The terms used within this document have been updated to reflect ADL programs and projects, and are based on the MIL-HDBK-29612 series of handbooks:

A : B : C : D : E : F : G : H : I : J : K : L : M : N : O : P : Q : R : S : T : U : V : W : Z

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Ability. Power to perform an act, either innate or the result of learning and practice.

Ability grouping. Arrangement whereby students are assigned to groups on the basis of aptitude testing.

Ablation. Optical memory data writing technique where a laser burns holes, or pits, in thin metal film.

A-B rolls. A technique by which audio and video information are played back from two videotape machines rolled sequentially, often for the purpose of dubbing the sequential onto a third tape, usually a composite master. Required to achieve special effects or dissolves between scenes when editing.

Academic Review Board. A board that evaluates a student's progress and recommends a course of action when the student has failed to achieve learning objectives or when the student is qualified to accelerate their training.

Accelerators. Keyboard commands that can be used instead of pointing and clicking on menu options.

Accessibility. The ability to locate and access instructional components from multiple locations and deliver them to other locations.

Accessioning. The acts and procedures by which records are taken into the physical custody of a records center, archival agency, or other records repository.

Access time. The amount of time between an input and the availability of output from a system.

Accreditation. The recognition afforded an educational institution when it has met accepted standards of quality applied by an accepted, professional accreditation agency.

Accredited curriculum. Any formal training curriculum that has been reviewed and approved by a competent accrediting agency to determine the extent to which the curriculum content can be converted to academic credit.

Accredited Event. A training event that is determined to have a realistic joint environment with the appropriate elements of joint context for the joint tasks being trained.

Acquisition. The acquiring by contract of supplies or services (including construction) through purchase, lease, or donation whether the supplies or services are already in existence or must be created, developed, demonstrated, and evaluated.

Acquisition logistics. Technical and management actions conducted to ensure supportability implications are considered early and throughout the acquisition process to minimize support costs and to provide the user with the resources required to sustain the system in the field. Also see the definition for "logistics support."

Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL). A listing of source documents and Data Item Descriptions (DID) which have been approved for repetitive contractual application in DoD acquisitions and those that have been canceled or superseded. The Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL) is identified as DoD 5010.12-L.

Acquisition Management Systems Control (AMSC) Number. A control number for Type I and Type II Data Item Descriptions (DID) and source documents (see definition for DoD Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL) Control Officer).

Acquisition Plan (AP). A document that records program decisions; contains the user's requirements; provides appropriate analysis of technical options; and includes life cycle plans for development, testing, production, training, and logistic support of material items.

Acquisition streamlining. Acquisition streamlining is a common sense approach that results in more efficient and effective use of resources to develop or produce quality products. This includes ensuring that only necessary and cost-effective requirements are included, at the most appropriate time in the acquisition cycle, in Requests For Proposals (RFP) and resulting contracts for the design, development, and delivery of new products, or for modifications to existing products.

Action verb. A word that conveys action/behaviors and reflects the type of performance that is to occur (i.e., place, cut, drive, open, hold). Action verbs reflect behaviors that are measurable, observable, verifiable, and reliable.

Active program. The computer program that is currently being run.

Active video. The portion of the screen where video can appear. This is the portion of horizontal and vertical video not blanked by horizontal and vertical blanking.

Active video lines. All video lines not occurring in the horizontal and vertical blanking intervals.

Active voice. A mode of writing in which sentences are constructed so that a person or thing (the subject) acts directly rather than indirectly, usually upon an object; for example, the sentence, "The user opened a file," is in the active voice, but "A file was opened by the user," is in the passive voice.

ActiveX and ActiveX Controls. A loosely defined set of technologies developed by Microsoft. ActiveX is an outgrowth of two other Microsoft technologies called OLE (Object Links and Embedding) and COM (Component Object Model).

Actual equipment trainer. An actual system or subsystem component modified to allow for training of personnel.

Adaptive branching technique. Any of several techniques used in scheduling to accommodate individual differences. It may permit the student to bypass material they already know or may provide them with additional instruction as needed.

Additional Skill Identifier (ASI). Identification of specialized skills that are closely related to, and are in addition to, those required by Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

Additional training. Refresher, optional, or advanced training given to a student that results in the student regaining or improving their knowledge/proficiency.

Addressing. Methods for locating where a particular piece of data is stored.

Adjunctive materials. Materials that supports a program/plan of instruction and must be used by students to learn the tasks being taught in the program of instruction (i.e., adjunctive material for a lesson on map reading may include a map, compass, and protractor). Also see the definition for "supplemental training materials."

Administrative drop. The removal of a student from a formal training program for reasons other than failure to meet minimal academic standards.

Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL). An evolution of distributed learning (distance learning) that emphasizes the collaborating on standards-based versions of reusable objects, networks, and learning management systems, that may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously and may include some legacy methods and media.

ADL Certification Testing Center. An activity approved by the Director, ADL Initiative to perform SCORM conformance testing on a fee-for-service basis and provide certification documentation, as appropriate.

ADL Initiative. The ADL Initiative provides a collaborative federal framework for using distributed learning sponsored by the Department of Defense. The ADL Initiative provides access to the highest-quality education, training, and performance aiding that may be tailored to individual needs and delivered cost-effectively, anytime and anywhere.

ADL Registry (ADL-R). A DoD service, managed by DTIC, for registering the existence, location, description, and other relevant properties of distributed learning content developed or acquired by the DoD to enable the discovery and reuse of that content regardless of its location and/or origin. The registry and associated procedures shall result in a centrally searchable set of records representing the distributed content objects. The registration process shall further result in each content object being identified by a unique and persistent identifier which may be used as a constant reference to the object over changes in its location and other access details.

Adverse weather shutdown. Training stoppage due to adverse weather. This would include preventive shutdown because of threat to personnel and equipment and shutting down training hardware due to power fluctuations caused by adverse weather.

Affective domain. A classification of objectives that focus on the development of attitudes, beliefs, and values. Military training uses the classification "attitude" to describe the affective domain.

Affective learning. A domain of learning that is concerned with the acquisition of desired perceptions by the student; that is, the order and discipline required within the military. That part of student learning objectives that require the acquisition of perceptions in the students, promoting (e.g., self-confidence, responsibility, respect, dependability, and personal relations).

Aircrew. Student or pilot, navigator, electronic warfare officer, weapons director, or any other member of an aircraft crew.

Aircrew simulator. Usually an electromechanical device which imitates the flying environment for aircrew training.

Air Force Specialty (AFS). A grouping of positions that require common qualifications. An AFS is identified by a title and a code.

Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). An AFSC represented by a code.

Allocation Of Instructional Time (AOIT). The AOIT shows the time it takes for one training organization to teach one iteration of the course, and includes times for individual topics, labs, etc.

Alpha-geometric. A videotext graphics format where shapes are defined by geometric elements such as points and lines.

Alpha-mosaic graphics. A videotext graphics format where pictures are composed of small character-size blocks resulting in low resolution graphics.

Alpha-photographic. A videotext graphics format where images appear similar to still photos and each point on the screen is separately addressable.

Alternate character set. A set of user-defined characters that can be loaded in place of the standard characters provided.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). The standardized, eight-bit data character code system used internationally to code alphabetic, numerical, and other symbols into the binary values used in computer applications.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) interface. An interface between systems that accepts commands and returns responses in the form of standard ASCII strings.

Analog. The representation of quantities that vary continuously. Information that steadily flows and changes. The representation of numerical values by physical variables such as temperature, current, and voltage.

Ancillary materials. Documents that integrate the use of instructional media materials by directing the instructor and student use of the materials and providing supplemental information. Ancillary materials may be a self-study workbook, lecture guide, student guide, exercise controller guide, or instructor utilization handbook.

Ancillary software. Commercial off-the-shelf packages or tools used with authoring software. Examples of ancillary software are storyboarding tools, word processing, graphics, flowcharting, and Computer Managed Instruction (CMI) software.

Ancillary training. Refers to training in subjects that pertain to the duty performance of personnel but are separate from the individual's primary job. Included is training in those subjects not identified in the individual's job description.

Animation. The illusion of movement produced by displaying a series of successive images. For successful animation sequences, images must replace one another rapidly enough to appear to be continuous movement; at least 14 Frames Per Second (FPS).

Answer key. A document that shows the answers to each test item and the test standard for each test.

Anti-aliasing. Software adjustment to make diagonal or curved lines appear smooth and continuous in computer generated images.

Anticipated responses. Answers expected from students in reply to planned questions.

Applets. A miniature application program designed to perform simple tasks without having to send a user request back to the server. Some examples of these tasks include built-in writing and drawing programs, and performing immediate calculations.

Application Area. Screen space that serves as the user's main work space; also called the screen body or client area.

Application Program Interface (API). The specific method prescribed by a computer operating system or by another application program by which a programmer writing an application program can make requests of the operating system or another application.

Application Service Provider. A third-party entity that hosts software-based services and solutions off site.

Application software. A computer program designed to do one specific job or perform a specific task. Any software that is part of the application layer.

Apprenticeship. A structured training program involving instruction, work experience, and testing, usually for a set period of time, leading to certification in a given area.

Aptitude. The ability of an individual to acquire skill or show the potential for acquiring skill when given the opportunity and proper training.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). A series of tests designed under Department of Defense sponsorship which measures potential for training in a general occupational area.

Army Training and Evaluation Program (ARTEP). The cornerstone of unit training. It is the umbrella program to be used by the trainer and training manager in the training evaluation of units. The ARTEP is a complete program enabling commanders to evaluate and develop collective training based on unit weaknesses, then train the unit to overcome those weaknesses and reevaluate. Success on the battlefield depends on the coordinated performance of collective and individual skills that are taught through the ARTEP Mission Training Plan (MTP). Also see the definition for "Mission Training Plan (MTP)."

Array. The designation of a location of points by coordinates. A 2-D array is described with X-Y coordinates, while a 3-D array is described with X-Y-Z coordinates.

Artificial Intelligence (AI). The development or capability of a machine that can perform functions that are normally associated with human intelligence such as learning, adapting, reasoning, self-correction, and automatic improvement.

Artwork. Still illustrations or graphics.

Aspect ratio. The measurement of a film or television viewing area in terms of its relative width and height values. The width-to-height ratio of a single frame of film (three-to-two) or video (four-to-three).

Assembly. In computer technology this term means the conversion of instructions and data written in a computer language or in everyday terms, into the machine code that the computer understands.

Assembly language. A low level language (one level above machine code) that uses mnemonics for instructions, computational operations, and pseudo operations.

Asset. Any electronic representation of media such as text, images, sound, or any other piece of data a Web client can deliver. The most basic form of content is an asset. Assets include but are not limited to file types such as .doc, .wav, jpeg, .fla, .mov, .gif, .avi and .html.

Assignment-oriented training. Training designed to qualify an individual to perform those specific functions associated with the duty position and skill level of the next assignment.

Asynchronous Learning Network. A distance learning network using data channels to send and receive courseware permitting instructors and students to engage in conversations without being constrained by scheduled class convenings.

Asymmetric encryption (public-key encryption). A type of encryption system that uses two keys (i.e., password), a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message.

Asynchronous. Communication in which interaction between the participants is not simultaneous. Also see the definition for "synchronous."

Asynchronous transmission. Transmission in which time intervals between transmitted characters may be of unequal length. Transmission controlled by start and stop bits at the beginning and end of each character. Also see the definition for "synchronous transmission."

Asynchronous Web-based Instruction (WBI). On-demand, online-based instruction stored on a server and accessed across a distributed electronic network. It can be delivered over the Internet or private local area network (LANs) or Wide Area Networks (WANs) where the content is displayed utilizing a web browser. Student access is asynchronous, self-paced, and does not provide for synchronous interaction between the instructor and the remote student. High-resolution images and video may be limited due to available bandwidth.

Attention step. A segment of a lesson introduction in which the presenter gains the attention of the student and focuses upon the subject to be taught.

Attenuation. The decrease in magnitude of a signal.

Attitude. The mental state of a person that influences behavior, choices, and expressed opinions. Military training uses the term attitude to identify the psychological term affective domain.

Attitude learning type. A classification of change in an individual's mental capability to perform a skill.

Attitude measure. An instrument designed to gather information about a person's disposition toward something (e.g., liking or disliking subject matter or usefulness of a medium).

Attitudinal traits. An attitude that is part of the normal behavior of an individual. In contrast, attitudinal state is a momentary behavior.

Attribute. The property of an HTML element as an object.

Attribution (copyright). The requirement to acknowledge or credit the author of a work that appears in another work, and is required by most copyright licenses.

Attrition rate. The rate at which students are disenrolled from a course or fail to complete a course satisfactorily.

Audio. Sound based sensory stimuli. In some cases audio cues may be the sole sensory stimulus possible. In most cases audio is used to reinforce other sensory stimuli.

Audio compression. Identical to the definition for "still frame audio."

Audio Conferencing. An audio-only environment in which students in different locations use telephones or audio conferencing equipment to communicate with each other in real time. Supports a synchronous interactive environment between the instructor, remote students, and multiple sites but does not support visual images and graphics, and often supplemented by electronic or printed handouts. Can be integrated with other delivery systems to provide synchronous audio.

Audio Description. Speech, synchronized to the picture, describing a production's visual content. Audio description is specifically designed for visually impaired and blind persons. Typically, appropriate portions of the audio description are narrated during what would otherwise be natural silences in a production.

Audiographics. Audiographics combines audio conferencing with personal computer text and graphics, allowing both voice and data to be transmitted to remote sites. Typically, a site consists of audio conference equipment, plus a large screen that serves as an electronic whiteboard. This system allows for two-way data exchange (limited to high-resolution still images only) and a synchronous interactive environment between the instructor and students at multiple sites.

Audio only lesson. A recording that provides verbal information related to a task, or supporting skill and knowledge training.

Audio track. The section of an analog media that contains the sound signal that accompanies the video signal. The audio track usually runs along the edge of the videotape, and beside the video track on a disc.

Audiovisual aid. A device capable of providing stimuli to the physical senses of sight and hearing.

Audiovisual equipment. Equipment used for producing, processing, recording, and showing audiovisual products.

Audiovisual products. Material containing sound or imagery for conveying a message. Refers to still photography, graphics arts, still projections such as overhead transparencies, slides or film strips, motion pictures such as film, videotape, or videodisc, audio recordings (tape and disc), and combinations of such media.

Audiovisual services. Those functions performed in the production, manipulation, distribution, and storage of audiovisual materials such as scripting, video storyboard, photography, sound or television recording, film processing, film or tape editing, animation, graphic arts, audiovisual media depository and record center operations, reproduction and distribution of products, loan of audiovisual products or equipment, presentation of television, audio, still, or motion picture information; and design of consulting support for audiovisual users.

Audit trail. A documented record of the relationships among data.

Authentication. The process of verifying the identity of the sender of a communication, such as a request to log in, to ensure users are who they say they are. This may be applied to a person, computer, or computer program.

Authoring. A structured approach to developing all elements of a unit of instruction.

Authoring language. A set of rules, procedures, words, notation, syntax, and semantics used by an author to specify the logic and content of instruction to be delivered by a computer.

Authoring software. Computer programs designed to help authors create Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) without elaborate programming. There are three types of IMI authoring software they are: authoring language, authoring system, and ancillary software.

Authoring system. A prepackaged, prompted authoring aid, courseware template, or menu-driven editor designed to help authors (without formal computer programming skills) create Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) without elaborate programming. It is often referred to as an authoring package.

Auto-stop. A pre-programmed instruction telling the system to stop automatically at a designated place.

Awareness training. Training used to disseminate information that provides an individual with the basic knowledge/understanding of a policy, program, or system.

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Background training. The training that provides basic technical knowledge and skills required to prepare for further specialized training.

Bandwidth. The difference, expressed in Hertz (Hz), i.e. cycles per second between the highest and lowest frequencies of a transmission channel. For digital transmission channels and networks bandwidth is typically expressed in terms of megabits per second (Mbps) or Megabytes per second (MBps).

Base memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) from the 0 byte memory addresses up to the 640 KB Disk Operating System (DOS) limit, in an IBM compatible personal computer using the DOS operating system. This memory area is usable by DOS for programs and data. Also called "conventional memory."

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The computer hardware and software that describes the conventions of input/output for a particular computer.

Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP). A program that provides individuals instruction in prerequisite academic competencies necessary for job proficiency and preparation for advanced training.

Batch file. A text file (denoted with the file extension id ".BAT") that contains a collection of Disk Operating System (DOS) commands. When the fileid is typed, each DOS command in the file will be executed sequentially as if each DOS command had been typed separately.

Battle drill. A collective action executed in a standard manner without the application of a deliberate decision making process. The action is vital to success in combat or critical to preserving life. The drill is initiated on a cue, such as an enemy action or simple order, and is a trained response to the given stimulus. It requires minimal orders to accomplish and is standard throughout like units. Also see the definitions for "crew drill" and "drill." Also called "combat drill."

Behavior. Any human activity (skill, knowledge, or attitude), overt or covert, capable of being measured.

Behavioral objective. Identical to the definition for "Learning Objective (LO)."

Behavior modification. The change in the knowledge, skills, or attitude of an individual that occurs as the result of a planned set and schedule of reinforcements.

Benchmarking. A systematic method of comparing processes and practices (apple-to-apple) for the purpose of improving organizational performance. The five key components are: knowing the current state, setting the right goals, choosing the right path, establishing cost controls, and continued improvement.

Bezel. Frame or housing around a monitor screen often associated with touch screens that frequently require an extra bezel to accommodate the infrared Light Emitting Diodes (LED) or controlling electronics.

Bias. A systematic and pervasive error in measurement, not attributable to chance or random effects.

Billet. A specific personnel space that is assigned qualifiers that define the duties, tasks, and functions to be performed and the specific skills and skill level required to perform the delineated functions.

Binary code. A code in which every digit has only one of two possible values. The values may be the presence or absence of a pulse, a one or a zero, or a high or low condition for a voltage or current.

Binary digit. A numeral in the binary system of notation. The smallest unit of information in a binary system. One piece of information equal to one binary decision and represented either by a 0 or 1. All the memory locations in a computer are identified by a binary number address.

Binary interface. An interface between systems that accepts commands and returns responses in the form of command and response codes and pointers to parameter packets containing parameter token numbers and associated values.

Binary notation. A numbering system with a base of two (as opposed to decimal with a base of 10) and using only two numerals: one and zero. The numbering system used by computers, where a "1" represents an "on" condition and a "0" represents an "off" condition.

Bit Error Rate (BER). A unit of measurement equal to the number of bit writing errors in a given volume or area of storage medium in a specified period of time.

Bit location. A storage position capable of storing one bit; the position of a specific digit in a binary number.

Bit map. A computer graphic image that is stored in a digital format that can be displayed on a screen.

Bit mapping. A method of saving graphics in a digitized format so a graphic image or parts of the image can be displayed on the screen.

Bit planning. A build-up of graphics behind a display being shown to reduce or eliminate graphic build-up of following displays. The display appears quickly on the screen similar in speed to video displays.

Bit stream transmission. The method of transmitting characters at fixed time intervals. No stop and start elements are used, and the bits that form the characters follow each other without pause.

Blanking. The period of time in which no video image is displayed. Also see the definitions for "horizontal blanking" and "horizontal blanking interval."

Blended Learning. The combination of different training "media" technologies, activities, and instructional events creating an optimum learning program and environment for a specific audience. The learning program may combine self directed and instructor-led components in synchronous (live) or asynchronous (latent) constructs with learning models appropriate to the complexity of the course of study.

