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Glossary

Accessibility
In the context of technology, refers to the ability of users with disabilities to access and utilize electronic information. It can also refer to processes, efforts, and technologies teachers employ to ensure this kind of access. The legal obligation to ensure accessibility is tied to Sections 504 and 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 indicates that educational programs receiving federal funds may not discriminate against students with disabilities based on their disability status. Section 508 specifies what it means to be accessible in technological terms. An overview of accessibility guidelines, tools, and policies is available at http://www.unc.edu/webaccess.

Acrobat (Adobe)
A family of software that enables the creation, viewing and printing of PDF documents. The family is divided into separate tools; of particular use to instructors at the University are Acrobat Elements, Acrobat Standard and the Acrobat Reader. Acrobat Elements is a Windows-only tool that allows for the quick conversion of Microsoft Office files to PDF format. Acrobat Standard can import data from scanners, create interactive forms and can ensure the authenticity of a document with digital signatures. The Acrobat Reader is free software that allows you to view and print PDF files. The Acrobat Reader is available for free at the Adobe website, or it can be downloaded from the University’s shareware site.
(http://shareware.unc.edu)

AFS space
A file system used by the University to provide personal and group disk storage space to anyone with an ONYEN. Undergraduate students get 100 megabytes of disk space; graduate students, faculty and staff get 250 megabytes. A major advantage of the system is its ability to allow you to write to personal space in AFS as if it was another drive on your personal computer. You can also access this space from any computer on the campus network. Nightly back-ups of AFS ensure that your documents are safe and secure. Sophisticated tools allow users to manage access and permissions for multiple users.

Authoring Software (or multimedia authoring software)
Programs designed to create digital presentations or learning experiences that combine sound, music, visuals, and text. What sets authoring apart from presentation software is its capacity to create and track complex interactions guided by student input. Thus, authoring software is ideal for the development of educational and training applications. Common uses for authoring software include computer-based training (CBT), learning modules delivered over networks or via CD-ROMs, interactive kiosk displays (such as at museums or bank ATM stations), and multimedia encyclopedias. Common authoring applications include Authorware, Director, and Flash.

Blackboard
A web-based course management system licensed by UNC that integrates tools for content management and sharing, on-line communication and collaboration, student assessment and course administration. A Blackboard course site is available as an option for all instructors at the University.
(http://Blackboard.unc.edu)

Bobby™
A comprehensive web accessibility software tool designed to help identify and repair barriers to the accessibility of web-based documents. Bobby™ tests for compliance with government standards, including Section 508 of the U.S. Government’s Federal Rehabilitation Act. Bobby™ allows users to test web pages and generate summary reports highlighting critical accessibility.

Bulletin Board
A form of internet communication technology involving a space on the internet where you can post messages for others to read, or read messages posted by others, usually related to a specific topic or function. The bulletin board space can be created and set-up as part of a larger course web site or as an independent location. You can use the course bulletin board to make announcements (like changes in schedule or due dates), syllabus modifications, special events, or other timely course information. The bulletin board can also be used for students to post announcements, perhaps related to group work or assignments.

CBT (Computer Based Training)
Though this term is often used generally to describe any computer-based learning experience, at UNC-CH it refers to a set of approximately 250 computer and technology related courses available for faculty, staff and students to take on-line, or to download and take at a later time. Downloaded courses can only be run on the Windows platform and require the installation of a special player.
(http://cbt.unc.edu/)

CCI (Carolina Computing Initiative)
Part of the University’s technology plan for students, faculty, and staff. At the center of the initiative is the expectation that all incoming first year students purchase computers that meet University specifications. For specific information about computer models and features:
(http://www.unc.edu/cci)

Chat/Instant Messaging (IM)
A form of internet communication technology that enables two or more individuals to conduct a synchronous discussion or conversation. “Synchronous” means that all persons communicating are connected at the same time. Chat software enables this kind of connection over computer networks, between individuals or among group members, where any user who is “signed on” can communicate by entering text on the keyboard and the text will appear on all other users’ monitors. Students might visit Chat rooms hosted by their teacher to review for an exam, or a small group session. Chat activities are generally characterized by an agreed upon time when all participants are at their computers for the purpose of communicating with each other, and enter a virtual space or “room” to do so. Instant Messaging can generally be characterized as discussion or conversation between and among individuals that is conducted more extemporaneously, somewhat analogous to using the computer as a conference phone line. Participants are “called” by other participants and respond if they are available.

