed for use by young students.
MIDI	Musical instrument digital interface. Software that allows a user to compose digital music and to reproduce the sound of musical instruments.
multimedia	Using or combining several media such as text, sound, images, and video files. Multimedia include hypertext concepts.
multimedia computer	A computer that allows a user to access, control, and analyze information in a variety of ways (accommodating text, hypertext, graphics, animation, audio files, and video files).
multimedia encyclopedia	An electronic encyclopedia that includes text, hypertext, graphics, animation, audio files, and video files.
natural language search	A database text search using common language without any predetermined rules.
navigating	Moving through and exploring software and various sites on the Internet or other networks.
netiquette	Network etiquette. The rules of etiquette governing communication on a network.
network	A group of computers and peripheral devices linked for the purpose of sharing information and resources. Networks are often described by their geographical extent (e.g., local area networks [LANs], wide area networks [WANs], and the Internet), their protocol (e.g., ethernet), and the operating system (e.g., Novell, Windows NT) being used.
network resources	The programs, files, and computer peripherals existing on a network.
online	Connected to a computer or telecommunications system for the purpose of access and/or sharing.
online resources	Information or peripheral devices that are connected to a computer or network for the purpose of access and/or sharing.
operating system	The interface between the user and the computer.
peripheral	A device connected to a computer or network that is used to perform a specific task.
piracy	The unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of copyrighted resources.
probes	Electronic devices that measure environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and light intensity. These devices are usually connected to computers for accurate data collection and analysis.
productivity tool	Software used to enhance personal productivity when managing data and producing information.
removable media	Storage media that can be taken out of a drive and replaced, thereby allowing many disks to be used in the same drive.
robotics	The design and use of computerized robots to perform tasks.
safe use of the Internet	Procedures used to safeguard self and others from dangerous or inappropriate behaviour on the Internet.
scanner	A device that uses light to read and digitally encode text, pictures, and graphs, and then sends the information to the computer to be stored on disk.
simulation	A representation of a real event or process.
spreadsheet software	Software that can generate tables and charts that record and analyze data.
storage device	A peripheral used to retain and retrieve electronic data.
technological literacy	The ability to use, manage, and understand information technology.
telecommunication	Communication over a distance by telephone, television, radio, cable, satellite, computer modem, or other similar means.
telecommunication tools	Software and hardware used to communicate.
touch screen	An input device that allows a user to interact with the computer by touching the screen.
uploading	Sending a file to an outside source using telecommunications. (See also downloading.)
video camera	A device for recording and playing back motion video.
video capture card	A computer-driven device that allows for the conversion and storage of video images to computer files.
videoconferencing	Communication among people at different locations by means of transmitted audio and video signals. May involve a computer as the interface.
videodisc	An optical disc capable of storing and playing back still frames, motion video, and/or audio files. Both constant angular velocity (CAV) and constant linear velocity (CLV) videodiscs are available; however, CAV videodiscs are preferred because they can be controlled by computer.
videodisc player	A device for playing back videodiscs.
virtual reality	The computerized display and control of a simulated environment into which a user enters and simulates movement and interaction with objects.
virus	Software designed to cause damage to a computer system.
wide area network (WAN)	A group of computers or local area networks linked by telecommunications, over a large area, for the purpose of sharing information and resources.
word processing software	Software that allows a user to enter, edit, save, and print text.

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