Block of instruction. A group of related instructional units or modules covering a major subject area.

Bookmark (or Hotlist). A stored list of Internet URLs which an individual may save in order to expedite rapid access to that site. The id on the list is the Title associated with that URL.Byte.

Branching. An instructional operation where a selection is made between two or more possible courses of action depending upon some related fact or condition or user response. Two or more directions a program path can go from a decision point.

Branching design. Paths developed by the designer to be executed by the user's input.

Branching design criteria. Previously determined paths developed by the designer and influenced by the user's input. Branching is intended to allow for differences in students learning processes.

Broadband. Typically the analog technology of CATV transmissions employing coaxial cable to operate with a radio frequency range of 50 MHz to 500 MHz. In the digital domain transmission is normally considered to be data rates in excess of T-1.

Broadcast quality. A level of quality for audio and video that can both be acceptably transmitted by radio or television.

Browsers. An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with information that resides on the Web, with navigation features that can also be applied to other media such as a CE-ROM. The browser is the primary interface between the user and the media. A Web browser is a client program that uses the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to make requests of Web servers throughout the Internet on behalf of the browsers user. Also see the definitions for "HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)" and "World Wide Web (WWW)."

Bubble memory. A memory technology that makes use of magnetic bubbles generated from a single-crystal sheet. Memory is nonvolatile (not lost when power is removed).

Buffer. A temporary storage area for data usually used to compensate for a difference in data rate and data flow between two devices (e.g., a computer and a printer).

Burst transmission. The process of messages being stored for a while, then released at a much faster rate of transmission; the received signals are recorded and then slowed down for the user.

Business Object. An object that is modeled after a business concept, such as a person, place, event, or process. Business objects represent real world things such as employees, products, invoices, or payments. They are functionally analogous to learning objects.

Bypassing. In programmed instruction, a technique that permits a student to skip certain portions of the material because of prior knowledge.

Byte. A byte is a common unit of computer storage. It is made up of eight binary digits. A byte holds the equivalent of a single character, such as the letter A or a dollar sign.

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C Programming language. A computer programming language that allows for computations to be made quickly.

Cache. Temporary, volatile storage for data requiring quick access.

Cadre training. Training of an initial (nucleus) group of personnel, such as instructors. Also see the definitions for "instructor and key personnel training", and "new equipment training."

Camera-ready copy. Original document (either in paper or electronic form) ready for entry into the printing system. Also called "reproducible copy."

Captions. Display of spoken dialogue as printed words on a television, computer, projection, or other type of screen. Unlike subtitles, captions are specifically designed for hearing impaired viewers. They may include information regarding on- and off-screen sound effects, such as music or laughter. Captions come in two forms: open and closed. Open captions are displayed automatically as part of the video, without selection by the user. Closed captions normally do not appear unless the user has selected them to appear.

Career management fields. Groupings of related occupational specialties that show a logical career progression.

Cascading Style Sheet (CSS). A web page style sheet derived from multiple sources with a defined order of precedence where the definitions of any style element conflict. The CSS specifies the possible style sheets or statements that may determine how a given element is presented in a web page.

Case study. A learning experience in which students encounter a real-life situation under the guidance of an instructor or computer in order to achieve an instructional objective.

Catalog. A detailed listing that describes or indexes a collection of information according to some specific plan.

Categories of Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) presentation. There are four categories of ICW presentation, descriptions are as follows:

a. Category 1 - Low Grade Presentation. This is the lowest (baseline) category of IMI development. It is normally a knowledge or familiarization lesson, provided in a linear format (one idea after another). Category 1 is primarily used for introducing an idea or concept. The user has little or no control over the sequence and timed events of the lesson material. Minimal interactivity is provided by selective screen icons and inserted into the lesson through typical input/output peripherals and programming protocols. This category may include simple developed graphics and/or clip art, customer provided video, and audio clips.

b. Category 2 - Medium Grade Presentation. This category involves the recall of more information than a Category 1 presentation and allows the student more control over the lesson/scenario through screen icons and other peripherals, such as light pens or touch screens. Typically Category 2 is used for non-complex operations and maintenance lessons. Simple emulations or simulations are presented to the user. As an example, the user is requested to rotate switches, turn dials, make adjustments, or identify and replace a faulted component as part of a procedure. This category also may include simple to standard developed graphics, and/or clip art, and customer provided video and audio clips.

c. Category 3 - High Simulation Presentation. This category involves the recall of more complex information (compared to Categories 1 and 2) and allows the user an increased level of control over the lesson scenario through peripherals such as light pen, touch screen, track ball, or mouse. Video, graphics, or a combination of both is presented simulating the operation of a system, subsystem, or equipment to the user. The lesson scenario training material typically is complex and involves more frequent use of peripherals to affect a transfer of learning. Operation and maintenance procedures are normally practiced with Category 3 scenarios and students may be required to alternate between multiple screens to keep pace with the lesson material. Multiple software branches (two to three levels) and rapid response are provided to support remediation. Emulations and simulations are an integral part of this presentation. This category may also include complex developed graphics, and/or clip art, and customer provided video and audio clips.

d. Category 4 - Real-time Simulation Presentation. This IMI category involves more in-depth recall of a larger amount of information (compared to Categories 1, 2, and 3) and allows the user an increased level of control over the lesson. Every possible subtask is analyzed and presented with full, on-screen interaction, similar to the approach used in aircraft simulator technology. The lesson material is extremely complex and involves more frequent use of peripherals to affect the transfer of learning. This category normally supports certification, recertification or qualification requirements. Complicated operation and maintenance procedures are normally practiced with Category 4 and involves all of the elements of Categories 1, 2, and 3 presentations plus 1) a high degree of interactivity, 2) an extensive branching (four or more levels), and 3) levels of sophistication - short of artificial intelligence.

C-Band. An analog satellite broadcast transmission operating in the 4-6 GigaHertz (GHz) portion of the microwave spectrum.

Central Processing Unit (CPU). The computer unit or chip, where all calculations, instructions, and data manipulations are performed.

Certification. A formal confirmation of certain facts. A product or service is certified when a qualified, neutral third party conducts a formal evaluation process typically using a rigorous, accurate, reliable, validated software test suite, and evaluation methodology. Certification (with policy, law, etc.) is for a specific version only of the product being tested. Certification may lapse after a specific duration, and may be lost or revoked. The certifying body stands behind its evaluation of the product or service.

Certification process. All activities by which a body establishes that a person fulfils specified competence requirements, including application, evaluation, decision on certification, surveillance and re-certification, use of certificates and logos/marks.

Certified Facilities. Training facilities or systems that are determined to be compliant with specified DoD technical architectures, configurations, and standards required to create a realistic joint training environment.

C-Format videotape. A standard for one-inch videotape and one-inch videotape recorders and players.

Chaining. A training technique that uses or transforms a learned response into the stimulus for the next desired response which then becomes the stimulus for the next response and so on to the final desired response.

Check box. A type of pushbutton implemented in software; behaves as an on-off toggle to indicate that one or more options is on or off; presenting a group or panel of check boxes allows the user to make multiple choices; also called check button; contrast with radio button.

Checklist. A job aid used to determine or ensure a process or procedure is followed. The elements of the activity are listed in the execution sequence.

Chrominance. An analog measure of a color signal, consisting of red, green, and blue primary information.

Class size. The number of students in a class.

Class training schedule. The schedule of lessons and events for a class attending a resident course.

Clearance for Public Release. The determination by responsible officials that a DoD production and the information contained therein are not classified; do not conflict with established DoD or Federal Government policies or programs; and comply with applicable laws and regulations, and, therefore, are releasable to the public.

Client. Client software requests information from another computer or server. Examples of client software used to browse the Web are Netscape Navigator, Firefox (an open source tool), and Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE).

Cloud Computing.  Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.  Essential characteristics include: on-demand self-service, ubiquitous network access, location-independent resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.  Delivery models include: software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, and rapid elasticity.  Deployment models include: private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud.  Source:  National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), v.14

Clustering. A process of organizing many tasks or learning objectives into logical groups based on some criteria. Also pertains to sequencing groups of objectives within a course of instruction.

Cockpit Familiarization Trainer (CFT). A device that looks like the aircrew station(s) of a specific aircraft.

Cockpit Procedures Trainer (CPT). A device used to train normal, emergency, and instrument procedures.

CODEC. An electronic device which converts analog signals to digital form, and vice versa. Codec stands for COder/DECoder, and is usually made up of a central processing unit and memory. Codecs may also be configured as send only and receive only.

Cognitive domain. A classification of educational objectives characterized by their dependence upon the manipulation of language symbols (thinking) mental process.

Cognitive engineering. The process of designing a user interface for compatibility with human capabilities and with the user's tasks.

Cognitive learning. A domain of learning that is concerned with knowledge and the various mental activities and processes by which the learner acquires knowledge and mental skills.

Cognitive test analysis. The process of identifying and describing work activities that involve primarily mental effort, such as problem solving and decision making; the methods used to perform such an analysis.

Collective exercises. Multi-echelon training events used to evaluate and sustain the skills of individuals, leaders, teams, staffs, and units.

Collective task. A task that requires more than one individual to complete with each individual performing a discrete part of the collective task. Also see the definitions for "common collective task," "common task", and "task."

Collective task analysis. The breaking down of a collective task into its discrete component parts.

Collective training. Instruction and applied exercises that prepare an organizational team (e.g., a squad, crew, battalion, or multi-Service task force) to accomplish required tasks and/or missions as a unit. Also see the definitions for "concurrent training"and "team training."

Collective training matrices. Graphic portrayals of relationships between missions, collective tasks, leader tasks, and individual tasks.

Co-located school or course. A school or course that is used by one or more services on another service's installation and shares classroom facilities and equipment.

Color bars. A color standard used by the television industry for the alignment of cameras and videotape recordings.

Combat drill. Identical to the definition for "battle drill." Also see the definition for "drill."

Combat readiness. A unit's ability to perform and be supported in combat.

Combination platform and component and simulator (hybrid) trainer A combination of systems utilizing actual components and simulated components functioning to provide a replica of the systems as installed. Can be designed with varying combinations of hardware and simulation dependent upon specified objectives and planned student terminal competency. Actual system components may be used, replicated, stimulated, or simulated.

Combined arms live fire exercise. High-cost, resource-intensive exercises in which player units move or maneuver and employ organic and supporting weapons systems using full service ammunition.

Combined arms training. Training which focuses on the integration of combat, combat support, and combat service support elements to produce units capable of mission accomplishment on the battlefield.

Combined training exercise. A training exercise that is conducted by military forces of more than one nation. Also called "multinational training."

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS). Items regularly used in the course of normal business operations for other than Government purposes that may be sold or licensed to the general public.

Common collective task. A collective task that is trained and performed in the same way by every unit in the Service. Also see the definitions for "collective task," "common task", and "task."

Common Cartridge. Defines a commonly supported content format able to run on any compliant LMS platform. It is built upon existing Content Packing specifications, adding support for integrating assessments, third-party tools and commonly used content models.

Common core. Certain basic principles or instruction common to two or more training courses.

Common Gateway Interface. A standard that allows Web servers to run external applications such as search engines.

Common core training. Directed training requirement for specific courses, grade levels, or organization levels.

Common learning objective. A learning objective written for a task element (supporting skill or knowledge) that is common to two or more tasks.

Common task. A task that is performed by all members of a Service regardless of rank, job, or duty position. Also see the definitions for "collective task", "common collective task", and "task."

Communications program. A program used to transmit and receive digital data.

Communications protocol. In a data communication network, the code standard that governs the priority and sequencing of data transmission. The rules governing the exchange of information between devices on a data link.

Communications tools (both synchronous and asynchronous). Tools that are used to enable instructor-to-student and student-to-student interaction through several media (i.e., video, audio, text, Internet) and face-to-face conversations. Communication tools can be utilized in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.

Community of Interest (CoI). An organization, group of organizations, or parts of organizations utilizing a system in the pursuit of common interest or objectives.

Community of Practice. The process of social learning that occurs when people who have a common interest in some subject or problem collaborate over an extended period to share ideas, find solutions, and build innovations.

Compact Disc (CD). A 4.75 inch optical disk with information recorded in a pattern of microscopic pits on the disk's reflective surface sandwiched between layers of plastic. (A low power laser shines on the surface and an optical sensor reads the pits by noting changes in the beam/reflection.)

Competence. Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and/or skills, and with relevant demonstrated personal attributes, as defined in the certification scheme.

Competency. A specific range of skills, knowledge, or abilities.

Competency-based instruction (or education). Instruction that is organized around a set of learning objectives based upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform a set of skills called competencies. Evaluating student success is based on competent skill performance. Normative measurement is specifically excluded from competency-based instruction.

Compilation. A type of DoD production that includes a selection of discrete items of imagery and/or audio, text, and graphics arranged according to a common theme or subject and organized as a single deliverable product. Compilations are usually viewed non-linearly. Examples are the DoD CD-ROM products, "Allied Force" and "War and Conflict."

Compiler. A computer program that translates a high-level language into a sequence of machine-language instructions that is executable by the computer.

Completion item. A test component requiring the completion of a statement, phrase, or concept.

Compliant. A product or service is compliant when tested to ensure it performs according to applicable guidelines, instructions, policy, or law. The performance test suite is designed to rigorously test inputs, processes, and outputs. Non-compliance (e.g., to a law or contract) may result in remedial and/or punitive actions.

Component video. A video signal in Red-Green-Blue (RGB) format which is a type of computer display output signal comprised of separately controllable red, green, and blue signals.

Composed SMPTE. The Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) number for each frame of video made of character-generated text, video, and special effects.

Composite video. The complete visual wave form of the color video signal composed of chromatic and luminance picture information; blanking pedestal; field, line, color sync pulses; and field equalizing pulses.

Comprehension verification. A technique whereby the student's understanding of what has been presented is tested before the student may proceed through the courseware.

Compressed speech. A presentational technique in which recorded audio information is presented at a rate of speed closely approximating the thinking rate of the individual.

Compression. Reduction of the amount of visual information sent in a signal by only transmitting changes in action. Compression can be "lossy" or "lossless" based on an algorithm's ability to reconstruct the original file.

Computer Aided Instruction (CAI). The use of computers to aid in the delivery of instruction. CAI exploits computer technology to provide for the storage and retrieval of information for both the instructor and student.

Computer Aided Testing (CAT). Software that provides automated testing and assessment tasks within education settings.

Computer based courseware portability. The capability to transfer courseware across various computer hardware or operating systems and have the courseware correctly function without modifications. Also see the definition for "portability."

Computer Based Training (CBT). Instruction delivered with the aid of a computer.

Computer language. A formal system of signs and symbols, including rules for the information and transformation of expressions, which all communicate information a computer, can understand.

Computer Managed Instruction (CMI). The use of computers and software to manage the instructional process. CMI functions can include student registration, student and group performance and trends, course and lesson content interaction with the student, scheduling training, course/lesson performance and use trends, and other training management functions.

Computer mark-up. The computer capability to write marks on the screen, indicating incorrect or unacceptable student responses to a question.

Computer modeling technique. A procedure employed during the simulation of an operational system; involves computer simulation of the major operations of the system under a variety of conditions.

Computer storage medium. A medium used to store digital data.

Concurrent training. Scheduling of training designed to train groups of trainees simultaneously on different tasks. Also see the definitions for "collective training" and "team training."

Condition. That portion of a learning objective or task statement that describes limitations.

Conditional branching. Branching which occurs when a specified condition or set of conditions is satisfied.

Condition statement. Part of a task or learning objective that describes the environment for performing the task. Conditions to be included in an accurate and complete statement of task conditions are tools and equipment, job aids, manuals, supervision, special physical demands, environmental conditions, and location of performance.

Configuration management. A systems management process used to ensure that modifications made in either hardware or software are in accordance with system standards and are compatible with the operation of other system components.

Conformant. A product or service is conformant when it adheres to technical specifications, guidelines, recommendations, or best practices to identify the correctness, completeness, and quality of developed product or service. Test assertions are achieved by inspecting results focused on reliability, stability, portability, maintainability, and usability. No form of testing is used other than evaluating actual results against expected results. For a more complete listing of attributes consult International Organization for Standardization standard ISO 9126.

Consequences of inadequate performance. A criterion in selecting critical tasks. The consequences of inadequate performance on certain tasks could result in injury to personnel, loss of life, or damage to equipment.

Constant Angular Velocity (CAV). A mode of videodisc playback where a disk rotates at a constant speed, regardless of the position of the reading head or stylus, making each frame separately addressable. A videodisc with information configured in concentric circles in order to provide rapid and discrete access. Individual frames can be identified and retrieved quickly and easily-the rapid, random access that is a basic requirement for an Interactive Video Disc (IVD). A CAV videodisc revolves at a continuous speed of 1,800 rotations per minute, contains 54,000 frames per side, and assigns a variable track length to each frame. One revolution generates one video frame.

Constant Linear Velocity (CLV). An extended-play videodisc with information configured in a spiral, similar to a record, to provide continuous, linear play. A consistent length for each frame is maintained, thus enabling longer playing time per side. CLV videodiscs assign a fixed track length to each frame and spin at a speed that gradually decreases as the disk plays. CLV discs allow twice as much playing time per side than CAV discs, but many user control capabilities of the CAV format are forfeited. The CLV disc can be read in linear play only, but can provide chapter search capability. A CAV videodisc contains 108,000 frames per side but restricts access in terms of chronological time. They are usually used for entertainment such as movies.

Constraints. Limiting or constraining conditions or factors.

Constructed response. An answer requiring recall or completion as opposed to recognition (e.g., drawing a diagram, filling in a form, and labeling the parts of a piece of equipment). Constructed response test item. An examination item requiring recall or completion as opposed to recognition (e.g., drawing a diagram; filling in a form; labeling the parts of a piece of equipment; writing a sentence, paragraph, or essay).

Content Aggregation Model (CAM). A set of responsibilities and requirements for building content and content organizations (e.g., course, lessons, modules, etc.) based on a natural taxonomy. The CAM contains information on creating content packages, applying metadata to the components in the content package and applying sequencing and navigation details in the context of a content package.

Content Delivery Network (CDN). A system of computers networked together across the Internet that cooperates transparently to deliver content (especially large media content) to end users. Nodes are deployed in multiple locations, often over multiple backbones, transparently moving content behind the scenes to optimize the delivery process (forward and store). Also called Enterprise Content Delivery Network, (ECDN).

Content development tools. Content development tools are paper or electronic job aids for training developers which assist them with collection, production, format, or integration of required steps, information, procedures, or other content into a learning unit.

Content Package. Content that is packaged in a known manner and file format, providing a consistent form for describing content structures, learning content, the metadata that describe the various components of the content structures, and sequencing and navigation rules.

Content Protection Layer. A feature applied to all content allowing a download, but precluding any further replication.

Content Repository. An accessible digital storage system containing SCORM Content Packages.

Content validity. An assessment that attests that a product will produce the desired results. One example in military training compares objectives, tests, and materials to ensure that they track with each other and, thus, may be expected to produce the desired results.

Contiguity. In learning, the principle, in which events that occur closely together, become associated by the student.

Contingency management. The establishment of a set of procedures by which students are required to perform a certain amount of work or to achieve certain objectives before engaging in activities that are preferred by the student (e.g., recreation, a break, or a more desirable training event). Also, described as reward stimulus procedures (i.e., systematically scheduling the consequences of behavior).

Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD Form 142. A list of the data requirements that are authorized to be acquired for a specific acquisition, which is made a part of the contract.

Contracting activity. An element of an agency designated by the agency head and delegated broad authority regarding acquisition functions.

Contractor. An individual or organization outside the U.S. Government that has accepted any type of agreement or order for providing supplies or services to a U.S. Government Agency.

Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE). Items provided by the contractor for inclusion in or support of contract work.

Controlled testing. A controlled study to test or evaluate an item or subject, used for such things as obtaining validation data.

Control track. A defined area that runs along a narrow band on the bottom edge of videotape, where the field sync pulse is recorded and replayed by a separate audio head. It acts as a reference that controls the heads to accurately trace the recorded information.

Convention. A guideline, rule, or practice based on general consent or acceptance.

Cookie. A cookie is a message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file called cookie.txt. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages for them. When you enter a Web site using cookies, you may be asked to fill out a form providing such information as your id and interests. This information is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser which sorts it for later use. The next time you go to the same Web site, your browser will sent the bookie to the Web server. The server can use this information to present you with custom Web pages. The id cookie derives from UNIX objects called magic cookies. These are tokens that are attached to a user or program and change depending on the areas entered by the user or program. Cookies are also sometimes called persistent cookies because they typically stay in the browser for long periods of time, unless removed by the browser's user.

Copy protect. A software or hardware system placed on a program to prevent its being copied.

Core curriculum. The central part of the total educational program involving the development of essential skills required for desired student performance.

Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI). A not-for-profit organization formed in 1986 to foster research and development for the National Information Infrastructure. CNRI promotes various collaborative activities that create productive synergies among government agencies, universities, and private organizations; it undertakes targeted research in technologies for management of digital objects and high-speed networking.

Corrective maintenance. The actions performed, as a result of failure, to restore an item to a specified condition.

Correspondence course. A self-study course consisting of instructional material and an assignment booklet (or lessons) for administration to nonresident students. Also see the definitions for "distributed learning" and "extension training."

Cost Avoidance. An accounting technique wherein the cost of a new program is offset against the cost of business as usual. Often used as a cost-benefit technique in cases where the beneficiary does not reimburse the proponent activity though the proponent must demonstrate savings.

Cost and Training Effectiveness Analysis (CTEA). An analysis which compares costs and effectiveness among training alternatives.

Cost/Benefit (tradeoff) Analysis. An analytic approach to solving problems of choice. It requires the definition of objectives, identification of alternative ways of achieving each objective and the identification, for each objective, of that alternative that yields the greatest benefit for a given cost or produces the required level of benefits at the lowest cost.

Cost-effective. Economical in terms of goods or services received for the money spent.

Cost-Effective Training Analysis (CETA). A comparative evaluation of potential instruction methods and media to determine the most cost efficient and training effective alternative.

Counseling. A means of assisting and developing students and subordinates. A leader/instructor counsels subordinates: to praise and reward good performance, to develop teamwork, to inform students on how well or how poorly they are performing, to assist students to reach required standards, to cause students to set personal and professional goals, and to help students resolve personal problems.

Course. A complete integrated series of lessons which are identified by a common title and/or number. Also see the definitions for "instructional unit", "lesson," and "module."

Course chart. A qualitative course control document that states the course identity, length, and security classification, lists major items of training equipment, and summarizes the subject matter covered.

Course evaluation. An assessment of the course to include course effectiveness, instructor effectiveness, technical documentation effectiveness, and effectiveness of training media.

Course identification. Alphanumeric designator used to identify a training course.

Course Identification Number (CIN). Alphanumeric number assigned to identify a course of instruction.

Course management plan. A document that describes how the course manager and instructors will manage and conduct the course.

Course map. A chart that depicts the designed sequence for events of a course.

Course mission. A description of the ultimate purpose of the course including a statement of whom and what is to be trained, the degree of qualification brought about by the training, and where and under what general conditions the graduate will perform on the job.

Course prerequisite. A requirement the student must possess before being able to attend a training course or lesson.

Course Structure Format (CSF). CSF is made up of elements, blocks, Sharable Content Objects (SCO) and objectives. CSF provides a means for moving a course from one Learning Management System (LMS) to another and reducing or eliminating dependency of a course on a particular LMS implementation.

Course training standards. Sets forth the tasks and proficiency required of students. Establishes overall course objectives. Contains performance, standards, and conditions.

Course trials. A full-length course conducted in a target environment (facilities, instructors and students) using the curriculum and supporting training material prepared for that course. Its purpose is to "shake down" or "validate" the curriculum and materials in a classroom situation to determine their effectiveness in attaining the approved learning objectives or training goals. Also called "pilot course."

Courseware. An instructional package (including content and technique) containing training materials, including the curriculum database and all disks, tapes, books, charts, and computer programs necessary to deliver a complete IMI program. Courseware includes special applications programs and other necessary software loaded in a computer, training device, or other instructional delivery system to interpret and execute an IMI program.

Courseware authoring tools. Tools that provide a means of developing course content and maintaining that content. Normally provided by a Learning Management System (LMS), these tools are able to integrate courses developed with different authoring tools through a conversion process by templates with emphasis on the capability of customizing, defining, and storing additional templates. Also called "authoring tools."

Courseware logic flow diagram. A graphic representation of actions/events required in accomplishment of the presentation of a course.

Courseware maintenance. Repairing, changing, replacing, or any other manipulation of implemented courseware.

Course Management Systems (CMS). A CMSs primary purpose is the management of curriculum data. The CMS supports launching, tracking, and feedback procedures within a computer-based training program. Additionally, a CMS provides the direct interaction between the student and the courseware and is the presentation interface for the course.

Cover shot. A wide-angle shot giving basic orientation of place and action.

Covert behavior. Behavior that is not directly observable but may be inferred from overt behavior that is observable.

Creative Commons. A non-profit organization devoted to expanding the range of creative work available for others legally to build upon and share. It offers a mechanism enabling copyright holders to grant some of their rights to the public while retaining other using contract schemes including dedication to the public domain or open content licensing terms. The intention is to avoid the problems current copyright laws create for the sharing of information.

Crew drill. A collective action that a crew of a weapon or piece of equipment must perform to use the weapon or equipment successfully in combat or to preserve life. This action is a trained response to a given stimulus such as a simple order or the status of the weapon or equipment. It requires minimal orders to accomplish. Also see the definitions for "battle drill" and "drill."

Criterion. The standard by which something is measured. In training, the task or learning objective standard is the measure of student performance. In test validation, it is the standard against which test instruments are correlated to indicate the accuracy with which they predict human performance in some specific area. In evaluation it is the measure used to determine the adequacy of a product, process, or behavior.

Criterion behavior. Performance required of the course graduate, which is described by the terminal objective(s) and measured by the criterion test.

Criterion-referenced grading. A way of grading students in relation to a predetermined standard (go or no-go). The standard is based on job requirements.

Criterion-referenced instruction. A way of organizing and managing instruction in which pre-specified performance criteria are achieved by each qualified student.

Criterion-referenced measurement. The process of determining, as objectively as possible, a student's achievement in relation to a fixed standard that is based on objectives. Also see the definition for "norm-referenced measurement."

Criterion-referenced objective. An objective with prescribed levels of performance. Each criterion-referenced objective contains a behavior (task statement), condition (available equipment, checklists, and governing directives, or the situation requiring the task), and a standard (regulation, operating instruction) for the task.

Criticality standard. A standard that reflects the importance of a task or learning objective.

Critical sequence. In training development, sequencing of topics or objectives according to their importance.

Critical task. A collective or individual task that, if not accomplished to the specified standard by a unit or individual, results in a serious adverse effect upon mission accomplishment, survivability, or safety. Critical tasks must be trained. Also see the definition for "training task."

Critical task selection board. A management device that serves a quality control function in critical task selection. The board reviews the total task inventory and job performance data and recommends tasks for approval to the appropriate authority as critical tasks.

Cross talk. The unwanted transmission of a signal on a channel that interferes with another adjacent channel.

Cross training. The systematic training of individuals on tasks related to another duty position.

Cue. A prompt that signals performance is needed. An initiating cue is a signal to begin performing a task or task performance step. An internal cue is a signal to go from one element of a task to another. A terminating cue indicates task completion.

Cue inserter. The device that places cues on lines of the vertical interval of the master tape.

Cue track. A narrow area, along a narrow band on the outer edge of videotape, which records signals, codes, and verbal memoranda used in editing.

Curriculum. A set of courses constituting an area of specialization. All training conducted within a school, outlined into specific topics, along with detailed training objectives, to include behavior, conditions, and standards.

Curriculum materials. All materials required for the presentation of information and the development of skills in formal training.

Curriculum outline. A detailed chronological listing of units/modules and lesson topics with estimated times of coverage in sequential order with the learning objectives they support.

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Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). An XML-based architecture for authoring, producing, and delivering technical information by using the principles of specialization and inheritance; capitalizing on the semantics of topics (concept, task, reference) and of content (messages, typed phrases, semantic tables); and providing vertical headroom (new applications) and edgewise extension (specialization into new types) for information. The DITA architecture was originally developed by IBM, and is now an OASIS standard.

Data. Recorded information, regardless of form or method of recording.

Database. Systematically organized computer data files for central access, sorting, quick searching, retrieval, and update.

Data capture. A speed-saving data input technique whereby input data is read by an optical scanning device and sent to a computer to be processed.

Data Item Description (DID), DD Form 1664. A form used to define the data required of a contractor. The form, when completed, specifically defines the data content, preparation instructions, format, and intended use.

Data model. In a database, the user's logical view of the data in contrast to the physically stored data, or storage structure. A data model is also a description of the organization of data in a manner that reflects the information structure of an enterprise.

Data packets. A collection of data bits transmitted as a single unit in a communications network.

Data product specification. A type of specification used to acquire data products (with the exception of technical manuals). Data product specifications are the source documents for Data Item Descriptions (DID) and are listed in the DoD Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL).

Data rate. The speed at which data is transmitted.

DD Form 1995. "Visual Information Production Request and Report." The primary authorization and reference document used for the life cycle management of DoD productions. For example, all production, distribution, and clearance instructions are derived from the information on the form.

DD Form 2568. "Defense Instructional Technology Information System (DITIS) Report." The primary authorization and reference document used for the life cycle management of Interactive Multimedia Instruction productions. For example, all administrative, instructional content demographics; instructional content description, software and system descriptions, and life-cycle management information are derived from the information on the form.

Decibel (dB). A unit for expressing the relative intensity of sound.

Decision point. A point at which there are two or more options.

Decision tree. A flowchart or graphic representation of the sequence of specific activities or operations.

Deductive design. An instructional design where rules are presented followed by examples. The emphasis is on forming conclusions. Also see the definition for "inductive design."

Deductive reasoning. The application of a law, principle, or other form of rule to develop conclusions. In training the principle or rule is provided and then supported with examples. Also see the definition for "inductive reasoning."

Default. A particular value that is assigned automatically and remains in effect unless overridden.

Defense Automated Visual Information System (DAVIS). DAVIS provides an online resource about visual information (VI), audiovisual (AV) productions, and interactive multimedia instruction (IM) products able to support training, command information and operational missions.

Defense Instructional Technology Information System (DITIS). DITIS provides information about courses and instructional products available to support education and training missions. DITIS provides content descriptions about proposed productions, productions in progress, and completed courseware products. DITIS products are available for all DoD Components and the United States Coast Guard customers.

Defense Inventory Production. A production created or acquired at any level within the DoD Components that has a target audience broader than the audience at the creating or acquiring installation or activity. Defense Inventory Productions are held at a central DoD inventory point, from which they can be easily ordered. Discovery of such productions, as well as ordering, is through DAVIS, which can be searched at . Local-Use-Only Productions expected to have long-term informational or other value may be declared Defense Inventory Productions to facilitate long-term discovery and ordering, even if only by users at the creating or acquiring installation or activity. See also Local-Use-Only Production.

Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). The organization that acquires, stores, retrieves, disseminates, and enhances technical information for research and development for government and industry.

Defense Visual Information Activity Number (DVIAN). A unique identifier assigned to each authorized DoD VI activity.

Demodulation. The process of retrieving digital data from a modulated signal.

Demonstration-performance method. A learning experience in which students observe and then participate in a sequence of events designed to teach a procedure, a technique, or an operation, frequently combining oral explanation with the operation or handling of systems, equipment, or materials.

Demonstration phase. A part of the demonstration-performance teaching method during which the instructor shows students how to perform the skill to be learned.

Dependent learning objective. Skills and knowledge in one learning objective that are related to those in another learning objective. In order to master one of the learning objectives, it is first necessary to learn the other.

Dependent testing. Requiring student mastery of skills and knowledge in one learning objective before testing skills and knowledge in another learning objective.

Design phase. A major phase in the training development process. Determines how to train. Translates analysis data into a blueprint for training. It identifies all resource requirements, training structure, learning objectives, test items, training sequence, student evaluation/graduation requirements, program of instruction.

Desktop Videoconferencing. Videoconferencing on a personal computer.

Developmental validation. The initial stage in which the material is tried out to determine if the product supports achievement of the learning objectives and to locate portions of the instructional materials that needs to be revised.

Development phase. A major phase in the training development process. Converts the design into resident and nonresident training materials, e.g., lesson plans, tests, student handouts, media, etc.

Device driver. A set of low-level software routine that work with and control a specific hardware device. The ids and functions are often standardized across many similar devices, letting high level software use hardware as a generic device.

Device Independent. Software or data structure designed specifically to work with or to operate on a wide variety of hardware platforms.

Diagram sheet. An instructional sheet that provides the student with a diagram, schematic, illustration, or definitions used during the course of instruction.

Didactic design. Instructional design in which the student is presented information and asked to respond to questions.

Differential feedback. Test response feedback specific to the multiple choice answer selected by the student.

Difficulty-importance-frequency model. One of several models available for use in selecting tasks for training and training site. Using this model, tasks are identifies as critical based on the difficulty, importance, and frequency of job task performance.

Digital Information. The record copy of all IMI courseware and modifications prepared and stored by the Component in a format that is readily accessible to other potential users regardless of the format used to deliver IMI. For example, Components delivering IMI entirely on a compact disc (CD) would prepare a record copy of the IMI courseware using digital media such as magnetic disk or magnetic tape to store the digital information, and analog media such as videotape or audiotape to store the analog information.

Digital Object (DO). Structured data, independent of the platform on which it was created, consisting of "elements" of the form <type,value>, one of which is its unique, persistent identifier.

Digital Object Identifier. A schema for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related current data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way.

Digital preservation. Long-term, error-free storage of digital information, with means for retrieval and interpretation, encompassing the entire time span that the information is required for.

Digital repository. A location in which large quantities of data are kept and maintained in an organized way, usually in computer storage. Repositories usually have a search engine, allowing the user to find specific data and gain access to the data.

Digital Rights Management (also Digital Restrictions Management) (DRM). An encompassing set of several technologies used to enforce pre-defined policies for controlling access to digital assets - software, music, and video. DRM tools handle the description, layering, analysis, valuation, trading, monitoring, and enforcement of usage restrictions that accompany a specific instance of a digital work. DRM technologies allow rights holders to exercise their rights, prevent revenue loss due to illegal duplication of their copyrighted works, and enable more effective market segmentation by enforcing any restrictions desired by the publishers.

Digital Subscriber Loops (DSL). A family of technologies (sometimes called XDSL, where X takes on several alpha values) describing various levels of performance available using the installed base of copper lines used by telephone companies. ADSL = asymmetric, HDSL = high bit-rate, VDSL = very high bit rate, SDSL = symmetrical, and RDSL = rate adaptive.

Digital Video Disc (DVD). Compact-disc-like media that is capable of storing approximately 4.7GB of data in a single disk/single layer format, 8.4GB in a single disk/double layer format and up to approx. 16.8GB in a double sided/double layer format. This facilitates the storage of very large full motion video and other multimedia files.

Digital Video Interactive (DVI). A standard for storing a large amount of digital data and producing full-screen, full-motion interactive video, audio, and still graphics or text. The interactive portion of DVI allows the viewer to manipulate, modify, twist, or otherwise control every aspect of the picture and sound. DVI works by utilizing heavy-duty data compression to store a large amount of digital data and unpacking the data when it is needed. DVI products can be stored on any medium that records digital signals, including Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) disks. The technology requires a personal computer, typically an AT-command compatible machine, and uses a custom Video Display Processor (VDP) that lets users process and display images either on a computer monitor or on a television set. A DVI compact disc can store more than one hour of video playing time, and can recreate and display 30 video frames per second.

Digitize. To convert analog data or code to digital data.

Dissemination. Dissemination is government distribution of information to the public. The following are not considered dissemination: distribution limited to government employees or agency contractors or grantees; intra- or inter-agency use or sharing of government information; and responses to requests for agency records under the Freedom of Information Act (5 USC § 552) or Privacy Act (OMB Circular A-130).

Directory. A compilation serving to direct, that is systematically arranged in alphabetical or classed order, such as a listing of addresses, affiliations, functions, and similar data.

Discrimination. The ability to identify a non-example of a concept that shares some but not all the critical attributes of that concept.

Distracter. In testing, incorrect answers provided as choices in multiple choice or matching type test items.

Distance Education.  The term distance education means education that uses one or more of the technologies; to deliver instruction to students who are seperated from the instructor; and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor, synchronously or asychronously.  Technologies used may include the Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast; closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices; audio conferencing; or video cassettes, DVD's and CD-ROMs, if the conjunction with any of the technologies listed above. (Note - this is keyed to technologies and does not include correspondence courses)  Source:  Higher Education Opprotunity Act 2008 - PL 110-135.

Distance Learning (application). Structured learning that does not require the physical presence of the instructor.  Source:  Los Alamos Labs 1989

Distance Learning (programmatic).  The development of innovative and effective teaching methods and strategies to provide postsecondary faculty, staff and administrators with the ability to provide accessible distance education programs or classes that would enhance the access of students with disabilities to postsecondary education, including the use of accessible curricula and electronic communication for instruction and advising.  Source:  Higher Education Opprotunity Act 2008 - PL 100-135

Distributed Learning (DL). Structured learning mediated with technology that does not require the physical presence of the instructor. Distributed learning models can be used in combination with other forms of instruction or it can be used to create wholly virtual classrooms.

Distributed Learning Content. This includes Sharable Content Objects (SCO)s, learning objects, and media assets.

Distributed system configuration. A computer system configuration where terminals can operate in a stand-alone mode as well as being able to share the processing and storage capabilities of a central processor in the network. Distributed systems have the capability of supporting remote stand-alone terminals in addition to supporting local stand-alone terminals. The distributed system must have software that integrates all the terminals into central Computer Managed Instruction (CMI) and system management.

Distribution. The process of supplying an end product to its intended end users, by any means.

Doctrine. Fundamental principles by which the military forces or elements thereof guide their actions in support of national objectives. It is authoritative but requires judgment in application.

DoD-Standard Identifying Number. In VI, a DoD-wide uniform designator assigned to a VI record for identifying, tracking, and/or controlling inventory. The standard identifying number for Defense Inventory Productions is the Production Identification Number (PIN); and for all other VI records except Local-Use-Only Productions is the Visual Information Record Identification Number (VIRIN). There is no standard DoD identifying number for Local-Use-Only Productions.

Domain of learning. A generic classification of learning outcomes into one of three primary but not necessarily materially exclusive categories: cognitive (e.g., thinking, understanding), affective (e.g., attitudes, values), and psychomotor (e.g., physical skills).