CITRIX
An application server offered by OASIS that provides instructors with access to a wide variety of software using a web interface and run from a central server. Instructors can access programs such as Adobe Acrobat Writer, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Dreamweaver, SAS, and EndNote without actually having these programs on their individual machines. All that is needed to run the applications is an internet connection, a plug-in and a password. Semester password access is granted to Arts and Sciences instructors with course responsibility.
(http://oasis.unc.edu/)

Classroom Hotline
A division of ITS (Information Technology Services) that provides technical assistance for teachers using ITS supported multimedia classrooms. The Hotline may be accessed by calling 962-HELP or by picking up the red phone in a multimedia classroom. If you encounter any problem with your equipment during class, you can use the red phone to request immediate assistance. You may also contact the Hotline in advance of each semester to learn about how to use the specific equipment available in your classroom.
(http://hotline.unc.edu)

Classroom and Lab Scheduling
Assignment of classrooms for the semester is handled by the classroom scheduling in the Office of the Registrar (962-6093). Department representatives submit requests to the Registrar for specific assignments in advance of each term. To schedule a computer lab for one-time or occasional use by your course, contact the Classroom Hotline at 962-6702.

Computer labs
Facilities on campus containing multiple computers for use by faculty students and staff, established and maintained by ITS, departments and schools. Some are designed for teaching activities and functions, others for individual use. Most desktop computers within the labs across campus can only be accessed with a valid ONYEN. Software, hardware, printing services and hours of operation vary.

Course management software
Assists in the process of developing, managing, and delivering information related to a specific on-line course. These software packages provide various communication capabilities for a class, such as discussion boards, private messaging and Chat. They also provide tools for assessment and grade distribution. Blackboard is the primary course management software package currently supported at the University.

Digital images
Any image that can be represented on a computer screen. Digital images can be made from a physical object (document, photograph or artifact) that has been photographed or scanned, or can be created using any number of graphic design and illustration applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Freehand and CorelDraw. Digital images can be integrated into websites, multimedia learning modules, and presentations.

Digital video
Video that has been created in or converted to a form that can be read by computers or other devices employing computer technology. Digital video may be produced with a digital video camera or obtained by converting VHS or analog video. Because digital video files usually contain between 15 and 30 still frames for every second, they can be extremely large. To make digital video available on the web, it must be compressed into file formats that take up less space and load quickly. One of the most popular of these compressed formats is MPEG-2, used to make DVD videos. Through a program like Adobe Premiere (for PC) or Final Cut (for Macs), plus another application for DVD authoring, you can create a DVD of your own.

Discussion Forums
A form of internet communication technology involving a space on the internet where you can post questions or comments to which others may respond. The space can be created and set-up as part of a larger course website or as an independent location. You can post one or more questions or issues on the forum, your students can then post responses, and sorting features are built into forum tools that enable you and your students to view these postings by date posted, author, or subject (thread). You can review these responses before posting, or not, at your discretion. The discussion forum is more or less the internet equivalent of class discussion.

Dreamweaver (Macromedia)
A software application for designing, managing and publishing web sites. Dreamweaver provides you with the option of creating web pages by using graphical editing features and/or writing HTML code. Dreamweaver integrates other web applications such as databases and Flash in order to facilitate workflow. Additionally, Dreamweaver can be customized using scripting languages such as JavaScript, XML and Cascading Style Sheets for advanced web site development.

Electronic Class Rolls (ECR)
A UNC system managed by the Office of the Registrar designed to help you track student enrollment, attendance and grades. The ECR System allows instructors to receive enrollment information for a specific class in the current term, as well view information for past and future terms. Information provided includes a list of student names with their associated PID number, college, class, degrees, major and email addresses. Instructors can also view individual photos or photos of the entire class by simply clicking on a student’s PID number or the “Class Photos” icon. Enrollment information can be downloaded and used with Microsoft Excel. Entire classes or individuals can be emailed directly from the ECR System. The ECR System also enables instructors to update course descriptions. Two factors affect an instructor’s ability to access the ECR System: 1) all instructors must demonstrate their understanding of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and its application to handling student information by successfully completing a short test on the topic and 2) department scheduling officers must enter each instructor’s PID number in to the Student Information Services (SIS) System along with the courses that each instructor will teach.
(http://ctl.unc.edu/ecr.html)

