Glossary+of+Terms

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #000000; font: medium 'Lucida Grande',Geneva,Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; webkitborderhorizontalspacing: 0px; webkitborderverticalspacing: 0px; webkittextdecorationsineffect: none; webkittextsizeadjust: auto; webkittextstrokewidth: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">** AEIS ** Academic Excellence Indicator System; this state data collection system pulls together a wide range of information on the performance of students at each Texas school and district. When learning can occur independent of location or time of day. An applet is a small program that extends the capability of an application, particularly a web browser. An applet cannot run by itself; it needs to run within the application program like a browser. Examples include a popup calculator or a popup instant messenger program. Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modifi ed or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities. The capacity of a network or data connection to transmit data. The combination of two or more different technologies (i.e. Internet, satellite, videoconferencing, and emerging technologies) for effective, interactive communications. Instructional strategy in which several students and/or teachers work together on an assignment with individuals sharing responsibility for various tasks in an interactive process of ongoing dialogue. All terms are used interchangeably to identify a group of persons engaged in ongoing dialogue about questions of shared interest or mutual concern for the purpose of generating workable, productive solutions to meaningful problems or adding enhancement to an existing knowledge base related to common interests. Includes problem solving, decision-making, investigation, and refl ective thinking. A device that runs programs to display and manipulate text, graphics, symbols, audio, video, and numbers. Computers cabled to a telephone port for Internet connectivity; somewhat slower than a direct connection to the Internet. Digitized multimedia materials requiring students to manipulate information creatively; may include video, software, websites, simulations, streamed discussion, databases, and audio fi les. Computers are connected to the Internet via a telephone line usually leased from the telephone company. At many Texas schools, the connection goes to the Education Service Center and then out to the Internet. An educational process delivered and supported by technology in which the teacher and student are in different locations. (Internet, satellite, videoconferencing, and emerging technologies, etc.)
 * Anytime, Anywhere Learning **
 * Applets **
 * Assistive Technology Device **
 * Bandwidth **
 * Blended technologies **
 * Collaborative Learning **
 * Community of Inquiry **
 * Complex Thinking Strategies **
 * Computer **
 * Dial-up Connectivity **
 * Digital Content **
 * Direct Connection to the Internet **
 * Distance Learning **

A database of district-wide information, which may include student, fi nancial, or other administrative information necessary for local, state, and federal reporting requirements. Learners are unique and learn in different ways; all students must have opportunities to learn in their distinctive styles. Ready access to a computer connected to the Internet for educator or students’ use. Professional employee who holds a valid certifi cate or permit in order to deliver instruction to students; these employees may include classroom teachers, librarians, principals, counselors, or paraprofessionals delivering instruction under the direction of a certifi ed teacher. Newer, developing technologies; ever changing digital equipment; convergence of technologies. Thinking that takes place in the higher levels of the hierarchy of cognitive processing on a continuum from knowledge level to evaluation level (e.g., Bloom’s Taxonomy); may include problem solving, decision making, investigation, and refl ective thinking. Children learn by generating new hypotheses, by taking risks and by refl ecting on their accomplishments and miscues. Children engage in inquiry when they investigate questions or issues they fi nd compelling. These questions or issues may be related to a class theme or concept. I** nstructional Setting ** Location where teaching and learning takes place. Use of technology by students and teachers to enhance teaching and learning and to support curricular objectives. Two-way communications that may be synchronous or asynchronous and that are distinguished by mutually active responses. In online learning, interactive communications refers to a learning environment that includes a signifi cant amount of discussion and other forms of communications between teachers and students that are enabled by technology. Examples include an Internet-based listserv, class newsgroups, discussion boards, or chat features. Global network of networks that connects worldwide computers through digital systems. A computer capable of presenting combinations of text, graphics, animation and streaming audio or video; the computer also should be connected to the Internet. A network that connects computers in the same building. Schools, parents, and community collaborate to meet needs by pooling resources. Campus librarians are included in the term “teacher” used throughout the Texas Teacher STaR Chart. Local Funding Funds derived from local budgets, district fees, bond issues, and other local initiatives.
 * District Information System **
 * Diverse Learning Needs **
 * Easy Internet Access **
 * Educator **
 * Emerging Technologies **
 * Higher Level Thinking **
 * Inquiry-based Learning **
 * Integrated/Integration **
 * Interactive Communications **
 * Internet **
 * Internet Connected, Multimedia Computer **
 * LAN (Local Area Network) **
 * Learning Communities **
 * Librarians **