Downlink. A portable or fixed device (dish) able to receive and process digital and analog satellite signals.

Downloadable File. A computer file that is not intended to be viewed by a browser. It can be addressed by a hypertext link. It may require additional software to access the file.

Downtime, scheduled. The determined or required idle time necessary for normal servicing of computer equipment/software during which the equipment is unavailable for operations.

Downtime, unscheduled. The idle machine time during which the system is being repaired because of failures or unforeseen circumstances other than normal servicing or maintenance time.

Drill. A standardized technique or procedure that prepares students to execute critical individual or collective tasks in an instinctive and spontaneous manner. The drill includes the method(s) by which it is trained. Also, see the definitions for "battle drill" and "crew drill."

Drill and practice. Ungraded verifications of comprehension of enabling objectives (e.g., questions, exercises, and problems). A method of instruction characterized by systematic repetition of concepts, examples, and practice problems. An ungraded practice quiz.

Dumb terminal. A terminal that acts as an input/output device only.

Duplication. The making of copies from an earlier generation of VI materials. It includes all copies beyond the original or master copy.

Durability. The ability to withstand technology evolution and/or changes without costly redesign, reconfiguration, or recoding.

Duty. A set of operationally related tasks within a given job (e.g., weapons servicing, driving communicating, target detection, self protection, operator maintenance).

Duty hours. The period of the day during which job performance is scheduled.

Dynamic HTML or DHTML. (1) Refers to Web content that changes each time it is viewed. For example, the same URL could result in a different page depending on any number of parameters, such as geographic location of the reader, time of day, previous pages viewed by the reader, or profile of the reader. (2) When capitalized, refers to new HTML extension that will enable a Web page to react to user input without sending requests to the Web server. Microsoft and Netscape have submitted competing Dynamic HTML proposals to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which is producing the final specification.

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E-1. Similar to the North American T-1, the E-1 is the European format for digital transmission. E-1 carries signals at 048 Megabits per second (Mbps), 32 channels at 64 Kilobits per second (kbps), versus the T-1, which carries signals at 1.544 Mbps (24 channels at 64 kbps). E-1 and T-1 lines may be interconnected for international use. Also see the definition for "T-1."

e-Learning. A blend of distributed learning technologies using a personal gateway to seamlessly extract information from multiple databases, and applying results to a knowledge management portfolio using e-commerce models. The emergence of an education industry, focused on a learning environment.

Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM). Type of memory that can be erased via electric current and is reprogrammable.

Electronic guides. A type of electronic publication.

Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS). An integrated electronic environment that is available to and easily accessible by each user and is structured to provide immediate, individualized access to the full range of information, software, guidance, advice and assistance, data, images, tools, and assessment and monitoring systems to permit performance with minimal support and intervention by others. EPSSs can also be considered a type of job performance aid. Also called "electronic job aid."

Electronic publications. A document, prepared in a digital form on a suitable medium, for electronic-window display to an end user. Two examples of electronic publications are electronic guides and Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM). Also see the definitions for "electronic guides" and "Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM)."

Electronic testing. A general term used to encompass all methods for applying computers in the assessment of human attributes, knowledge, and skills. Many forms of computer based testing adapt the sequence, content, or difficulty of test items to the responses of the person being tested. As the individual is being tested the computer presents test items in response to the individual's actions. The electronic testing method utilizes branching to select test items based on the answers given while the test is being administered.

Electronic training media. Devices utilized in the application of computer and communications technologies to automate and support the free exchange of digitized technical data in support of the development, delivery, and maintenance of training materials.

Embedded training. Capabilities built into, strapped onto, or plugged into operational materiel systems to train, sustain, and enhance individual and crew skill proficiencies necessary to operated and maintain the equipment (but not for mission completion). These capabilities encompass four training categories: (1) Category A "Individual/Operator" to attain and sustain individual, maintenance, and system orientation skills; (2) Category B "Crew" to sustain combat ready crews/teams (building on skills acquired from Category A); (3) Category C "Functional" to train or sustain commander, staff, and crew/teams within each functional area to be utilized in their operational role; and (4) Category D "Force Level (Combined Arms Command and Battle Staff)" to train or sustain combat ready commanders and battle staffs utilizing the operational systems in its combat operational role.

Emulation. Mimicking the operation or characteristics of another system.

Enabling Learning Objective (ELO). A statement in behavioral terms of what is expected of the student in demonstrating mastery at the knowledge and skill level necessary for achievement of a Terminal Learning Objective (TLO) or another ELO.

Enabling skills and knowledge. The knowledge and skills required for the performance of a task performance step. They are identified when conducting task analysis.

Enclave. An information system, computer network, or group of computer networks that share a common physical or network security perimeter.

Encryption. The translation of data into a secret code.

End Product. The IMI in the form of a finished deliverable immediately ready for its intended end users.

Enterprise. An integrated, purposeful activity that usually leads to accomplishment of a goal.

Entry behavior. The knowledge and skills a student has when entering a course of instruction.

Entry level training. The training of knowledge, skills, and attitudes a student must possess prior to entering an occupational skill category.

Entry skills. Identical to the definition for "prerequisite."

Environment. The physical conditions and surroundings in which a job is performed, or in which learning takes place.

Environmental considerations. The environmental factors, concerns, and regulations that must be taken into account when conducting task analysis, designing training, and/or implementing training.

Equipment. A part of a system or subsystem for which operation and maintenance can be performed.

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM). Non-volatile, semi-conductor memory that is erasable via ultraviolet light and reprogrammable.

Evaluation. Judging, assigning, or affixing the worth of something.

Evaluation information. That information collected for the purpose of assessing performance of students, conduct of instruction, support of instruction, or any other aspect of the instructional process.

Evaluation instrument. A test or other measuring device used to determine achievement (go and no-go) or the relative standing of an individual or group or a test objective (i.e., attitude, behavior, performance objective, and other attributes). Evaluation instruments include tests, rating forms, inventories, and standard interviews.

Evaluation plan. A set of procedures that will be used to gather data and information for the purpose of assessing a course of instruction or other training product.

Evaluation program. A schedule for the coordinated, systematic, and continuous assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the training system, its processes and products.

Examination. A mechanism that is part of the evaluation, which measures competence by one or more means such as written, oral, practical and observational.

Exercises. Multi-echelon training events used to evaluate and sustain the skills of individuals, leaders, teams, staffs, and units. Types of exercises are:

a. Command Field Exercise (CFX). Field training exercise with reduced troop and vehicle density but with full command and control, and combat service support elements.

b. Command Post Exercise (CPX). An exercise in which the forces are simulated; may be conducted from garrison locations or between participating headquarters in the unit.

c. Decision Making Exercise (DMX). Exercise used to brainstorm rough contingency courses of action in response to conditions which could arise during an operation. It is intended to improve dialog, understanding, and teamwork between commanders, subordinate commanders, and staffs.

d. Field Training Exercise (FTX). It is conducted in an austere field environment during day and night and through all weather conditions.

e. Fire Coordination Exercise (FCX). Trains the combined arms team chain of command and related fire control elements to rapidly synchronize fires on the battlefield.

f. Live Fire Exercise (LFX). An exercise designed to allow a unit/team to engage targets with its organic weapons and support.

g. Logistical Coordination Exercise (LCX). Provides leaders with a hands-on opportunity to deal with combat related challenges such as transportation, maintenance, and graves registration.

h. Map Exercise (MAPEX). Portrays military situations on maps and overlays. A training tool used before conducting other, more costly exercises.

i. Situational Training Exercise (STX). A short scenario driven mission-oriented tactical exercise that provides a vehicle to train a group of related collective tasks and drills together. Situational training exercises provide preconstructed short term exercises that are central to sustainment training for tactical mission proficiency.

j. Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWT). An exercise conducted on actual terrain with unit leaders and staff without troops.

Expanded memory. Bank-switchable Random Access Memory (RAM) above 640 KB, which can be addressed in chunks by software that recognizes it, in any IBM compatible personal computer using DOS in a 8088 or higher microprocessor. It allows for chunks of RAM, each no greater than 640 KB, to be addressed one group at a time by one program, speeding up the execution and data handling of the program.

Expansion slot. A slot for a card in a computer or device. One or more spaces in a computer that holds circuit boards (cards) that enhance computer operation.

Experiential learning. An instructional activity having a behavioral based hierarchy that allows the student to experience and practice job related tasks and functions during a training session.

Expert system. A computer tool that attempts to emulate the procedure used by an expert to solve a problem.

Exportable training. A training program or course that may be moved and trained at different locations.

Extended memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) greater than 640 Kilobytes (KB), which can be fully addressed by software that recognizes it, in a 286-based or higher IBM compatible personal computer using Disk Operating System (DOS). The software puts the personal computer in protected mode to address the RAM in one chunk (including the RAM above 640 KB). When making a system call to DOS, the software must put the computer in unprotected mode and cannot address more than 640 KB of RAM. The software often toggles the computer between protected and unprotected mode in order to effectively use the RAM above 640 KB and make system calls to DOS.

Extensible Markup Language (XML). A language used to create and describe common information formats and share both the format and the data on the Internet/intranet. Such a standard way of describing data would enable a user to send an intelligent agent (program) to each computer maker's web site, gather data, and then make a valid comparison.

Extension training. Training, either individual or collective, usually conducted at locations other than Service schools or training centers. Also see the definitions for "correspondence course" and "distributed learning."

Extension training material. A term used to describe all exportable training products. It includes materials that are exported from one resident school to another as well as units.

External evaluation. External (field) evaluation is the process of gathering and analyzing data from outside the training environment in order to determine how well recent graduates are meeting job performance requirements. This evaluation activity relies primarily on input from the field to determine how well graduates are performing. However, in some cases, external evaluation data is gathered and provided to the organization by inspection and evaluation teams, consultants, advisory bodies, Board of Visitors, accrediting agencies, and professional certification groups.

External storage. Peripheral device for storage (e.g., tape or disc).

Extranet. Part of an organization's intranet that is extended to users outside the organization. Also see the definitions for "Internet" and "intranet."

Extrapolation. A sub-level of the comprehension level of learning in which students develop sufficient understanding to estimate trends or predict outcomes based upon the subject matter under study.

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Factory training. Training or instruction provided by a vendor or manufacturer on how to maintain and operate a specific piece of equipment.

Fade. To slowly change a video image (screen).

Fair Use. As stated in 17 USC § 106 the owner of copyright has the exclusive rights to do and to authorize others to do any of the following with their copyrighted work: reproduce copies, prepare derivative works, distribute copies, perform publicly or display publicly. A "fair use" of a copyrighted work may include the practice of any of the exclusive rights provided by copyright, for example, reproduction for purposes such as criticism comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research.

Familiarization training. Training to acquaint personnel with a specific system or to keep personnel abreast of changing concepts and requirements.

Fault. A malfunction of equipment/firmware/software.

Fault insertion devices. Equipment designed with malfunctions to be used as training aids for systems, subsystems, and equipment.

Federal Records. Federal records are "...materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by an agency of the United States Government under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the Government or because of the informational value of the data in them (44 USC § 3301)."

Feedback. 1) guidance provided in response to user action for the purpose of helping the user navigate through the display system and understand error messages; may take the form of a warning, a dialog with the user to clarify and resolve a problem, or a query to probe user intentions; 2) information about system status; 3) a visual echo of each keystroke.

Fidelity. The degree to which a sensory stimulus accurately represents reality.

Field exercise. An exercise conducted outside the classroom in the field under simulated conditions.

Fielding date. When equipment is delivered.

Field standard. The video production standard that effectively describes the running speed of the video program. Field standard is related to the main power supply frequency. Where the power supply is 60 Hz, the field standard is 60 fields (or 30 frames) per second; this is the standard employed by National Television Systems Committee (NTSC).

Field training. Technical, operator or other training conducted at operational locations on specific systems and associated direct support equipment.

Field validation. The point in training product development where the product is administered to a representative sample of the student target population. The intent is to exercise the product in a realistic environment to determine the administrative feasibility and the appropriateness of the product for the student target population.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP). A protocol that allows the transfer of files or data from a distant computer to a local computer using a network system (Internet).

Firewall. A set of related programs, located at a network gateway server that protects the resources of a private network from users of other networks.

Firmware. A computer program or software permanently stored in Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), or semi-permanently stored in Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM).

Fixed repetition. The design element that repeats a segment of training material in the same way to increase learning.

Fixed sample. When testing the effectiveness of a lesson, a preset sample of students is selected in advance. Decisions are based on the outcome of that preset sample.

Fixed sequence. A process where elements that are always performed in the same order.

Fixed sequence task. A task that follows the same steps each time that it is performed.

Flicker. The shaky or shivering effect (usually unwanted) on a video still or freeze frame caused when both fields of a video picture frame are not identically matched with fields from adjacent frames. As the video equipment attempts to display the still or freeze frame, the adjacent pictures alternate.

Flowchart. A visual method of indicating the many relationships of the sub parts of a process, including steps and decision points.

Flow diagram. A graphic representation of actions/events required in accomplishment of task (e.g., lesson development).

Flying spot scanner. A device that uses a moving spot of light to scan a sample space, with the intensity of the transmitted or reflected light being sensed by a photoelectric transducer. Used to transfer slides or film to videotape.

Follow-on training. Training conducted after initial training.

Foreign training. The training of foreign nationals under the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. It is funded through grants or foreign military sales. It includes resident training, on-the-job training, mobile training team, field training services, and in-country training. Also called the "military assistance program."

Formal course. Training course outlined in formal training syllabus which accepts a student with prescribed entry prerequisites and ensures that each graduate possesses the knowledge, skills, and levels of proficiency set forth in the course objectives or training standards.

Formal lecture. A structured and often rehearsed teaching session with no verbal participation by students. Also see the definitions for "lecture" and "informal lecture."

Formal On-the-Job Training (FOJT). Formal training that takes place in the actual work situation. Also see the definition for "On-the-Job Training."

Formal training. Training (including special training) in an officially designated course conducted or administered in accordance with appropriate course outline and training objectives.

Format. The desired organization, structure, or arrangement of the content of a data product. This term relates to the shape, size, makeup, style, physical organization, and typographic make-up (e.g., line length, type face, and size) of the data product.

Formative evaluation. An evaluation employed during the development process that provides information about the effectiveness of training objectives and the student acceptance of training materials. This information is used to guide the refinement of the product under development.

Frame. In programmed instruction, each portion of material to which the student makes a response. A frame may vary in size from a single incomplete sentence, question, or instruction to perform some response, up to a sizable paragraph.

Frame address. A code that indicates the location of a frame on either a videotape or videodisc. Each frame has a frame address. A frame address is put on each disk or tape in the form of a frame address code.

Frame address code. A code located in the vertical interval of a video frame.

Frame buffer. A memory device that stores the contents of an image pixel by pixel. Frame buffers are used to refresh a raster image. Sometimes they incorporate local processing ability. The "depth" of the frame buffer is the number of bits per pixel, which determines the number of colors or intensities that can be displayed.

Frame grabber. A device that stores one complete video frame.

Frame number. A number that indicates the frame address.

Frame oriented. A method in which a designer/developer works directly on designing the screens that comprise the basis of the finished Interactive Courseware (ICW).

Frame rate. The speed at which frames are scanned; 30 frames per second for National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) and 24 frames per second for film.

Frame storer. A device that stores one complete video frame.

Frame (video). A single, complete video picture composed of two interlaced fields totaling 525 lines (National Television Standards Committee (NTSC)), running at 1/30 second. A single frame is a Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) videodisc reference point.

Freeware. Software that is distributed by its author without charge. A general term for software that is made available to users on terms other than conventional sales. Also called "open software."

Freeze frame. A single stopped frame from a motion sequence. A single frame from a motion sequence displayed as a still image. Unlike a still frame, a freeze frame is not a picture originally shot to appear on its own, but is one frame taken from a longer moving sequence.

Frequency of performance. How often a task is performed.

Front-End Analysis (FEA). A structured process used to examine (training) requirements and identify alternative approaches to training job tasks. The process identifies job tasks to be performed, analyzes the skills and knowledges needed to perform them, asses the technologies available for training the skills and knowledges, performs a media analysis to recommend the best mix of delivery media, and provides cost and lead-time comparisons for the feasible alternatives.

Front matter. Data required at the beginning of a document to provide purpose, identification, foreword, and other data not included in the body of the document.

Full duplex. Simultaneous, two-way independent transmission.

Full-frame identification. The process during film-to-tape transfer whereby picture cues are inserted in the vertical interval of the master tape to identify the first video field that corresponds to a new film frame.

Full-frame time code. Identical to the definition for "Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) time code."

Full-motion video. Video (with interactive audio) used where the highest quality of resolution and ability to track the motion of quickly moving objects and people without distortion is required. Generally, FMV is the level of broadcast quality television. Also called "continuous motion video."

Full scale simulator. A device that allows simulation of tasks related to applicable crew members for a given operational requirement. It is capable of simulating the operational environment (e.g., audio, visual, and tactile) to achieve maximum realism and training effectiveness.

Functional area. A idd category, descriptive of a subject under which tasks are listed. The title given a functional area is descriptive of a subject in which the assigned proponent is recognized as the technical expert.

Functional description. A design document which states the specific performance characteristics of a system to be developed. The document may be wholly narrative or it may contain flow-charting.

Functional grouping. Organizing instruction such that tasks that relate to the same procedures or equipment are presented together.

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Gain. The level of amplification of a signal.

Gaming. A technique in which the student is presented situations involving choice and risks. The choices and the consequences resemble real-life situations, and the players are reinforced for various decisions. Gaming is typically an enjoyable learning method for the student.

Gantt chart. A visual representation of project events; shows the duration of each event along a timeline.

Gateway. A network point that acts as an entrance to another network.

Gender changer. A hardware connecting device used to change a male/female device to female/male.

Gender neutral language. Terminology that cannot be construed to indicate a particular sex (i.e., the use of the term "service member" instead of "serviceman" or "servicewoman").

General Public License (GPL). A widely used free software license (see: http://www.opensource.org).

General purpose trainer. A trainer that can be configured through hardware or software changes to represent more than one operational system.

General skill. An ability having wide application and transferability.

Generation. The number of times a reproduction is removed from the original source. A copy of the original is a first generation, a copy of that is a second generation, and so forth.

Generator. In computer-based technology, a device or system that facilitates some task, such as text, graphics, or program design.

Generic courseware. Courseware that is not specific to one organization and appeals to a broader market.

Generic trainer. A trainer designed to provide training on a type or class of equipment as opposed to a specific system. Also see the definition for "general purpose trainer."

Generic videodisc. Videodisc material that can be used with courseware developed by more than one organization; discs associated with the subject matter but not with a particular course.

Genlocking. Aligning the data rate of a video image with that of a digital device, to digitize the image and enter it into computer memory. The device that performs this function is a genlock.

Goal analysis. A method of analyzing the affective requirements of an instructional program.

Go and no-go/pass or fail. The evaluation criterion whereby a student cannot partially pass. The student either passes (go: meets the standard) or fails (no-go: does not meet the standard).

Go to. A specific branch instruction in a program.

Government Concept of Operations (GCO). A Government document that is prepared during the acquisition planning and requirements determination activity for each procurement. It is used to provide information to potential offerors about the Government's computer hardware and software infrastructure and implementation strategy.

Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). Hardware/software that has been selected to be furnished by the Government to a contractor or Government activity for installation in, for use with, or in support of the system/equipment.

