Frequently Used Terms
As a distance learner, you’ll encounter some new terms and words. The following list and
definitions may help you.
- Asynchronous
- Students communicate with each other or their instructor “off time,” such as through
email or discussion boards.
- Chat Room
- The Chat Room feature allows students to communicate with each other and the instructor synchronously, in “real time.”
- Discussion Board
- The Discussion Board feature allows students to communicate with each other and the instructor asynchronously, or at “off times” from each other.
- Email
- Electronic mail or email is a message sent to one person or many via a computer. Messages are sent and viewed at the user’s convenience.
- Gradebook
- The gradebook feature allows students to check their grades and chart their progress. Grades are automatically recorded in the student’s gradebook after a quiz or exam has been submitted, but grades may not be recorded immediately if the instructor needs to manually grade an assignment or exam.
- Syllabus
- A syllabus is a document reflecting course expectations, requirements, and learning tasks.
- Synchronous
- Students communicate with each other and their instructor in “real time,” such as in an on-campus classroom or in a chat room.
- URL
- Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is the address or location of a web site. For instance, the URL for Distance Education is www.mchenry.edu/DistanceEd
- User Name and Password
- Students need a login (user name and password) to enter into their ANGEL classroom. Once you login, you can change your password to a strong password or a password unique to you. It is critically important that you remember your unique password from semester to semester.
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4/16/09