LRPT (Long-Range Plan for Technology) Texas plan for integrating technology into the school system. Four key areas are: Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support, and Infrastructure for Technology. Multimedia Combining text, graphics, full-motion video, sound and/or combining movies, music, lighting, CD-ROMs, DVDs and the Internet and/or combining television, radio, print, and the Internet. Networked Connectivity Computers are cabled to a data port for sharing fi les, storing fi les, printing, and Internet connectivity. On-Demand Access Immediate access to technology tools as needed in all campus instructional settings. Online Databases Internet accessible databases providing resources such as encyclopedias, periodicals, biographies, timelines, maps and atlases, almanacs, audio clips, video clips, and student and teacher resources. Online Learning Sometimes referred to as web-based learning, virtual learning or e-learning, Online learning is a highly interactive form of distance learning that is primarily delivered via the Internet. Content and resources are accessed via the web. Communication, learning activities, and instruction from a teacher take place in a virtual (web-based) environment. Portable Technologies Technologies that are lightweight and small enough to carry such as laptop computers, hand-held devices, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant). Print/File Sharing Access Both fi les and printers are available from the school or district network. Problem-Solving Strategies Process by which learners identify goals and obstacles, identify/ research alternative ways to solve the problem, select an alternative based on evaluation criteria, test the alternative, and fi nally evaluate results. Professional Development Also referred to as staff development or in-service training. Includes the National Staff Development Council’s major models of professional development: training, observation/assessment, involvement in a development/improvement process, study groups, inquiry/action research, individually guided activities, and mentoring. Replacement Cycle School policy for purchase, replacement and upgrade cycle of technology equipment and software. Rich media Digital information that includes advanced capabilities such as streaming video, applets, and animation which require more bandwidth and storage than normal text. SBEC State Board for Educator Certifi cation. Seamless Technology Integration Using technology as a natural tool; used routinely becomes the way work is done. Software The programs, routines and symbolic language that control the functioning of a hardware system and especially a computer system, sometimes referred to as a computer program. State and Federal Funds State funds such as, but not limited to, the Technology Allotment; federal funds such as, but not limited to, No Child Left Behind and E-Rate. Streaming Video Moving images that are sent in a continuous stream and played as they arrive; the web user does not have to wait to download a large fi le before seeing the video or hearing the sound. Supplement not Supplant Additional funds used to provide activities, but not used to replace local, state or federal funds already in place. Supplemental Applications Software that adds to or enhances instruction, but may not be required. Technology Applications / Technology Applications TEKS Technology Applications is the curriculum area that defi nes what all students should know and be able to do with technology K-12. Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills are available for Grades K-12. Technology Examples: computer workstations, laptop computers, wireless computers, handheld computers, digital cameras, probes, scanners, digital video cameras, analog video cameras, televisions, telephones, VCRs, digital projectors, programmable calculators, interactive white boards. Technology Accommodation Ergonomic, accessible offi ce furniture and computer workstation accessories such as keyboards, Braille readers, pointing devices, screen readers, and speech recognition for all learners. Technology Allotment State funds provided to Texas school districts to support the goals of the Long Range Plan for Technology. The current level of funding is $30 per student per year. Technology Literacy The ability to responsibly use appropriate technology to communicate, solve problems, and access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information to improve learning in all subject areas and to acquire lifelong knowledge and skills in the 21st century. The Technology Applications curriculum defi nes the technology literacy requirements for students and teachers specifi ed in NCLB Title II, Part D. Videoconferencing One method by which distance learning may be delivered. Entails real time (synchronous) instruction via telecommunication lines which enable two-way audio and video interaction between two or more sites, using specialized equipment in a videoconference room or portable videoconference unit. Video Streaming Video delivered to the computer desktop; video that can be viewed from the Web in real time. WAN (Wide Area Network) A network in which two or more buildings are connected, such as campuses in a district or districts in a region. Web-based Learning See Online learning. Wireless Connectivity Computers with wireless capabilities to connect to the Internet when located near access points/boxes which are connected to the data ports. The computers are not cabled to the data port