Government Furnished Information (GFI). Data that is to be furnished by the Government to a contractor.

Government Furnished Material (GFM). Documents, equipment, facilities, and services supplied to a contractor before and during the execution of a contract.

Government Furnished Property (GFP). Property (e.g., real and personal, including facilities, material, special tooling, special test equipment, and agency-peculiar property) in the possession of or directly acquired by the Government and subsequently made available to the contractor. Documents, equipment, facilities, and services supplied to a contractor before and during the execution of a contract.

Government/Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP). A cooperative data interchange among Government and industry participants seeking to reduce or eliminate expenditures of time and money by making maximum use of existing knowledge. GIDEP provides a means to exchange certain types of data essential during the life cycle of systems and equipment.

Government Information. Government information is information created, collected, processed, disseminated, or disposed of by or for the Federal Government. (OMB Circular A-130). Government Publication. A government publication is information which is published as an individual document at government expense, or as required by law. (44 USC § 1901)

Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP). An applications portability profile interface definition for data communication network services in an Open Systems Environment (OSE). GOSIP is a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS), FIPS 146 that requires agencies to buy data communication products and services complying with a set of international standards called the Open Systems Interconnectivity.

Government Property (GP). All property (e.g., real and personal, including facilities, material, special tooling, special test equipment, and agency-peculiar property) owned by or leased to the Government, acquired by the Government under the terms of the contract, or property acquired by the contractor for performing a contract and to which the Government has title. It includes contractor-acquired property, Government Furnished Equipment, Government Furnished Information, Government Furnished Material, and Government Furnished Property.

Government Purpose Rights License. A nonexclusive, irrevocable, paid-up royalty-free worldwide license to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display or disclose the work by or on behalf of the Government. Under a Government Purpose Rights License, the Government may use the work within the Government without restriction, and may release or disclose the work outside the Government and authorize persons to whom release or disclosure has been made to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose the work for Government purposes.

Graphic. A visual representation of an idea, object, or other factors, shown by means of lines, marks, shapes, and symbols. A still picture, illustration, symbol, shape, or other visual image (e.g., charts, graphs, line drawings, illustrations, equipment panels, animation, 3-D).

Graphic Art. Hand-, mechanically-, or computer-drawn art works or pictorial representations that are created rather than recorded in a camera. Examples include charts, posters, photo illustrations, photo montages, computer-generated pictures, drawings, paintings, animation cells, statues, bas-reliefs, graphs, brochures, displays, icons, logos, and exhibits.

Graphic overlay. Computer generated text/graphics superimposed onto video (moving or still).

Graphical user interface (GUI). The use of geometrical shapes, symbols, icons, and lines of various types to convey information as compared to a textual user interface.

Graphics card. A peripheral device that enhances a computer's ability to process and display graphics.

Graphics input device. A unit such as a digitizer that gives the computer the points that make up an image so it can be stored, reconstructed, displayed, or manipulated. Also see the definition for "graphics tablet." Also called "bit pad."

Graphics library. The storage and documentation of graphics that are built within the units of Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI). Graphics can be pulled from the library and be inserted into other units of IMI.

Graphics output device. Used to display or output an image.

Graphics tablet. A flat, device used with a stylus or mouse, which, when activated, creates an X-Y input, giving the points that make up an image, to the computer. A sensitive board that acts as a canvas through which computer-generated graphics can be drawn. Also see the definition for "graphics input device." Also called "bit pad."

Group lock-step instruction. Instructor centered training with fixed periods of instruction. All class members or small groups are instructed on the same task at the same time. Also called "lock-step instruction."

Group-paced instruction. Students progress as a group at a rate equal to that of the slowest student. There is no fixed minimum time for a unit.

Group trial. Tryout of a training course on a representative sample of the target population to gather data on the effectiveness of instruction in regard to error rates, criterion test performance, and time to complete the course.

Guard tracks or guard bands. The protective bands sometimes inserted between tracks of recorded material on audio or videotape to prevent crosstalk between unrelated tracks.

Guide. A handbook that provides information on a specific subject.

Guided discussion method. A learning experience in which students participate in an instructor-controlled, interactive process of sharing information and experiences related to achieving an instructional objective.

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Half duplex. Transmission that can occur in only one direction at a time.

Handbook. A document prepared specifically to provide guidance information. Handbooks are used for the presentation of general information, procedural and technical use data, or design information related to commodities, processes, practices, and services.

Handle. A handle is a unique persistent digital object identifier composed of two parts separated by a forward slash: a prefix that for the ADL-R will always begin with 100.50, and a suffix consisting of a string of numbers and/or characters unique to that prefix, e.g., 100.50/abc.

Hands-on. Student practice on actual equipment, simulators, or training aids.

Hang-up. An unwanted repetition of an audio/video sequence, program, or courseware due to a hardware malfunction, control software error, or media problem.

Hard copy. Information printed on paper.

Hard data. Data acquired through precise and accurate measurement. Also see the definition for "soft data."

Hard disk. A memory storage device using a magnetically coated, rigid disk. An inflexible magnetic disk with greater storage capacity than a floppy disk, used as a mass storage medium.

Hard skills. Skills to perform where job requirements are well defined in terms of actions to be taken and expected outcomes.

Hardware. The physical components of a system. When referring to computers the term means the physical components and equipment that actually makes up a computer system (everything except the programs or software) which includes the machine itself, printers, disk drives, monitors, Modems, and accessories such as cables. Hardware includes the mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment used for processing data.

Hardware transportability. The ease with which equipment can be transferred from site to site.

Hazard. A condition with the potential of causing injury to personnel, damage to equipment or structure, loss of material, or lessening of ability to perform a mission, a task, or a learning objective.

Helical. A type of videotape recorder in which the tape wraps around the head drum in a spiral or helical configuration. The videotape system employs two or more video heads mounted on opposite sides of a revolving drum. The video head drum spins at one frame per revolution, so each head scans one field per revolution. Helical scan achieves the high head-to-tape speeds needed for video recording by moving both the tape and the video heads.

Helping relationship. Face-to-face interactions in which an instructor applies effective human relations skills to assist a student or group of students attain a goal or goals.

Hertz (Hz). The standard unit of frequency. A measure of frequency or bandwidth. Cycles per second. One Hz is equal to one cycle per second.

Heuristic routine. A problem solving approach, not a direct step-by-step procedure, but a trial-and-error approach frequently involving the act of learning.

Hexadecimal. A base-16 number system used sometimes for computer functions.

High Definition Television (HDTV). Any variety of video formats offering higher resolution than current National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) broadcast standard.

Higher Order Language (HOL). A computer language that permits an action actually requiring several steps inside the computer to be specified by a single command. Higher order languages (e.g., COBOL, PASCAL, Ada) permit the programmer to be more productive than do the lower order languages (e.g., "assembly language" or "machine language." Also see the definition for "high-level language."

High Level Architecture (HLA). A general purpose architecture for simulation reuse and interoperability. The HLA is based on the premise that no simulation can satisfy all uses and users. An individual simulation or set of simulations developed for one purpose can be applied to another application under the HLA concept of a composable set of interacting simulations.

High-level language. A user-friendly computer programming language that uses English-like commands. A computer programming language that closely resembles everyday language. One high-level language statement can be translated to many assembly languages or machine code instructions. Authoring languages are a type of high-level languages. Examples of high-level languages are BASIC, PASCAL, and FORTRAN. Also see the definition for "Higher Order Language (HOL)."

Highlighting. Bringing attention to something by accentuating it through a variety of means such as color, and inverse mode.

High risk tasks. Critical operation or maintenance procedures that have a high potential for performance shortfall and a corresponding adverse impact on overall system performance if personnel are not trained to perform the tasks to standard. These tasks are typically difficult to train because they are exceptionally complex and require a high degree of skill, have either a high frequency of inadequate performances, or any combination of the above.

Hologram. A three-dimensional image produced by a system that uses lasers.

Home assignment sheet. Used to record the assignment of work a student must complete outside of regular class hours.

Home Page (See also Web Site). A home page is the entry point to a Web site or a grouping of related pages commonly referred to as a "document collection." It is the first page of information received by a visitor to the site or document collection. Information. Information is any communication or representation of knowledge such as facts, data, or opinions in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual forms. (OMB Circular A-130) Ku-Band. Digital satellite broadcast transmission that is programmable and can be restricted to select sites only. Video Streaming and video downloading to the desktop are two features.

Horizontal blanking. The time period during which the video monitor display is blank for horizontal retracement. Also see the definitions for "blanking" and "horizontal blanking interval."

Horizontal blanking interval. The time required for the picture-forming beam of a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) to return from the end of a scan line to the start of the next scan line. Also see the definitions for "blanking" and "horizontal blanking."

Horizontal sync. The pulse used to synchronize the horizontal scan of the video monitor.

Host computer. The central computer that is the primary information source and provides the computational power for terminals and peripheral devices that are connected to it.

Hue. A particular variety of a color; shade; tint. Hue is improperly adjusted if a picture is bluish, greenish, or reddish.

Hybrid trainer. A trainer that is a composite trainer containing several related end item systems utilizing hardware and simulation of components. Provides capability for overall system operation and demonstration, and for the performance of tasks for several interconnected and interfaced systems and subsystems contained in the related series end items.

Hypertext. A document which has been marked to allow the user to select specific words or pictures within the text, click on them, for connection to additional or explanatory information.

HyperText Markup Language (HTML). A hypertext document format used to create Web documents by using tags embedded in text.

HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The set of rules for exchanging files (e.g., text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web. Relative to the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP) suite of protocols, which are the basis for information exchange on the Internet. Also see the definitions for "Internet Protocol (IP)", "protocols," and "Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)."

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Icon. Symbolic, pictorial representation of a particular function or task.

Identifier. A combination of one or more numbers, letters, or special characters that designate a specific object/entity but that have no readily definable meaning.

Ignorable words. Words in a string that will be ignored by the computer when a student response is judged.

Illustration. The use of graphics, animation, or any kind of visual demonstration within a lesson.

Image enhancement. A display technique that improves details or contrast between display elements.

Image processing. A computer transformation of machine data to produce a display on a monitor.

Imagery. A visual representation of a person, place, or thing recorded and stored in any format on a physical medium.

Immediacy of performance. The time between when the cue is received to perform a task and when the task is performed.

Implementation phase. The major Instructional Systems Development/Systems Approach to Training (ISD/SAT) phase that features actual conduct of training based on the materials created during the design and development phases.

Independent learning. Usually, learning outside the classroom environment. Similar to learning from homework. Not to be confused with "individualized instruction" or with "criterion-referenced instruction."

Independent learning objective. In instructional systems development, skills and knowledge in one learning objective that are unrelated to those in another learning objective. Mastering one of the objectives does not simplify the other.

Independent study. Typically, a special project or assignment of selected readings for students seeking more information on a course topic. Not to be confused with "individualized instruction" or with "criterion-referenced instruction."

Index. A guide to material arranged by a different scheme from that used for the material itself.

Individualized instruction. Training that allows each student to determine the pace, start time, amount, and kind of instruction based on individual goals or objectives, entry-level skills, choice of learning media, and criterion-referenced measures for determining mastery.

Individual-paced instruction. Identical to the definition for "self-paced instruction."

Individual task analysis. The process used to identify the individual task performance specifications. They describe how the task is actually performed, under what conditions it is performed, and how well the individual must perform it. They are the task performance details needed to establish the individual training strategy and to design and develop follow on training.

Individual Task Training Package (ITTP). Data that provides personnel with critical task performance requirements associated with a specific job. Also see the definition for "Training Support Package (TSP)."

Individual training. Training that prepares the individual to perform specified duties or tasks related to assigned duty position or subsequent duty positions and skill level.

Individual Training Plan (ITP). A narrative description, a milestone schedule, a resource estimate, a resource summary supplement, a list of ammunition requirements, and an analysis plan, when available.

Individual Training Standards (ITS). The standards used to specify individual training proficiency requirements (tasks) that support unit mission performance. They include a task (behavior), conditions, proficiency standards (often steps), and references. ITS's are generally derived from Mission Performance Standards (MPS).

Individual trial. Identical to the definition for "individual tryouts."

Individual tryouts. In training material validation (effectiveness testing), the initial tryout of the training materials on students from the target population. Also called "individual trial" and "tryout, individual."

Inductive design. An instructional design where examples are presented followed by the rule. The emphasis is on discovery of concepts. Also see the definition for "deductive design."

Inductive reasoning. A mental process in which individuals are asked to examine pieces of evidence to form a related pattern and then draw a conclusion from the evidence. Also see the definition for "deductive reasoning."

Industrial quality. That level of quality that is higher than typical consumer or home applications and is meant for the rigorous professional environment.

Infinite loop. A sequence of instructions that endlessly repeats.

Informal lecture. An often conversational teaching method with considerable verbal interaction between instructor and student in the form of both questions and discussion. Also see the definitions for "formal lecture" and "lecture."

Informal training. Training accomplished by actions for which structuring is not specifically planned beforehand.

Information processing. The processing of data representing information and the determination of the meaning of the processed data.

Information resources management. The planning, budgeting, organizing, directing, training, promoting, controlling and management activities associated with the burden, collection, creation, use and dissemination of information, including the management of information and related resources, such as personnel, funds, and information technology.

Information retrieval. The ability to address and recover or recall information from an information storage facility (e.g., database, files, library).

Information sheet. Provides the student with data that is either not available from any other source or presents information available from other sources in a much clearer and more condensed form.

Ingest. The process of uploading file or directory metadata information into a repository, typically launched by a client API. A successful call results in a new digital object in the repository.

In-house. Actions performed entirely within the given activity, company, or organization, using its own resources, facilities, and expertise.

Initial design. The first basic concept, usually expressed as a flowchart and treatment that deals with a block of information and the manner in which the blocks will interact, rather than with the specific portions of a lesson or procedure.

Initialize. The process of restarting or resetting a system to the beginning (e.g., starting a computer program at the beginning, creating a new database, starting a computer).

Initial qualification training. Initial training that qualifies a student to a certain knowledge and skill level required before the student can take more advanced training.

In-Process Review (IPR). A meeting either in-house or between the customer and the provider to review program status. Periodic evaluations/assessments held at specific points in the stages of the project's progress.

Input device. A mechanism used to feed or transfer information into a computer or processing system (e.g., keyboard, keypad, light pen, trackball, mouse, joystick, or touch screen).

Insert edit. The type of edit in which new video/audio material is inserted into any point of a preexisting material (or block) already recorded on the master tape. No new time code or control track is recorded.

Inspection. The action of determining whether a process or product is in compliance with established standards and procedures.

Instant jump. The feature of some videodisc players that allows branching at imperceptible speeds without any screen blanking between frames within certain minimum distances, usually one to 200 frames away.

Institutional training. Individual training conducted in a school or training center of a centralized training organization.

Instruction. The delivery of information to enable learning. The process by which knowledge and skills are transferred to students. Instruction applies to both training and education.

Instructional activity. An event, presented by an instructional source, intended to promote student learning. Also, see the definition for "learner activity."

Instructional class. A group of students being trained under a formal training syllabus.

Instructional class capacity. The number of students that may attend an iteration of an instructional unit.

Instructional class frequency. The number of times a course will convene during a specified period of time.

Instructional concept. An initial estimate of what the instruction should do, and what it should look like.

Instructional conditions. Atmosphere including environmental, physical, and psychological factors. The amount of participation that the instruction requires of the student. Instructional conditions may be active (the student produces or practices) or passive (the student sits and listens).

Instructional delivery mode. The communication format (e.g., electronically distributed, instructor led, etc.) which will be used to convey the instruction.

Instructional delivery system. Instructional delivery systems such as training devices, training equipment, training aids, and/or Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) which are used to convey the instruction.

Instructional design. The philosophy, methodology, and approach used to deliver information. Some courseware aspects include question strategy, level of interaction, reinforcement, and branching complexity.

Instructional hour. An hour in the instructional day consisting of 50 minutes of contact time normally followed with a 10 minute break.

Instructional literature. Printed material used in the learning process, including that developed for a specific purpose, and other printed matter procured.

Instructional material. All items of material prepared, procured, and used in a course or program as part of the teaching or general learning process.

Instructional media. The means used to present information to a trainee to induce learning.

Instructional media delivery system. Personnel and equipment used to aid in the teaching-learning process. Some examples of delivery systems include instructors, video, projectors, computers, tape players, and videodisc players.

Instructional method. A component of the instructional strategy defining a particular means for accomplishing the objective. For example a traditional instructor led instructional strategy may be accomplished using the lecture method, a Socratic lecture technique, and a defined step-by-step questioning procedure. Also called "method of instruction."

Instructional module. A self-contained instructional unit that includes one or more learning objectives, appropriate learning materials and methods, and associated criterion-reference measures.

Instructional object. An object-based, standalone basic building block used to construct instructional lessons and instructional modules. Objects may be a game, a fact, a JPEG, or GIF, an AVI file, templates, etc. Objects may have conditions placed upon them such as accessibility, interoperability, durability, and reusability. See the definition for "object." Also called "learning objects."

Instructional program. A course of study that meets a training requirement.

Instructional requirements. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are necessary to satisfy job performance.

Instructional setting. The location and physical characteristics of the area in which instruction takes place. The setting can be in a classroom, a laboratory, a field, or workplace location. An example is: a clean, well lighted, temperature controlled classroom equipped with individual desks, chairs, and individual video monitors.

Instructional site. A physical location where specific instruction is to be accomplished (i.e., school, unit, job site). Instructional step. A portion of material to which the student makes a response. It is a stage in the instructional process that represents progress in the student's mastery. A subject to be taught is broken down into frames, items, or segments (steps). It is assumed that students cannot take later steps in a given sequence before taking the earlier step and that each segment or item represents a step forward.

Instructional strategy. The general concept by which instruction is to be delivered to the student (e.g., programmed learning, traditional learning, exercise learning, small group learning, pure group learning, mentor or apprentice learning, etc.). Also see the definition for "technique of delivery."

Instructional support. Learning resources; different kinds of material, number of instructors, amount of time, and other resources that contribute to completing the learning process.

Instructional system. An integrated combination of all elements (e.g., training material and equipment, personnel, support) necessary to conduct training. Also called "training system."

Instructional Systems Development (ISD). A process for the analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation, revision, and operation of a collection of interrelated training elements. A logical process for effectively and efficiently determining what, where, when, and how tasks should be taught. A process for effectively and efficiently achieving a required outcome based on documented needs. A process in which performance requirements are explicitly defined from an analysis which occurs in a training development effort; includes a subsequent specification of performance requirements in terms of behavior objectives; is followed by the development of criterion tests which match job performance; and, with the appropriate curriculum development efforts supporting training on specified objectives. The entire process undergoes extensive evaluation to ensure the validity of the process. Also see the definition for "Systems Approach to Training (SAT)."

Instructional technique. A means of instruction that complements a method, such as questioning.

Instructional technology. A systematic way of designing, carrying out, and evaluating the total process of learning and teaching in terms of specific objectives, based on research in human learning and communication, and employing a combination of human and non-human resources to bring about more effective instruction.

