DRAFT 9/06
MICHIGAN MERIT CURRICULUM GUIDELINES
9.06
Electronic Portfolio: In the context of education and learning,
an ePortfolio is a portfolio based on electronic media and services.
It consists of a personal digital record containing information such as
personal profi le and collection of achievements, information on which
different services can be provided to the owner of the ePortfolio and
the people and organizations to whom the owner has granted access.
Internet: The Internet is the worldwide, publicly accessible
network of interconnected computer networks that transmit data
by packet switching using the standard Internet Protocal (IP). It is a
“network of networks” that consists of millions of smaller domestic,
academic, business, and government networks, which together carry
various information and services, such as electronic e-mail, online
chat, fi le transfer, and the interlinked Web pages and other
documents of the World Wide Web.
Intranet: An intranet is a private computer network that uses
Internet protocols, network connectivity, and possibly the public
telecommunication system to securely share part of an organization’s
information or operations with its students or employees. The same
concepts and technologies of the Internet such as clients and servers
running on the Internet protocol suite are used to build an intranet.
HTTP and other Internet protocols are commonly used as well,
especially FTP and e-mail. An intranet can be understood as “a private
version of the Internet”.
Learning Management System: A learning management
system (LMS) is a software application or Web-based technology
used to plan, implement, and assess a specifi c learning process.
A learning management system provides an instructor with a way to
create and deliver content, monitor student participation, and assess
student performance. A learning management system may also
provide students with the ability to use interactive features such
as threaded discussions, video conferencing, and discussion forums.
Online Learning: A structured learning activity that utilizes
technology with intranet/internet-based tools and resources as
the delivery method for instruction, research, assessment, and
communication.
Podcasting: Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia
fi les, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for
playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term podcast,
like ‘radio’, can mean both the content and the method of delivery.
The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster. Podcasters’
web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their fi les;
a podcast however is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded
automatically using software capable of reading RSS feeds.
Real-time Online Learning: Learning that takes place when
the instructor and student both access the course site at the same
time, also known as ‘synchronous’ instruction.
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