AWS: Global Technical Glossary

Glossary for the entire site, across all courses and subjects.

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National Grid for Learning (NGfL)

A developing collection of resources brought together on the Internet to help raise standards in education and to support lifelong learning.

Network

Computers that are connected together and can communicate with each other or share resources such as computer programs or printers.

Newsgroups

A global Internet bulletin board - a collection of messages and articles organised into topics.

Notation (software/sequencer)

Some computer programs, written for music teaching, allow the production and editing of music scores, in much the same way that word processors are used to produce texts. In some cases the notation can be directly played on an instrument through a midi interface, in other cases the playing of the instrument through a midi interface will produce the musical notation.

On-line (discussion or conference)

A facility to allow a number of people to exchange ideas and comments on a subject, generally in a written form and using either a local network, Intranet or the Internet.

Overhead projector tablet or panel

A computer display panel that sits on an overhead projector, allowing the image from the computer to be projected onto a large screen.

Overlay keyboard

A rectangular, touch-sensitive device connected to the computer. It is divided into a grid, onto which a sheet of paper containing pictures and words can be placed. Pressing areas of the sheet causes pre-programmed text or pictures to appear on the screen or sounds to be played.

Palm top computer or Personal organiser

Like a very small laptop, small enough to fit into a pocket. Some are referred to as personal organisers.

Plotter

An alternative to the printer for producing drawings. Can be used with very large paper (e.g. A0).

Portable/laptop computer

A computer which is as powerful as a desktop but has a smaller, slimmer Liquid Crystal Display screen. Most are around A4 size.

Presentation software

The use of computer software to create slides similar to those used on an overhead projector, except that the display can include text, sound, still and moving images. Slides are prepared in advance, can be edited and are stored in the correct sequence.

Programmable Toy

Often in the form of a floor turtle or robot. Any toy which can be programmed with a set of instructions.

Projector/video

A powerful projection unit, similar to a slide projector, which connects to a computer, video recorder or video camera. Useful for teaching a whole class or large group.

Satellite imaging

Many satellites transmit photographic images which can be used in a variety of ways, e.g. tracking the progress of a hurricane. Images can be received, stored and viewed on a computer.

Scanner

Works like a small photocopier, but the image can be displayed on a computer screen, saved to disc or printed out. Most scanners will take up to A4 size.

Search engine/facility

Most CD-ROMs and the Internet have search engines. These are facilities which allow the user to search for information without having to look through a whole index or catalogue and are generally based on keywords and logical operators.

Sensing technology (including remote sensing)

Equipment which can be connected to a computer, and which will record and display information from sensors, e.g. light, sound, movement or temperature. Some sensing equipment can be used to collect data away from the computer, but be linked to the computer later to display the recordings made.

Simulations

Computer programs which simulate real or imaginary scenarios. Often used to simulate events that would normally be impossible, difficult or dangerous.

Speech input/output

Many computer programs, especially word processors, can read text audibly and can convert spoken words into text.

Spell-/grammar-checker

Most word processors contain the automatic facility to check texts for unknown words. These are spell-checkers. Some word processors also contain the automatic facility to check the grammar of the text against pre-programmed criteria. Both facilities are generally able to offer alternative suggestions where they detect a possible mistake.