Instructional Television (ITV). ITV is defined as a one-way, full motion video and audio transmission of classroom instruction through a telecommunications channel such as satellite, cable TV, or Instructional TV Fixed Service (ITFS), a dedicated 5GHz spectrum managed by the FCC and limited to educational programming only, usually transmitted via microwave towers. his medium, when combined with an audio response or keypad system supports the capability for students to spontaneously ask questions of the instructor and respond to other students at multiple remote sites (Note: The synchronous, two-way audio is normally provided by a telephone carrier utilizing an audio bridge and normal terrestrial phone service. This specific application would not be available to instructional programming received via commercial cable TV). Due to the bandwidth available via satellite or ITFS, this delivery medium can emulate the live, traditional classroom environment but at a distance. ITV is sometimes referred to as Business Television (BTV), Interactive Video Teletraining, or Interactive TV, and can be transmitted via analog or digital systems.

Instructional unit. An assembly of lessons that have been integrated either to complete a usable bit of knowledge or skill or to aid in scheduling a course or program. The basic components of courses. Also see the definitions for "course," "lesson," and "module."

Instruction sheet. A generic term for any of a variety of single-purpose, single-page, or multiple-page guide sheets designed to give the student certain detailed information or instruction about a task to be performed or a learner activity to be undertaken (e.g., assignment, diagram, information, job, outline, note taking, problem solving).

Instructor. An individual who presents instruction.

Instructor and Key Personnel Training (IKPT). Training provided to instructors and key personnel to facilitate training development of new systems or equipment. Also see the definitions for "cadre training" and "new equipment training."

Instructor certification. A confirmation of an instructor's ability to teach.

Instructor Contact Hour (ICH). The manpower work load factor which represents one instructor work hour devoted to conducting training.

Instructor control console. A device that provides an instructor the capability for monitoring and evaluating the actions of students and controlling various functions of the training device.

Instructor evaluation. A determination of value or quality of an instructor's teaching ability, knowledge, and skill.

Instructor guide. A course level publication designed to provide the administrator of instructional materials with information about the objectives of the materials, the procedures involved in their development, suggestions for their optimal use, and descriptions of what might be expected from the materials based on their previous effectiveness.

Instructor qualification. A confirmation of an instructor's ability to teach a specific lesson.

Instructor training. The training of personnel in the techniques of teaching to qualify them as instructors.

Integrated circuit. A complete electronic circuit (the path along which electronic current travels) chemically printed on the surface of a single chip of semiconductor material (such as silicon).

Integrated networked systems. Integrated network system that provides high-speed network connectivity (Internet, Local Area Network (LAN), or Wide Area Network (WAN)) for specified users to multiple existing computers and network systems. The sharing of a communication infrastructure brings together various sources of information and makes them more accessible to users. Also see the definitions for "Local Area Network (LAN)," "Wide Area Network (WAN)," and "Internet."

Integrated Receiver/Decoder. A device offered by several manufacturers that reconstructs a compressed digital video signal. The decoding algorithms are proprietary to the manufacturer, but based on MPEG2 standards.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). A comparatively inexpensive, high speed line that is accessible on a dial up basis that allows the transmission of voice, video, and data simultaneously along communications channels. Access channels include a basic rate (two 64-bps "B" channels + one 16-bps "D" channel) and a primary rate (twenty-three 64-kbps "B" channels and one 64-kbps "D" channel.

Integrated system. A collection of hardware and software sold as a single unit by a system integrator.

Intelligent Computer-Assisted Instruction (ICAI). Computer-based instructional dialogue based upon techniques in artificial intelligence.

Intelligent terminal. A terminal that has the capability to function as a computer and process data. Also called "smart terminal."

Intelligent videodisc player. A videodisc player with built-in processing power and memory capability.

Interaction. In the context of a user interface, any exchange of data/information between the user and the computer system; for example, the user keys in text, which is echoed on the video display; the user selects a menu option, and that option is activated; supported by interaction devices, such as keyboard, mouse, or trackball.

Interactive. The direct and active participation in an event or activity. When applied to instruction, interactivity involves the direct and active participation of the student in the instructional events.

Interactive Courseware (ICW). Computer controlled courseware that relies on trainee input to determine the pace, sequence, and content of training delivery using more than one type medium to convey the content of instruction. ICW can link a combination of media, to include but not be limited to; programmed instruction, videotapes, slides, film, television, text, graphics, digital audio, animation, and up to full motion video, to enhance the learning process.

Interactive Courseware (ICW) support software. Software that supports application unique ICW requirements (e.g., simulation models, unique device drivers, and course management features not supported by authoring systems).

Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM). A technical manual delivered electronically. The IETM possesses the following three characteristics 1) it can be presented either on a desktop workstation or a portable device, 2) the elements of data constituting the IETM are so interrelated that a user's access to the information is achievable by a variety of paths, and 3) it can function to provide procedural guidance, navigational directions, and other technical information required by the user. The IETM may provide an interactive expert system diagnostic capability but does not have to have such a capability to be considered an IETM.

Interactive media. A delivery vehicle that provides for direct and active participation in an event or activity. When applied to instruction, it provides capability for the direct and active participation of the student in an instructional event.

Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI). IMI applies to a group of predominantly interactive, electronically-delivered training and training support products. The term is used primarily to refer to a technology combining text, still and animated images, video, audio, and other forms of computer data that can be manipulated and used to convey information in a useful, educational, entertaining, realistic, or more easily understood manner. IMI products include instructional software and software management tools used to support instructional programs. Multimedia is delivered on a multimedia work-station/personal computer via network, hard disc, CD-ROM or other portable data storage device, to include ICW, electronic publications (guides and IETMs), electronic testing, simulations, and management tools (EPSS, CAI, CMI, and job aids).

Interactive training system. An instructional system that requires a student to interact with the system through the learning process.

Interactive Video Disc (IVD). A video disc is used with Interactive Courseware (ICW) to supplement/enhance and/or present instruction. Visual information presented is contingent on student responses (i.e., branching). Media for storing video images.

Interactivity. Acting or capable of acting on each other. A two-way communication in which stimuli/response is direct and continual.

Interchangeability. The ability to exchange hardware components having the same form, fit, and function, across platforms, without affecting the functionality of the system.

Interface. The link between the human and equipment or between two pieces of equipment, allowing them to communicate with each other. A physical or functional connection between two or more devices or systems.

Interim summary. A segment of instruction that reviews recent learning to reinforce prior information.

Interlace. The process of laying down the even numbered lines of video between the previously scanned odd numbered lines of video to form a single, complete frame and reducing flicker. The pattern described by the two separate video field scans when they join to form a complete video frame.

Interleaving. A method of storing information sequences in alternating sectors.

Internal evaluation. The quality control process of conducting a thorough review of the instructional process by appraising student progress, delivery technique, materials effectiveness, and testing procedures for the purpose of identifying internal deficiencies requiring correction, and recommending specific changes.

International Business Machines (IBM) compatible. A personal computer that is 100 percent compatible in form and function with the IBM Personal Computer (PC) family of personal computers.

International Organization for Standardization. A non-governmental network of the national standards institutes of 148 countries, on the basis of one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system - http://www.iso.org.

Internet. A worldwide system of computer networks (a network of networks) in which users at any one computer can, if they have permission, get information from any other computer. Also see the definitions for "Intranet," "extranet," "Local Area Network (LAN)," and "Wide Area Network (WAN)."

Internet2 (tm). A non-profit consortium that develops and deploys advanced network applications and technologies, mostly for high-speed data transfer. Also known as the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID).

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). An open, all-volunteer standards organization, with no formal membership or membership requirements that, operating under the Internet Society, that develops and promotes Internet standards; in particular those of the TCP/IP protocol suite.

Internet Protocol (IP). A set of rules that govern the electronic transmission and receipt of data. Also see the definitions for "HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)," "protocols," and "Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)."

Interoperability. The ability to take instructional components developed in one system and use them in another system.

Interpreter. A computer program that converts input into data that is understood and usable by a computer.

Interrupt. An instruction that temporarily stops the normal operation of a routine by a special signal from the computer. Normal operation can be resumed from that point at a later time.

Interservice school or course. A school or course that presents a curriculum developed and approved by two or more military Services to meet the specified training requirements of those Services.

Interservice support. Support provided by one federal agency or subdivision thereof to another federal agency or subdivision thereof when at least one of the participating agencies or subdivisions is the DoD or a DoD Component. DoD 4000.19-R provides guidance and procedures for the implementation of this support.

Intranet. A private network that is contained within an enterprise. It may consist of many interlinked Local Area Networks (LAN) and use leased lines in a Wide Area Network (WAN). When part of an intranet is made accessible to others outside the organization, that part becomes part of an extranet. Also see the definitions for "Internet,' "extranet," "Local Area Network (LAN)," and "Wide Area Network (WAN)."

Introduction. A major section of a lesson designed to establish a common ground between the presenter and students, to capture and hold attention, to outline the lesson and relate it to the overall course, to point out benefits to the student, and to lead the student into the body of the lesson; usually contains attention step, motivation step, and overview. A segment that provides a general statement of the course content, target population, why the student is studying the material, and appropriate motivation to gain the student's attention.

Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF). A program that takes potential fighter aircrew and familiarizes them with the basics of flying fighter aircraft.

Inventory. A listing of material in a group arranged in the same order in which the actual material is arranged.

IP-based Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). An access independent architecture defined by the G3 mobile community enabling wireless and wired technologies to connect and share services (DSL, GPRS, WiFi, WiMAX, etc.) via the IMS core.

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Java. A high-level programming language created by SUN Microsystems to enhance the delivery of multimedia over the Internet by dynamically adding application capabilities to browsers. These applications can be downloaded separately from the HTML and executed within the browser window.

Java Script. A language of instructions that can be embedded in a Web page for accomplishing various tasks, typically to make the page more interactive with the user.

Job. The duties, tasks, and task elements performed by one individual that constitutes their job. The job is the basic unit used in carrying out the personnel actions of selection, training, classification, and assignment.

Job Aid (JA). A checklist, procedural guide, decision table, worksheet, algorithm, or other device used by job incumbents to aid in task performance. The job aid may be in multiple media (paper-based or digital) and delivery devices (PDAs, PCs, etc.).

Job analysis. The basic method used to obtain facts about a job, involving observation of workers, conversations with those who know the job, analysis questionnaires completed by job incumbents, or study of documents involved in performance of the job.

Job sheet. An instruction sheet that provides the student with the step-by-step procedures required for the performance of tasks or functions. Job sheets also provide the student with the objective(s) to be accomplished, a list of references, and equipment required, and provides self test questions.

Job task analysis. A process of examining a specific job to identify all the duties and tasks that are performed by the job incumbent at a given skill level.

Job Task Inventory (JTI). Results of information gathering in job analysis. Lists of duties and tasks, varying in refinement from basic input data to duties and tasks that constitute the job performed by incumbents within a rating/Military Occupational Skill (MOS)/Air Force Specialty (AFS). Critical tasks for the job are derived from this inventory. Also called "task inventory" or "total task inventory."

Joint Campaign Phases. The four phases of joint campaigns are Deter/Engage, Seize Initiative, Decisive Operations, and Transition. A mission task selected by a joint force commander, considered essential to mission completion, and defined using the common language of the Universal Joint Task List.

Joint Mission Essential Task (JMET). A mission task selected by a joint force commander, considered essential to mission completion, and defined using the common language of the Universal Joint Task List.

Joint school or course. A school or course, used by two or more services, which has a joint faculty. The director (commandant), who is provided on a rotational basis by the services, is responsible, under the direction of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for the development and administration of the curriculum.

Joint Task Force (JTF). A joint force that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary of Defense, a Combatant Commander, a sub-unified commander, or an existing JTF commander.

Joint Training. Training, including mission rehearsals, of individuals, units, and staffs using joint doctrine or joint tactics, techniques, and procedures to prepare joint forces or joint staffs to respond to strategic, operational, or tactical requirements considered necessary by the Combatant Commanders to execute their assigned or anticipated missions. Joint Training involves forces or two or more Military Departments interacting with a combatant command or subordinate joint force commander, and involves joint forces, joint staffs and/or individuals preparing to serve on a joint staff or in a joint organization and is conducted using joint doctrine. Reference: CJCSI 3500.01C, Joint Training Policy and Guidance for the Armed Forces of the United States, 15 March 2006

Joint Training Information Management System (JTIMS). A Web-based system providing integrated, automated support to the JTS.

Joint Training System (JTS). A phased, requirements-based, objectives-driven, feedback-modulated methodology for planning, executing, and assessing training programs.

Joint Visual Information Services Distribution Activity (JVISDA). The Department of Defense's central distribution point for joint-interest VI end products. It is responsible for receiving, documenting, replicating, controlling quality, controlling inventory and life cycle managing Defense Inventory Productions and other VI end products.

Journeyman. A person who has learned a trade and works for another person in that specialty.

Joystick. A device that consists of a control lever that when tilted in various directions, provides positional information. The lever has its motion and direction of movement transformed into X-Y values or coordinates.

Jury of experts. A group of subject matter experts selected to record, organize, pass judgment, and make predictions and recommendations on data and other matters related to the specific field or area of expertise.

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Key elements. Elements that represent the most important part of a task. Key elements are those which have been identified as being the most common sources of failure in performance of a task or as having serious consequences of failure. Also called "element."

Keyer. Signal processing device that cuts a hole in the background video and fills in the hole from a different video source (e.g., computer-generated text and graphics keyed over National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) video).

Keying. An electronic effect that cuts an image from one video source into a background image from another video source.

Key words. Words, written in a high-level computing language that the computer recognizes, often used as short-cuts in computer programming and in specific applications such as training. These words can also be used in judging a student's free form response.

Kilohertz (kHz). One thousand hertz per second.

Knowledge. Specific information required for the student to develop the skills and attitudes for effective accomplishment of the jobs, duties, and tasks. Knowledge is categorized as factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive.

Knowledge learning type. A level of information required for performance of skills.

Knowledge-level summary. A reiteration of key points of content in a knowledge-level lesson designed to enhance a student's ability to remember facts.

Knowledge Management. The creation, archiving, and sharing of ‘valued' information. KM components include: framework, strategy, management & governance, procedures, applications & tools, and a technical infrastructure & architecture. It is not training, data mining, web site, search engine technologies.

LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). An amplifier and generator of coherent energy in the electromagnetic spectrum. A laser is used to read the micropits on an optical disc.

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Latency. A measurement of time for data to transmit from one point to another, typically expressed as variable bounded by minimum and maximum values. Factors include media congestion and speeds, internetworking device latency, distance between end stations, and the lengths of the message.

Layer. A group of related functions that make up one level of an architecture.

Layered architecture. A software structure in which components are grouped in a hierarchical arrangement in such a way that each layer provides functions and services to adjacent layers.

Leader task. An individual task performed by a leader that is integral to successful performance of a collective task.

Lead-off question. A question initiated by the presenter that is usually directed to a group of students at the beginning of a lesson or main point and designed to generate discussion.

Learner. Identical to the definition for "student." Also called "trainee."

Learner activity. Student response to an instructional activity. Also, see the definition for "instructional activity."

Learner characteristics. The traits, such as reading level, possessed by learners that could affect their ability to learn. These characteristics are included in the target population description.

Learner control. Identical to the definition for "student control."

Learner controlled instruction. Identical to the definition for "student controlled instruction."

Learning. Acquiring knowledge, skills, and attitudes (by integrating education, training, performance support, and life experience in a comprehensive, mutually supportive system).

Learning analysis. A procedure to identify task sub-elements and their related skills and knowledge that must be learned before a person can achieve mastery of the training task itself.

Learning center. A facility especially equipped to accommodate groups of students in a classroom, individualized, or self-paced instructional mode. A learning environment that has been specifically developed to foster individualized instruction and which emphasizes employment of instructional media to augment textbooks and manuals. Also see the definition for "learning resource center."

Learning centric. An instructional system that is centered or organized and designed around assisting persons through a process designed to produce sustained behavioral change.

Learning Content Management System (LCMS). An environment where developers may create, store, reuse, manage, and deliver learning content from a central object repository. The LCMS systems have search capabilities, allowing developers to quickly find the text or media needed to build training content. The LCMS products that deliver learning content are a type of the Learning Management System and are subject to the same SCORM conformance requirements as the Learning Management System(s).

Learning Content Repository. A metadata repository for SCOs that logically functions as a catalog, providing a robust, central storage of metadata provided by content providers, output interfaces to the repository that shall provide data to external services, such as search, and browse, and input interfaces that shall enable the addition of new data and update of existing data.

Learning decay. A decrease of learned skills over a period of time. Decay can be retarded by the conduct of sustainment training.

Learning difficulty. A measurement of the time, effort, and assistance required to achieve performance proficiency.

Learning hierarchy. A graphic display of the relationships among learning objectives in which some learning objectives must be mastered before others can be learned.

Learning level. A step within the hierarchy of each learning type. Each learning type is divided into a hierarchy consisting of levels which progress from the simple to the complex. These levels include fact learning, rule learning, procedure learning, problem solving, gross motor skills, etc. Also see the definition for "learning type."

Learning Management System (LMS). Software that automates learning event administration through a set of services that launches learning content, keeps track of learner progress, determines the order (sequence) that learning objects are to be delivered, and reports student progress through a learning experience.

Learning Object. Any entity, digital or non-digital, that can be used, re-used or referenced during technology supported learning. Examples of technology-supported learning include computer-based training systems, interactive learning environments, intelligent computer-aided instruction systems, distance learning systems, and collaborative learning environments. Examples of learning objects include multimedia content, instructional content, learning objectives, instructional software and software tools, and persons, organizations, or events referenced during technology-supported learning (definition from IEEE 1484 Learning Technology Standards Committee).

Learning Objective (LO). A statement of the behavior or performance expected of a trainee as a result of a learning experience, expressed in terms of the behavior, the conditions under which it is to be exhibited, and the standards to which it will be performed or demonstrated. Also called "behavioral objective" and "training objective."

Learning Products. Tools, applications and content, delivered as tangible and/or mixed media.

Learning resource center. A library containing instructional materials and areas for viewing and studying. Also see the definition for "learning center."

Learning station. A physical location such as a study carrel, which contains special materials and equipment for use by a student to learn.

Learning step. A sub-unit of a learning objective derived when the learning objective is analyzed into its component parts.

Learning type. The categories of change in human behavior as related to training. The three types are knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Also see the definition for "learning level."

Lecture. A communication method primarily involving verbal presentation of information. Also see the definitions for "formal lecture" and "informal lecture."

Lecture Guide (LG). A data sheet and an outline of major sections, key topics, learning objectives and discussion points that are referenced to the instructional media being used.

Legacy. Everything on hand when a new device, system, process, practice, or policy is implemented or published.

Legacy Content. Content developed and managed using DITIS, and Non-SCORM-conformant content.

Legibility. The clarity of an image allowing it to be read or deciphered.

Lesson. A segment of instruction that contains one or more learning objectives, information to be imparted to the student, and may contain an evaluation instrument. The lesson is designed in detail and is the basic building block of all training. Also see the definitions for "course," "instructional unit," and "module."

Lesson design strategy. A plan for how courseware will be produced and how it will look as an end product. A description of the decision making processes and methods in designing and implementing the presentation of material and testing student mastery of subject matter.

Lesson format guide. An organized outline of a single lesson that serves as a blueprint for the development of all lessons within a course.

Lesson plan. A plan for instruction that provides specific definition and direction to the instructor on learning objectives, equipment, instructional media material requirements, and conduct of the training. Lesson plans are the principal component of curriculum materials in that they sequence the presentation of learning stimuli and coordinate the use of supporting instructional materials.

Lesson summary. A segment of an instruction during which the presenter reiterates key points of lesson content (knowledge level) or reviews and expands on key material and develops relationships that lead to generalizations (comprehension level).

