Engineering Degree Online | A Glossary for Online Degrees
Hey there
I thought you might like to have a short glossary of terms that you’ll probably see when doing
a search for your online degree.
These are some terms that are used in various websites and it’s good to know what they mean so
you don’t get confused - like I did 
Synchronous
A real-time, instructor-led online learning event in which all participants are logged on at the same time and communicate directly with each other. In this virtual classroom setting, the instructor maintains control of the class, with the ability to “call on” participants. In most platforms, students and teachers can use a whiteboard to see work in progress and share knowledge. Interaction may also occur via audio- or videoconferencing, Internet telephone, or a two-way live broadcasts.
Asynchronous
This means that there is a delay in the instruction interaction between instructors and students. For example, self-paced courses taken via the Internet or CD-ROM and intruction via email or in online discussion groups.
E-learning (electronic learning)
This is a broad term that covers a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It also includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet/extranet (LAN/WAN), audio- and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more.
Online Education
This is defined as a credit-granting courses or education training delivered primarily via the Internet to students at remote locations, including their homes. These online courses may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously. An online course may include a requirement that students and teachers meet once or periodically in a physical setting for lectures, labs, or exams, so long as the time spent in the physical setting does not exceed 25 percent of the total course time.
Pretty much the same a distance education (see below)
Residency requirement
This is the amount of time that a student is required be physically be on campus for a specific distance education course or program.
CBT (computer-based training)
This is a broad term that means the use of computers in both instruction and management of the teaching and learning process. Some subgroups in this term are CAI (computer-assisted instruction) and CMI (computer-managed instruction).
Some organizations use the terms CBT and CAI interchangeably.
Distance Education
You probably already know this one. The official defintion is a credit-granting education or training courses that is delivered to remote (off-campus) locations via audio, video, or computer technologies, such as the Internet.
This would include both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Sometimes this may also include a small amount of on-campus course or lab work, or an on-campus exams, or visits.
You should know that Distance education does not include courses for which the instructor travels to a remote site to deliver instruction in person or courses conducted exclusively via written correspondence.
OK, I know your head is full, so I’ll stop with the terms now
Ben