Equipment loan
Provides teachers with equipment for use in University classrooms that lack installed resources. Equipment can be borrowed from some facilities, like the Media Resources Center in the Undergraduate Library, and, occasionally, through departmental programs. Available equipment includes both newer and traditional technologies. Typically, equipment loan is available on a day-to-day basis, although longer-term arrangements are sometimes possible. Resources are limited and equipment is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

E-reserves
A system, managed and maintained by the University Libraries, which provides remote access to supplementary course reading materials required in support of course requirements. Access to these materials is limited to computers located on the UNC-CH campus and off-campus users connecting via the Library’s proxy server (with a valid UNC ONE Card). Photocopied items (book chapters, journal articles, quizzes and syllabi) will automatically be placed on e-reserve if accompanied by full bibliographic information for processing by reserves staff. Entire books and coursepacks are not eligible for e-reserve.
(http://eres.lib.unc.edu/default.asp) - House Undergraduate Library
(http://www.hsl.unc.edu/ereserves/mattypes.cfm) - Health Sciences Library

Exam scanning
Computerized scoring and analysis for true-false and multiple choice tests with a maximum of two hundred questions. CIT offers this service for any course offered through the Office of the University Registrar. The report sent to you after the exam answer-sheet scanning process is completed will contain the following elements: individual students’ reports (how each one answered each question); any questions ALL students missed; any questions ALL students answered correctly; general statistics on the class scores (raw average, percent average, etc.); specific statistics on the set of questions (how they were answered); a numeric breakdown of scores, then a histogram of these scores; a summary of scores for the students (with names and PID#s); a summary of scores (with Social Security #s only).

File transfer and upload
Moving files from one computer to another generally connected via the internet. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is one means of accomplishing this. The University supports two FTP software programs for the transfer of files between computers: WS-FTP for the Windows platform and Fetch for the Mac. AFS space can also be used to transfer files from one place to another. For example, you can write a lecture on your office computer, save the file to your AFS space, then go to your classroom and access the lecture from the computer located in that classroom.

Flash (Macromedia)
An authoring software application used to create interactive learning material and computer animations. Flash uses “vector graphics” which means that file sizes tend to be relatively small—perfect for delivery over the web, although you can also deliver Flash-created programs to students on CD-ROMs. Besides their low storage and bandwidth requirements, an important advantage of vector graphics is that viewers can make them larger or smaller—i.e., zoom in and out—without any reduction in quality. A situation in which you might find this feature useful is in creating interactive maps.

Grading templates
Specially designed files that can be imported into standard spreadsheet software to simplify the recording and calculation of student grades. They can often be found on the internet, within departments or schools, at teaching support agencies, or as options included with some spreadsheet software. Once imported, the template configures the spreadsheet data cells in designated ways to facilitate the entry, computation and/or translation of course grades and scores.
(http://ctl.unc.edu/gt.html)

Graphics software
Programs designed to create and/or edit digital image files. Such software often falls into two categories. Illustration tools such as Adobe Illustrator or Macromedia Freehand produce “vector-based” images that can be scaled to any size with no loss of clarity. “Bit-map” or “raster”-based editors like Photoshop, produce images where the size and clarity of the image is dependent on the number of pixels contained in it. Illustration tools are a good choice when working with images that have a limited number of colors, whereas a pixel-based editor is the best choice for photographic images.

Group workspace
Shared file space and communication tools accessible only by members of a course or by a smaller working group of students or instructors. On our campus, Blackboard includes "Group Pages" that provide groups with their own discussion board, Chat tool, file exchange area, and e-mail list. If you are comfortable with using AFS file space, you can also create shared directories on the UNC web.

ITS (Information Technology Services)
Provides networking services, application development and technical support for the benefit of departments, faculty, staff and students across campus.

JAWS
A screen reading software application designed primarily for visually impaired computer users. Screen readers use a speech synthesizer to translate the contents of a computer screen into spoken language. JAWS can read not just text but icons, menus, punctuation, and control buttons. It also keeps track of screen activity, announcing when you or a student performs an action such as clicking a button.