Level of accuracy. A value normally expressed in percentage terms which relates to the percentage of the data found to be correct.

Level of granularity. A statement of the smallest unit of course content that can be separated and identified by metadata. Also see the definitions for "Sharable Content Object (SCO)" and "Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)."

Level of learning. The degree to which a student is expected to develop knowledge or understanding of a subject, learn facts, internalize a set of values, or display proficiency in a psychomotor skill.

Levels of interactivity. A two-way communication in which stimuli/response is direct and continual. Interactivity describes the degree of student involvement/interactivity in the instructional activity. There are four levels of interactivity, they are:

a. Level 1 - Passive. The student acts solely as a receiver of information.

b. Level 2 - Limited participation. The student makes simple responses to instructional cues.

c. Level 3 - Complex participation. The student makes a variety of responses using varied techniques in response to instructional cues.

d. Level 4 - Real-time participation. The student is directly involved in a life-like set of complex cues and responses.

Life-cycle maintenance capability. The ability to update, modify, and otherwise change training materials and/or equipment after delivery.

Life Cycle Model (LCM). Outlines the life cycle of an acquisition system from materiel concept investigation, through development, acquisition, and maintenance until final disposition by either transfer to an archival institution or destruction. Materiel acquisition may initiate training requirements.

Light Emitting Diode (LED). A semiconductor light source that emits visible light or invisible infrared radiation.

Linear. A unidimensional or straight line structure or sequence.

Linear lesson design. A type of lesson design in which a student is presented with unidimensional or straight line sequential material.

Linear program. A program, either motion or text, that plays a unidimensional or straight line sequence (such as videotape) rather than branching.

Linear programming. A programming method in which set sequences of frames require a response from the student at each step. The steps are so designed that errors will be minimal for even the slower students in the target population. Each student completes each frame in the program, their progress differing from that of other students going through the same program only in the rate at which they proceed through the sequence.

Linear video. A unidimensional straight line sequence of frames displaying a still image or a single flow of motion.

Line driver. A signal converter that conditions a digital signal to ensure reliable transmission over an extended distance.

Line monitor. The monitor that shows only the "line-out" pictures that are to be used in the final edited production. Also called "master monitor."

Line oriented. An authoring system in which the author designs a program, including screens of text or graphics, as a long string of commands to the computer.

Line standard. The video production standard that describes the number of scan lines used by a given television system to make up one screen.

LISP. From List Processing. A high-level computer language designed to teach programming, and now used for artificial intelligence applications. The first computer language to concentrate on working with symbols instead of numbers.

List. An itemized record or catalog of information.

Listserv. An e-mail program allowing multiple computer users to connect onto a single system, creating an online discussion.

Live, Virtual, and Constructive Training. A dynamic training and operational environment, using live, virtual, and constructive simulations, that provides an interoperable, networked, training capability that includes mission-rehearsal. Live simulation involves real people operating real systems; virtual simulation involves real people operating simulated systems; and constructive simulation involves simulated people operating simulated systems.

Live action. An image on film or video of something happening in the real world, as it was seen and heard with the camera and sound equipment.

Local Area Network (LAN). All physical hardware and software that drives a data communications computer system confined to a limited geographic area. The area served may consist of a single building, a cluster of buildings, or a campus type arrangement. Typically, the server has applications and data storage that are shared in common by multiple workstation users. Also see the definition for "Wide Area Network (WAN)."

Local workstation/terminal. A terminal with direct communication to the mainframe computer.

Lock-step instruction. Identical to the definition for "group-lock step instruction."

Logic. The basic principles and applications of truth tables, the relationships of propositions, the connection of on-off circuit elements, and other factors, for mathematical computation in a computer.

Logical colors. The number of colors that can be displayed simultaneously by a graphics adapter is the number of available logical colors. For example, an adapter might support 16 logical colors from a palette of 4096 physical colors.

Logical data model. A model of the data stores and flows of the organization derived from the conceptual business model. Also see the definition for "physical data model."

Logical device. A conceptual device synthesized from the characteristics of peripherals.

Logistics support. Materiel and personnel resources and processes required to support a system. Also see the definition for "acquisition logistics."

Longitudinal time code. Time code recorded as an audio signal, usually on linear track two or three of the videotape.

Loop. The repeated execution of a series of instructions.

Lossy. A data compression technique where some amount of data is lost in an attempt to eliminate redundant or unnecessary information.

Low-level language. A computer programming language in which each statement is translated into a single machine instruction (e.g., assembly language). A computer programming language that is closely related to the computer's own binary machine code.

Lumen. A measurement equivalent to the light emitted in a solid angle from a uniform point source of one candle intensity.

Luminance. Brightness. A measure of relative brightness of different spectral stimuli. An analog measure of the distribution of brightness levels associated with monochrome.

Lux. A measurement of illumination (the amount of light received by an object). The metric equivalent of foot-candle.

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Machine language. The binary code that is the computer's native language. A set of binary codes used to express computer instructions and data in a directly executable form. The internal language of a computer by which its hardware is able to function. No further translation to a lower level language is required to execute. Also called "machine code."

Machine readable. Data stored in such a way it can be retrieved by a computer but not necessarily by a user.

Macro. A group of user-definable instructions that can be activated together when needed.

Magnetic storage. Any medium upon which information is encoded as variations in magnetic polarity.

Magneto-optics. An information storage medium that is magnetically sensitive only at high temperatures, while stable at normal temperatures. A laser is used to heat a small spot on the medium, changing the polarity at that spot thereby storing data.

Main memory. That memory that is directly accessible by the computer. Main memory is referred to as Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read-Only Memory (ROM).

Main points. The logical breakdown of subject matter in support of an instructional objective.

Maintenance. The physical act of preventing, determining, and correcting equipment or software faults. It includes all actions taken to retain system/equipment/product in a useful serviceable condition or to restore it to usefulness/serviceability. Maintenance includes inspection, fault isolation, testing, and servicing.

Maintenance concept. An element of logistics support which involves the planned or envisioned methods that will be employed to sustain the system/equipment/product at a defined level of readiness, usability, or in a specified condition in support of the operational requirement. The maintenance concept is initially stated by the Government for design and support planning purposes and provides the basis or point of departure for development of the plan to maintain.

Maintenance trainer. A trainer on which individuals learn the methods and procedures necessary to maintain a specific system, subsystem, or equipment.

Maintenance training simulator. A device, usually computer-controlled that simulates operational equipment and allows students to practice maintenance tasks or procedures.

Main trunk. The principal course or line of direction of a program or Interactive Courseware (ICW).

Malicious code. Software modules designed, employed, distributed, or activated with the intention of compromising the performance or security of information systems and computers, increasing access to those systems, disclosing unauthorized information, corrupting information, denying service, or stealing resources.

Managed On-the-Job Training. Identical to the definition for "Supervised On-the-Job Training (OJT)."

Management materials. Materials that define training requirements and provide an overall plan for the accomplishment of these requirements.

Management plan. A program for the assignment, monitoring, and assessment of the personnel, materials, and resources dedicated to a specific mission, operation, or function.

Mandatory release date. Refers to the date at which individuals must be released from training to return to their home station.

Manifest file. A text file that describes the contents of a package and the order in which the SCOs are to be delivered and tells the LMS where to find the SCOs themselves.

Manning. The specific inventory of people at an activity in terms of numbers, grades, and occupational groups.

Manpower. The requirements or billets needed in an organization, to accomplish a task or service.

Manpower and Personnel Integration (MANPRINT). The Army process of integrating manpower, personnel, training, human factors engineering, health hazard assessment, and system safety into a system through the materiel development and acquisition process. It uses analytical models to help man-machine systems reach maximum performance. The models help predict manpower, personnel, and training needs by considering human factors engineering, manpower, personnel, training, safety, and health hazards.

Manpower, Personnel, and Training (MP&T) analysis. Manpower analysis consists of identification of tasks and work-hours required to perform a job or function. Personnel analysis consists of identification of ratings and occupational specialties and skill levels required to perform the job or function. Training analysis consists of identification of training tasks or functions required for personnel to obtain skill levels necessary to operate and maintain the system, subsystem, or equipment.

Manual. A guidance document consisting of procedures that usually contains examples for performing specific tasks.

Manual playback. Viewer operation without use of programmed control instructions.

Mark sense form. Computer readable sheets on which the individuals record identifying information and answers to test items.

Mastering. A process in which the premaster videotape is used to modulate a laser onto a photosensitive, glass master disk; the manufacturing process that creates a glass master, and then a metal mold disk, from which others (plastic substrate) are replicated.

Master reproducible. The final edited version of a product used to make distribution copies.

Master schedule. A schedule of instruction, prepared by the training activity, to indicate the period-by-period program for each day and week of the course.

Master skill level. The highest level of proficiency in an occupational specialty.

Master Materials. The materials necessary to reproduce or modify all components of the IMI product, including all video and audio source materials as originally supplied to the mastering facility. Reproduction master materials also include the appropriate associated development documentation necessary to reproduce or modify the IMI product (e.g., flow charts, scripts, and storyboards cross-referenced to the video shot list, edit decision list, programming/source code, runtime program, CMI functionality, etc.).

Mastery. Attainment of a competency or proficiency in an ability.

Mastery learning. An approach to curriculum development in which students progress from learning experience to learning experience based upon achievement of instructional objectives rather than other factors such as age, effort, or time of year.

Materials Preparing Activity (MPA). An organization that develops training materials, prepares major changes or revisions, and produces training materials as directed by the contracting activity. MPAs may be either contractors or training facilities.

Matt. The keying of two scenes; the electronic laying in of a background image behind a foreground scene.

Maximum class size. The largest number of students in a class that can be trained with acceptable degradation in the training effectiveness due to manpower, facility, or equipment constraints.

Mean deviation. The arithmetic mean (average) of the absolute differences between the arithmetic mean of the values and the individual values. Also called "standard deviation."

Mean Time Between Failure(s) (MTBF). The average length of time that a system or component works without failure.

Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). The average time it takes between system failure and repair.

Measurement errors. Errors that occur due to unreliability of the measurement process. These errors are random and are never completely absent. In addition, these may be systematic (non-random) errors due to some fault in the measurement process.

Measurement process. The operations involved in determining the amount of an attribute (e.g., knowledge, skills, or attitude) possessed by a student.

Media. The delivery vehicle for presenting stimuli. Also called "training media."

Media alternative. A substitute means for presenting stimuli.

Media delivery format. The physical characteristics of the instructional material presentation medium (e.g., printed materials, overhead transparencies, 35mm slides, multimedia files, etc.).

Media selection. The process of selecting a media delivery vehicle.

Medium. Any physical object, such as drawing paper, film, videotape, drive or disc that contains or can contain visual information. Media are typically transportable, to facilitate dissemination of the visual information they contain.

Megahertz (MHz). One million hertz.

Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). A jointly prepared and authenticated document between participants in a joint project.

Mental skills. Those processes of identifying, classifying, using rules, and solving problems that involve active mental processing. Mental skills include such functions as thinking, reasoning, analyzing, judging, and inferring. Also see the definition for "physical skills."

Mentoring systems. An artificially intelligent electronic instructional system that simulates the interactions that would occur between a student and a human mentor assisting that student with complex problem solving situations through heuristic process.

Menu. A set of related options listed together for selection by the user; a typical feature of a graphical user interface.

Mesh. A networking topology wherein all nodes are connected in a multipoint-to-multipoint or point-to-point configuration. There is no single critical path.

Metadata. Information describing characteristics of data; data or information about data; or descriptive information about an entity's data, data activities, systems, and holdings. For example, learning resources that are described with discovery metadata may be systematically searched for and retrieved for use and reuse.

Meta Tag. A special HTML tag that provides information about a Web page. Unlike normal HTML tags, meta tags do not affect how the page is displayed. Instead, they provide information such as who created the page, how often it is updated, what the page is about, and which keywords represent the page's content. Many search engines use this information when building their indices.

Metaskills. Cognitive strategies that an individual applies to the processing of new information in a novel situation (a scenario not previously experienced). These skills include chunking or organizing new information, recalling relevant schemas, adding the new information to the old schemas, and creating new schemas.

Microsoft-Disk Operating System (MS-DOS). A general purpose computer disk operating system developed by Microsoft and used on microcomputers. This term is used generically for operating systems including Microsoft MS-DOS versions 0 and higher and compatible operating systems such as IBM PC-DOS versions 0 and higher.

Milestone. A significant or important event in a program or project.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). A term used to identify a grouping of duty positions possessing such close occupational or functional relationship that an optimal degree of interchangeability among persons so classified exists at any given level of skill.

Military Service school or course. A school or course that presents a curriculum developed and approved by a military Service to meet a specified training requirement of that Service.

Military training. The instruction provided to personnel to develop capability to perform specific military functions and tasks, and to enhance their knowledge of the science and art of war.

Millisecond. One-thousandth of a second.

Mission. A statement of purpose that clearly indicates the actions to be taken and the reasons.

Mission analysis. A process of identifying the requirements for accomplishing a mission including unit organizational and functional structure, developing a mission matrix, deriving a mission by echelon list, and identifying critical collective tasks.

Mission Essential Task (MET). A task based on mission analysis and approved by a commander or leader that is absolutely necessary, indispensable, or critical to the success of the mission.

Mission Needs Statement. A statement identifying the need for a new operational capability required to perform an assigned mission or to correct a deficiency in an existing capability.

Mission outlines. Graphic portrayals of the relationships between critical wartime missions and the tasks supporting those missions.

Mission Training Plan (MTP). A descriptive training document that provides an inventory of tasks to train and a suggested method for training these tasks to achieve wartime mission proficiency.

Mixed Media. Imagery and non-visual information combined as a single informational product. Examples include a videotape with accompanying printed material and a map with embedded pictures.

Mnemonics. A technique such as a formula, rhyme, or abbreviation used as a memory aid.

Mobile code. Software modules obtained from remote systems, transferred across a network, and then downloaded and executed on a local system without explicit installation or initiation of execution by the recipient.

Mobile Training Team (MTT). Any group of personnel and training equipment gathered together to provide instruction on some subject or in some area of endeavor, available for movement from place to place in order to provide instruction at the various locations concerned.

Mock-up. A three-dimensional training aid designed to represent operational equipment. It may be a scaled or a cutaway model and may be capable of disassembly or operational simulation.

Model, physical. A static or dynamic training aid, which is representative of operational equipment, or one or more of the parts, assemblies, or systems in which all spatial and sequential relationships are presented.

Mode of instruction. The communication format, (e.g., electronically distributed, instructor led, etc.) which will be used to convey the instruction.

Modular. Consisting of independent units which may be used as part of a total structure or may be used independently.

Modular construction. The positioning of modules or groups of information within a training program.

Modularization. The design and construction of a system comprised of modules.

Modulation. Modifying characteristics of a waveform.

Module. A stand-alone instructional unit that is designed to satisfy one or more learning objectives that can be self-instructional and self-paced. A separate component complete within itself that can be taught, measured, and evaluated for a change or bypassed as a whole; one that is interchangeable with others, used for assembly into units of differing size, complexity, or function. A module is usually part of a series of documents consisting of one or more lessons and may contain charts, graphs, fill-in blanks, and other examples to aid the learning process. Also see the definitions for "course," "instructional unit," and "lesson." Also called "annex" or "subcourse."

Montage. A composite picture made by bringing together into a single composition a number of different pictures or parts of pictures and arranging these, as by superimposing one on another, so that they form a blended whole while remaining distinct.

Motivational device. A design element that causes and sustains interest or regulates activity for the purpose of causing the student to perform in a desired way.

Motivation step. A segment of a lesson introduction in which a presenter provides specific reasons why students need to learn the information being presented.

Multilevel instruction. Training that has various degrees of difficulty and strategy.

Multimedia. The combination of computing, television, and telecommunications technologies to navigate through, create, transmit, exhibit, and store audio, video, text, and graphics in synchrony as digital files, analog media, or a combination thereof through the use of microprocessors in a single system.

Multimedia package. A self-contained instructional unit in more than one presentation medium.

Multiple screen. Use of more than one display screen, simultaneously or alternately.

Multiplexer. A device that allows several devices to share one channel of communication.

Multiprocessing. The use of a computer's central processor that permits the simultaneous processing of different data.

Multitasking. The ability to permit simultaneous processing of more than one task.

Multi-track audio tape recorder. An audio recording machine capable of recording several discrete audio tracks onto audio tape.

Multi-track course. A course that employs more than one track or channel of instruction. Course goals are the same on all channels, but course content, degree of instruction, and presentation all vary to accommodate students of different aptitudes and levels of previously acquired cognitive and psychomotor skills.

Mutable. The capability of silencing the audio output.

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Naming Authority (NA). A Naming Authority is a unique identifier assigned to a repository and used as the first part of a handle.

Nanosecond. One-billionth of a second.

Narrative script. A report that describes audio and video requirements for all video shots containing audio.

National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, NIMAS is the official standard for publisher source files to guide the production and electronic distribution of accessible, alternate format versions of textbooks and other instructional materials.

National Television Systems Committee (NTSC). A committee of the Electronics Industries Association (EIA) that prepared the standard specifications approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The American color television standard specifications are 525 scan lines, a field frequency of 60 Hz, a broadcast bandwidth of 4 MHz, line frequency of 15.75 kHz, frame frequency of 1/30 of a second, field frequency of 1/60 of a second, and a color subcarrier frequency of 58 MHz.

Navigation. In the context of menuing systems, the user's ease of moving forward and backward through the menu structure in pursuit of target menu options. In general, the user's ability to move easily and maintain a sense of orientation within the user interface structure (e.g. from window to window).

Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC). Codes that reflect special skills and knowledge that identify personnel and requirements when the rating structure is insufficient by itself for manpower management purposes. Completion of an advanced school is often a requirement for awarding a NEC.

Needs analysis. Systematic in-depth analysis and verification of training discrepancies and emerging needs identified by a needs assessment. The results of the needs analysis are the definition of performance deficiencies and the isolation of potential solutions. This analytical process addresses the specific nature of the deficiency.

Needs assessment. The systematic process for identifying the causes of discrepancies between what exists and what is currently required, and for identifying the causes of potential discrepancies between current and future requirements. The process in which performance discrepancies are focused upon to determine where the discrepancies exist (e.g., environmental, training, instruction, personnel, equipment).

Negative reinforcement. A reward for an undesired behavior.

Negative transfer. The application of a method or procedure inappropriate for a new or different situation.

Nest. To embed a subroutine or block of data into a larger routine or block of data.

Netiquette. Network etiquette is prescribed social behavior and manners used on computer networks.

Network. Two or more interconnected computers capable of using the same programs and sharing data.

New Equipment Training (NET). Training to transfer knowledge gained during materiel development to trainers, users, and support personnel during development and fielding of new equipment. Also see the definitions for "cadre training" and "instructor and key personnel training."

Node. A point of interconnection to a network. Normally, a point at which a number of terminals or circuits connect to the network.

Noise. Any unwanted signal present in the total recorded signal. One signal interfering with another. Random spurts of electrical energy or interference.

Nonacademic drop or attrite. A student who is disenrolled from the course for reasons not related to the academic requirements prescribed in the course curriculum; that is, medical, legal, and other nonacademic requirements.

Non-Government standard. A standardization document developed by a private sector association, organization, or technical society which plans, develops, establishes, or coordinates standards, specifications, handbooks, or related documents. Non-Government standards adopted by the DoD are listed in the Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards (DoDISS).

Non-interfering basis. Without disturbing regularly scheduled activities or equipment usage.

