Glossary

NOTE: terms common to computing have not been included in this glossary.

ADT: Abstract Data Type. A formal method for specifying software systems. An ADT is a collection of data, together with the operations that can be carried out on that data.
AL: Author (or authoring) language. A kind of programming language. See section 1.3 for a full explanation.
ATN: Augmented Transition Network. Another name for a Finite State Machine (FSM), see below.
author: Within the context of this document, someone who uses an author language to write computer based training material.
blank fill: A type of classroom question in which a student must supply missing letters or words to complete a sentence.
BNF: Backus-Naur Form. A method of describing the syntax of program code.
CAL: Computer Aided Learning.
CALL: Computer Aided Language Learning.
CBT: Computer Based Training.
courseware: Any instructional material that makes use of a computer.
distance learning: A learning environment in which the student is physically removed from the teacher. Correspondence courses are (traditional) examples of this.
frame: A screenful of information in a CBT context.
FSM: Finite State Machine. A model which represents a system that has a finite number of states (i.e. conditions). At any one time the machine will be in one condition, that condition being the result of its history, and hence predictable.
gap fill: See blank fill.
HCI: Human Computer Interface. All hardware and software which is seen or used by a user (e.g. screen, keyboard, mouse, printer).
learner centred: An approach/activity which takes as its starting point the needs/interests of the learners, and involves them as fully as possible in the learning process.
mc: Multiple-choice. A type of question in which a student is given a set of option answers, and has to choose the best, or most appropriate one.
moving blocks question: Usually used with ranking or multiple choice questions. The student selects the option(s) by moving a cursor block.
open ended question: A classroom question for which there may be many 'correct' answers, and hence which is not readily analysable by simple computational methods.
open learning: This refers to any kind of formal learning that can be considered as an alternative to traditional classroom learning. This does not mean that students never see a teacher/tutor, but rather, the meetings are selective, and are likely to be in a tutorial or discussion. Alternatively, trainer and trainee may use the telephone as a medium of communication. Open learning may also involve distance learning, which is similar to a correspondence course, except that usually there is some form of direct student/ teacher interaction (e.g. Open University summer school).
post-condition: A truth-valued function which defines the relationship between input and output values for a function (operation).
precondition: A truth-valued function which defines the conditions under which a function (operation) is guaranteed to give a meaningful result.
VDM: Vienna Development Method. A formal methodology for specifying software systems.