Library instructional services
University Libraries Instructional Services provides support for student and faculty engagement with academic library resources and tools. This support can be especially relevant for preparing students to undertake research in specific fields using both on-line and on-site resources. Specific offerings include individual and group training sessions, instruction labs and collaboratories, library tours, specialty collection orientations, and web-based tutorials and research guides.
(http://www.lib.unc.edu/instruct) or 843-2310 | University Libraries
(http://www.hsl.unc.edu/Services/Classes/classes.cfm) | Health Sciences Library

List serv
A program that maintains a collection of email addresses. By setting up a list serv, users interested in the same topics or issues can exchange ideas and discuss questions with everyone else who subscribes to the list serv. Mail is sent to a special email address that processes each subscriber’s message and sends it out to every other subscriber individually, or as a digest of multiple messages. At UNC-CH, list servs can be set up and administered through a centralized web site.
(http://listserv.unc.edu/).

Multimedia
In an instructional context the term "multimedia" serves as a catchall for materials or modes of communication that supplement and expand traditional, text-based forms of instruction. Technological innovation has shaped our understanding of the term, which has been used to refer to anything from graphics for an overhead projector to fully interactive CD-ROMs. With the computer revolution currently underway, the term has come to refer primarily to digital media deliverable over the web, on CDs and DVDs, or presented via computers in a classroom.

Multimedia classrooms
Specialized classrooms supported through the ITS Classroom Hotline. These rooms house equipment that supports the presentation of information designed to supplement oral and written classroom instruction. Among other features, examples of what you might find in a multimedia classroom include internet-enabled PCs controllable through touch screen panels, smart boards, overhead projectors, DVD players, VCRs, slide projectors, lighting and audio controls, and document cameras. You can schedule a multimedia classroom for a day by contacting the Classroom Hotline at 962-HELP. It is also possible to secure these classrooms for an entire semester if you work through departmental channels well in advance. (See Classroom Hotline, Classroom Scheduling)

MyUNC
UNC’s “portal.” The term portal refers to a web site that individual users can customize and that links to other resources on the web. MyUNC is designed to give members of the UNC community information specific to their needs as a student, teacher or staff member. Some examples of content you might find at MyUNC include news, information about campus events, teaching resources for instructors, and links to grades for students.
(http://my.unc.edu)

Office (Microsoft)
Microsoft’s suite of software tools. It includes Word (for word processing), Excel (for organizing and analyzing data in spreadsheets), PowerPoint (for building multimedia presentations), and Access (a Windows-only program for building databases). UNC has a site license for the Office package enabling us to purchase it at a substantially discounted rate.

On-line gradebook
A tool for the storage and distribution of grades via the Internet. At UNC-Chapel Hill, Blackboard offers an on-line gradebook. It can be easily used for secure grade distribution to individual students.

On-line quizzes
The delivery of quiz questions, automatic scoring of answers, and presentation of feedback via the internet. Blackboard offers a "test manager" in which instructors build web-based quizzes and securely deploy them to students. Students' answers and scores for these tests are stored in the Blackboard database and are accessed through Blackboard's web interface. CIT's Quiz Builder also helps instructors create web-based quizzes, but each student's score and answers are emailed directly to instructors.

ONYEN
An acronym for the Only Name You’ll Ever Need. The ONYEN serves as your user name for accessing all central campus email and web servers at UNC. Every ONYEN is associated with a particular person via his or her PID, and has its own password that can be used over secure connections to web and other servers across campus.
(https://onyen.unc.edu/)

PDF
An acronym for Portable Document Format. PDF is the native file format for Adobe’s Acrobat program. The PDF is a universal file format that preserves the exact fonts, images, graphics, and layout of any source document, regardless of the application and platform that was used to create it.

Personalized Teaching Survey
A survey for finding out how students feel about your teaching to help you discover strengths and weaknesses that can guide self-improvement efforts. You select questions for inclusion in the survey from a database of over 450 questions related to various aspects of teaching. A survey form is then created for you to give to your students. Once completed by your students, these forms can be computer-scored and a report with relevant statistics is sent ONLY to you and/or to those whom you designate. Confidential consultation regarding the results is also available. Part of a broader teaching evaluation system developed for multiple constituencies by CTL.
(http://ctl.unc.edu/aboutunc-ces.html) or 966-1289

PowerPoint (Microsoft)
A software application for creating multimedia presentations. PowerPoint lets you design text and simple graphics, and combine them with pictures, sound and video. PowerPoint also offers the ability to animate some of these elements. It is part of Microsoft’s Office package (see Office).

Presentation software
Programs designed to incorporate images, graphics, sounds and movement that can help you explain or demonstrate processes, ideas and phenomena. Applications such as PowerPoint encourage a sequential, linear approach to presenting information. Others, especially authoring applications like Authorware or Director, allow you to design more complex approaches to learning material, and give students choices and options for exploring that material. PowerPoint, by far the most widely used presentation software, is available as part of the Microsoft Office package, for which UNC has a site license.

Projectors
Equipment that makes it possible to display various kinds of visual media on a wall or screen. Different media use different kinds of projectors, from the familiar 35mm slide projectors to film projectors for various size motion picture film, to the projectors commonly used today to display the contents of computer screens. Computer screen projectors (often referred to as “LCD projectors” or “video projectors”), are a component of multimedia classrooms on campus (see Multimedia classrooms). If your classroom does not have its own permanent video projector, there are locations on campus where you can borrow one for a day. (See Equipment Loan, Multimedia Classrooms, Classroom Scheduling)

Scanning
Capturing information from books, photos, and other, usually flat, material, into a digital image file. There are many different types of scanners to choose from depending on your needs. The most common type is the flatbed scanner, which is very versatile and often costs less than $100.00. Many flatbeds offer special features such as the ability to scan 35mm slides or negatives. Other special features may include very high resolution and attachments that allow scanning of extra large size material. With the addition of OCR, or Optical Character Recognition software, you can scan pages of text and convert them into a form that can be read by word processing applications. 35mm photographic slide scanners are also available.

Screen reader
A specialized software application designed primarily for visually impaired computer users. Screen readers use a speech synthesizer to translate the contents of a computer screen into spoken language. The most powerful screen readers, such as JAWS, can read not just text but icons, menus, punctuation, and control buttons. They also keep track of screen activity, announcing when you or a student performs an action such as clicking a button.

Security
Measures taken by individuals and information technology organizations (such as Information Technology Services at UNC) to protect confidential data as it is sent over networks. UNC’s recent policy to require that passwords for ONYENs (see ONYEN) be changed every 90 days is part of a broad effort to promote security.

SIS-Access
An acronym for Student Information Services Access. This system provides faculty and staff with access to numerous student related functions through the Faculty/Staff Central website. Faculty and staff can obtain class rolls with student photos, send emails to individual students or an entire class, and check enrollment data.
(http://facultystaffcentral.unc.edu)

Streaming media
Digital video and audio delivered over networks in ways designed to accommodate internet connections with varying bandwidth speeds. Among the features of streaming media are the capability to begin playing files before they are fully downloaded, to generate live broadcasts, and to protect clips from unauthorized duplication. To stream video, you need a specialized “streaming server.” UNC has one of these, called Mediaserv. Mediaserv supports various streaming file formats such as Real, Windows Media, several MPEG formats, and Quicktime.

Student academic support services
Academic Services encompasses a broad range of support for undergraduate learning. Specific units include the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes, Learning Disabilities Services, the Learning Center, the Summer Bridge Program, Chemistry and Mathematics Tutorials, and the Writing Center. While most of these services are offered through one-on-one and small group consultants, the Writing Center also offers on-line tutoring services for students. Faculty are welcome to use the on-line service to solicit ideas for writing assignments. The Learning Center offers on-line supplemental instruction for students in physical sciences and languages.
(http://www.unc.edu/depts/acadserv/)

Video conferencing
A variety of technologies, both analog and digital, for communicating in “real time” with others at a distance through video. Such communication can take place between or among individuals or groups. A popular recent development in video conferencing is called “h.323,” a technology that allows users to videoconference via the internet on personal computers. UNC supports h.323 videoconferencing through the ITS Video Networking group.

Web page software
Programs designed to simplify the creation of web pages or web sites. One of the most common applications in use for creating web pages at UNC is Macromedia Dreamweaver.

Web sites
Collections of web pages linked together as a whole. With software like Dreamweaver, you can design your own web sites or you can use a course management tool like Blackboard to create sites based on templates. Effective site design involves thinking carefully about what your material will look like once it’s there, and providing the appropriate navigational tools—such as menu bars—that allow your users ready access to all the material.

Contact Us
email: itconnections@unc.edu
CTL: Tel 919-966-1289 | Fax: 919-962-5236
CIT: Tel 919-962-6042 | Fax 919-962-0784