Nonlinear. Multi-dimensional and not in a straight line or uninterrupted form.

Non-performer. An individual who cannot meet a specified performance standard for a designated task.

Nonprocedural task. A task whose composition does not lend itself to only one specified sequence of actions.

Nonresident training. Training that takes place outside the institutional (resident) training location.

Norm-referenced measurement. The process of determining a student's achievement in relation to other students. Also see the definition for "criterion referenced measurement."

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Object. An abstraction of a set of real-world things such that all of the real-world things in the set "the instances" have the same characteristics, and all instances are subject to and conform to the same rules. Also see the definition for "instructional object."

Object-based. System applications made up of items that users see and use. Objects have a defined set of rules, set by the developers that make them look and behave in fixed ways. Objects are modular in nature and may be used individually or in concert with other objects.

Object Database. A database that stores objects directly knowing what kind of data types are in all the files contained within it. An object in the database references another object without the need for linking fields. Object databases are very powerful when dealing with complex object relationships and with complex data types such us audio or video not just as a list of files.

Object Naming. A naming convention applied to digital identifiers.

a. Semantically Meaningful ids - short-cuts for humans to know something about the object by looking at the identifier itself.

b. Arbitrary ids. Generated by a machine based on a meaningless numbering system or a series of random characters.

Object Repository. A metadata repository for SCOs that logically functions as a catalog, providing a robust, central storage of metadata provided by content providers, output interfaces to the repository that shall provide data to external services, such as search, and browse, and input interfaces that shall enable the addition of new data and update of existing data.

Observation interview. A dialogue wherein a job incumbent is observed in the job environment performing all or a substantial part of the job. The job incumbent performs the job while the analyst asks questions and observes.

Occupational analysis. Relates to data interpretation regarding an occupational designator Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), Military Occupational Skill (MOS), rating or Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) code to determine what jobs and tasks are performed within the occupation. Also may be used to assess the accuracy of classification and training documents.

Occupational Data, Analysis, Requirements and Structure (ODARS) program. A comprehensive system for collecting, processing, storing, and analyzing training and occupational information provided by job incumbents and their supervisors through the administration of survey questionnaires. ODARS provides empirical data for identifying individual critical tasks to training proponents.

Occupational Network (O*NET). O*NET, the Occupational Information Network, is a comprehensive database of worker attributes and job characteristics. As the replacement for the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), O*NET will be the nation's primary source of occupational information - http://www.onetcenter.org.

Occupational specialty. A group of duty positions that require closely related knowledge and skills.

Occupational survey. A means of collecting detailed training and occupational information to be used in an occupational analysis.

Off camera. Performance or action that is not seen on the camera, during a shot, such as narration over film or videotape recording.

Offeror. An individual, agency, or business concern who submits a proposal in response to a Government Request For Proposal (RFP).

Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR). Generally, the organization that requires a DoD production, seeks its creation or acquisition, and is its principal beneficiary, either directly or indirectly.

Officer Foundation Standards (OFS) system. A system that standardizes officer institutional training and provides a tool for individual officers and their commanders. It electronically supports officer training and leader development.

On-Board Training (OBT). Training provided at the command; similar to On-the-Job Training (OJT) and field training.

One-Station Unit Training (OSUT). Initial entry training conducted at one installation in one unit with the same cadre and one program of instruction.

One-way video. A satellite based teletraining system broadcasting from a studio facility. Students are able to see the instructor, but the instructor cannot see the students. Also see the definition for "two-way video."

Online training management system. A training management system that uses web-based technologies to manage online course catalogs, track curricula, courses and classes. Includes only interaction with instruction delivered online. Does not normally include Local Area Network (LAN) applications or resident classroom instruction.

On-the-Job Training (OJT). Training in designated job skills provided at the job sites. Also see the definitions for "Formal On-the-Job Training (FOJT), "On-Board Training (OBT)," and "Supervised On-the-Job Training (OJT)."

On-the-Job Training (OJT) handbook. A document that supports learning at the job site.

Ontology. A way of capturing meaning from one area of knowledge to another that is not dependent on the vocabulary a particular knowledge domain uses. An ontology offers a richer set of relationships among elements than taxonomies, such as full or partial equivalencies, reference, contingency, sequence, and containment.

Open Archival Information System (OAIS). Allows existing and future archives to be more meaningfully compared and contrasted. It provides a basis for further standardization within an archival context and it should promote greater vendor awareness of, and support of, archival requirements.

The Open Document format (ODF). An open file format, based upon the XML-based file format created by OpenOffice.org, for saving and exchanging editable office documents such as text documents (including memos, reports, and books), spreadsheets, databases, charts, and presentations. A draft for the ISO/IEC 26300 was approved on May 3, 2006.

Open-ended test item or open-ended response. A question that can be answered in a variety of ways (e.g., an essay).

Open entry and exit. A course of instruction that has no fixed start or completion date. A course of instruction commences without waiting for additional students to form a class. The student can enter the course whenever he is available. The student will be able to exit upon successful completion of the course without waiting for a fixed schedule completion date.

Open Service Interface Definitions (OSID). Programmatic interface specifications each of which describes a logical computing service. By not specifying a specific technology, an OSID more easily permits a variety of technologies to interoperate through its interfaces for a given service. These interfaces are specified by the Open Knowledge Initiative (O.K.I.) to implement a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) to achieve interoperability among applications across a varied base of underlying and changing technologies.

Open Source. Generically, open source refers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its original design free of charge, i.e., open. Open source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community. There may be restrictions on how your changes or derived works can be distributed (see Open Source Initiative at www.opensource.org). Many commercial open source systems are dual licensed. Typically under the GNU Public License (GPL) and a commercial license which usually allows the user looser distribution and use rights. Open Standards based applications frequently have their reference implementations as open source. Open Source software does not always mean free software. Some Open Source software does not offer performance warranties or indemnity from claims of ownership of parts of the product by others.

Open Standard. A specification for a procedure, protocol, or technology developed by a Standards Organization that is available for anyone to implement. The standard must be patent-free or under a reasonable and non-discriminatory (RAND) patent license to be considered open. Open Standards are not always free to acquire. Many standards organizations require you to purchase the specification. This helps to support their efforts. Open Standards are not always free to implement. The ITU, ISO, and IEEE standards may require licensing patents.

Open system architecture. A computer system designed with industry standard interface structure to allow for the addition of peripherals and internal cards for hardware and software upgrade and enhancement. A computer system designed to enable processors and input/output devices from different manufactures to exchange information.

Operational equipment. Actual equipment designed for use by operational units to accomplish their mission, as distinguished from that equipment designed only for training purposes.

Operational evaluation. Operational (field) tryouts of a system.

Operational Flight Trainer (OFT). Hardware and software, designed or modified exclusively for training basic flight. Involves simulation or stimulation in its construction or operation to demonstrate or illustrate a concept or simulate an operational circumstance or environment.

Operational Requirements Document. A statement containing performance (operational effectiveness and suitability) and related operational parameters for a proposed concept or system.

Operational training. Training that exercises previously acquired functional knowledge and system employment (operational) skills, to enhance proficiency and to identify deficiencies within a systematic training structure in the operational environment or in the simulated operational environment such as a trainer.

Operational trials. The determination of the validity of the training materials presented as a module or course based on using classes from target population.

Operations other than war. Military activities during peacetime and conflict that do not necessarily involve armed clashes between two organized forces.

Operator trainer. A trainer on which individuals learn the methods and procedures necessary to operate specific equipment (e.g., radar trainer, operational flight trainer).

Operator training. Instruction in which students are taught the methods, procedures, and skills necessary to manipulate the controls of specific system/equipment.

Optical disc. A disc whose information is read by a laser beam. Also see the definitions for "Compact Disc (CD)" and "videodisc."

Optical memory. Digital data stored on an optical disk used for mass storage of data.

Optimum class size. The largest number of students in a class that can be trained with no degradation in training effectiveness. The constraining factor is the availability of equipment, facilities, and manpower.

Option-Button menu. A list of related options, implemented in a single line with a scrolling button or arrow to the right of the topmost options; when the user clicks on the scrolling button or arrow, the full list of options opens beneath the topmost option.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The first prime manufacturer of the equipment.

Outline sheet. An instruction sheet that provides the student with an outline of the major teaching points in the topic.

Outsourcing. Contracting for goods and services required to conduct training.

Overlapping windows. Windows are like papers on a desktop, arranged in a simulated three-dimensional space and, perhaps, stacked in piles, overlapping on another.

Over learning. Practice beyond what is required for retention. Also called "overtraining."

Overt behavior. Behavior which is observable and measurable.

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Package switching. The transfer of data by means of addressed packets whereby a channel is occupied only for the duration of transmission of the packet. The channel is then available for the transfer of other packets. The data network determines the routing during, rather than prior to, the transfer of a packet.

Packet. A group of bits transmitted as a whole.

Page-based data product. Human-readable or viewable documents in digital or hard copy format. These products display pages, illustrations, or other objects. Page-based training documents normally provide textual (prose) information and/or graphics that, as delivered, are suitable for use in an instructional environment (e.g., a hard-copy lesson plan, transparency, wall chart, graphic, etc.).

Palette. A set of unlabeled symbols, typically presented within small rectangles; a maximum of six or seven foreground and background colors for color variety so that the user will have the opportunity to change colors if it is desired.

Pamphlet. A publication of 64 pages or less that is complete in itself, but issued in a series, usually numbered consecutively.

Pan. To move the camera horizontally to give a panoramic effect or follow a moving object.

Paper validation. The process of stepping through the Interactive Courseware (ICW) using storyboards/scripts on the actual delivery system.

Partial screen display. The computer's ability to erase a section of the screen.

Part-task training. Subordinate skills training (operations/procedures) that resembles portions, or subtasks, and response of the actual system operation. A type of two-dimensional simulation.

Part-Task Training (PTT) Device. A device that permits selected aspects of a task to be practiced independently of other elements of the task. The purpose of the part-task training device is to provide economical training on specific task elements requiring special practice, but that are not dependent upon the total equipment (system).

Part-time training. Participation by personnel in training programs that occupy a part of the normal duty period, or are available outside the normal duty period, for participation on a basis less than would be expected of a full-time student.

Passive learning. Learning where no feedback is provided to a user's response.

Passive voice. As compared to active voice, a less direct and often more wordy way of describing the activity of some agent; for example, "Help was requested by the user," is a passive versions of "The user requested help." Sometimes necessary, for example, if the performer(s) of some action wish to remain anonymous or cannot be identified: "A decision was made to eliminate 20 positions in the office."

Peer instruction. A method of instruction in which a student who has completed training will act as an instructor to another student in the skill or process to be learned.

Perceived instructional problem. The report or action that causes the conduct of a needs analysis. The report may be formal or informal. Also see the definition for "triggering circumstance."

Performance. Part of a criterion objective that describes the observable student behavior (or the product of that behavior) that is acceptable to the instructor as proof that learning has occurred.

Performance Aiding. Applications designed to run simultaneously with other applications or embedded within other applications that provide support for the user in accomplishing specific tasks, e.g. an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual, Interactive Electronic Technical Publication, Interactive Electronic Technical Document, or Interactive Electronic Technical Information System.

Performance-based instruction. Instruction which develops student performance proficiency via task-based learning objectives written with an action verb. Students prove competency by actually performing the objectives to the established standards.

Performance checklist. The breakdown of a learning objective into elements that must be correctly performed to determine whether each student satisfactorily meets the performance standards described in the learning objective.

Performance criteria/standard. Part of a learning objective that describes the observable student behavior (or the product of that behavior) that is acceptable as proof that learning has occurred.

Performance deficiency. The inability of a unit or individual to perform the required tasks to the established standard.

Performance evaluation. A process of data collection and analysis to determine the success of students on a specific individual or collective task as a result of a training program.

Performance evaluation tools. Competency tests that allow the trainer to profile the student's proficiency and identify weak areas so that training can be efficiently planned for the areas of most critical need.

Performance exercise. A proficiency (criterion referenced) test used to evaluate mastery of a task as specified by the criterion referenced objective.

Performance gap. The delta between desired and actual performance.

Performance measures. The actions that can be objectively observed and measured to determine if a task performer has performed the task to the prescribed standard.

Performance objective. A precise statement of the performance expected of a student as the result of instruction, expressed in terms of the standards to which it will be performed or demonstrated. Also see the definition for "Learning Objective (LO)."

Performance-oriented training. Training in which learning is accomplished through performance of the tasks or supporting learning objectives under specific conditions until an established standard is met.

Performance requirements. The identification of the separate acts that are required to satisfactorily complete an individual's performance on the job. It includes the act (behavior), the conditions under which the behavior is performed and the standard of performance required by the incumbent.

Performance specification. A statement of requirements, in terms of the required results with criteria for verifying compliance, without stating the methods for achieving the required results. A performance specification defines the functional requirements for the item, the environment in which it must operate, and interface and interchangeability characteristics.

Performance step. A single discrete operation, movement, or action that comprises part of a task.

Performance-supervision phase. A phase of the demonstration-performance teaching method during which students practice the skill to be learned under the supervision of the instructor.

Peripheral device. An auxiliary device used with a computer (e.g., printer, keyboard, tape memory, modem, videodisc player, videotape player, bit pad, mouse, digitizing camera).

Personal Computer (PC) compatible. Refers to computers compatible with the IBM Personal Computer standard.

Personal performance standards. The specific behaviors that must be exhibited as the minimum acceptable by personnel in specified billets, jobs, or tasks, under specified conditions, in order that the unit to which personnel are assigned may (if all other functional entities perform to standards) achieve its identified purpose.

Personnel Performance Profile (PPP) tables. A document that provides a minimum requirements listing of all knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain a system, subsystem or equipment, or to perform a task or function. PPPs are a basic element in the design, development, and management of training. The five types of PPPs are:

a. System. The System PPP table identifies the knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain a system. The System PPP identifies the interrelationship of subsystem functions within the system.

b. Subsystem. The Subsystem PPP table identifies the knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain a subsystem in sufficient detail to allow the user to identify the equipment integration.

c. Equipment. The Equipment PPP table identifies the knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain an individual equipment, or equipment assemblage, including software-related activities.

d. Task/Function. The Task/Function PPP table identifies the occupational specialty knowledge and skills that are either operational, maintenance, administrative/managerial, or specialized in nature and purpose, or that describe a mission that is broader in scope and importance than that of individual equipment being operated/maintained simultaneously or over time.

e. Background. The Background PPP table identifies the prerequisite knowledge and skills required to learn the operation and maintenance of a system, subsystem, equipment, or the performance of a task or function.

Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS). The PQS program is a method for qualifying officer and enlisted personnel to perform assigned duties. A PQS is a written compilation of knowledge and skills derived from task analysis, required to qualify for a specific watch-station, maintain a specific equipment or system, or perform as a team member within the assigned unit.

Phase. A major part of a training course that contains one or more modules. Also see the definition for "phased training."

Phase Alternation by Line (PAL). The 625 line, 50 field, color television standard of western Europe (excluding France), Africa, Australia, and South America.

Phased training. Training that has been compartmentalized into distinct phases to enhance training. Also see the definition for "phase."

Phosphors. Individual dots of color that make up a pixel (picture element).

Photodiode. A device used to translate variations in light into the electronic signals that comprise CD data.

Physical data model. A representation of the technologically independent requirements in a physical environment of hardware, software, and network configurations representing them in the constraints of an existing physical environment. Also see the definition for "logical data model."

Physical fidelity. The degree of structural or dynamic correspondence of a training device to the operational system/equipment it represents.

Physical Picture Element (PIXEL). A single point of illumination on a display device. One of the thousands of points of light and color that make up a screen. The minimum raster display element, represented as a point with a specified color and intensity level.

Physical skills. Skills that require physical movement related activities. Also see the definition for "mental skills." Also called "psychomotor skills."

Pilot Instructor Training (PIT). A formal course for student pilots.

Pipeline. The total time involved in training personnel once they are designated as students. This includes time traveling to the training activity, time awaiting instruction, time of actual training, time from termination of training until reporting to the ultimate duty station; may include more than one training activity.

Pit. The microscopic physical indentation or hole found in the information layer of a videodisc. Pits on reflective optical discs modulate the reflected beam. Pits in transmissive discs block the beam or allow it to pass through the disc. Pits on Very High Density (VHD) discs cause a detectable change in electrical capacitance. In all cases, variations in the pits carry the information.

Plan of instruction. A qualitative course control document designed for use primarily within a school for course planning, organization, and operation. Generally, for every block of instruction within a course there is a listing of criterion objectives, duration of instruction, and support materials/guidance factors. Also called "syllabus." Also see the definition for "program of instruction."

Plagiarism. A form of academic dishonesty; it is a matter of deceit: fooling a reader into believing that certain written material is original when it is not. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense when the goal is to obtain some sort of personal academic credit or personal recognition.

Platform and component trainer. Utilizes actual system components which function in the same manner as when installed in the end item. Uses actual system, subsystems, and assemblies located as close as possible to their location in the end item. The trainer includes actual wiring, plugs, mounting racks, securing devices, and any other common hardware deemed necessary to enhance the realism of training.

Plotter. A graphic hardcopy output device that can use any number of technologies to plot (graph) an image. An output device that prints graphs, bar charts, drawings, or other data, on paper with high resolution. (e.g., pen plotters, electrostatic plotters, photo plotters, ink-jet plotters, and laser plotters).

Plot time. The time between command initiation and draw completion (presentation).

Plug-in. Supplementary programs installed and used as part of the Web browser that allow the user to play sound and motion video, navigate and view documents just as they look in the printed medium, and participate in interactive animations.

Podcast. Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term podcast, like 'radio', can mean both the content and the method of delivery. Podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their files; a podcast however is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading RSS or Atom feeds.

Polygon. A closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments.

Population. A well-defined group of subjects, things, or characteristics from which measurements are taken (for example, all students 6 feet or taller). Also see the definition for "student target population."

Pop-up. A list of options or menu that is displayed when the user selects a specially-programmed graphical symbol or "hot spot" on the computer screen; serves to save screen space since it is not displayed continuously.

Port. The electronic door through which information is transferred between sections of a computer and between separate computers.

Portability. The capability to run courseware and associated application programs without modification on an instructional delivery system other than the system for which they were originally designed. Also see the definition for "computer based courseware portability." Also called "transportability."

Portable Document Format (PDF). PDF is used to convert visually rich documents, complete with scalable graphics and type, for access via the World Wide Web. Documents in PDF can be displayed and printed from many computers.

Portable Electronic Display Device (PEDD). A PEDD is a small electronic device that has been designed and engineered to facilitate the presentation of an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) to a technician during maintenance procedures.

Positive reinforcement. Reward intended to increase the likelihood of repeated performance of a desirable behavior.

Post-Distribution Evaluation Instrument (PDE). An online questionnaire used to capture specific post-production evaluation data compiled by OPR's on the VI productions they "create or acquire." The data gathered from the Instrument is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the DoD Production Program, rather than the effectiveness of individual OPR productions.

Post-production. The stage in the preparation of an audiovisual program, after the original footage has been shot. The editing and assembling process of combining new video, resource video, character-generated text, video still frames, and special effects into frames of composed video. May include editing, encoding, computer programming, and other functions.

PostScript. PostScript is a page description language for specifying the formatting of typeset documents or displays developed by Adobe Systems.

Practical exercise. A technique used during a training session that permits students to acquire and practice the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to successfully perform one or more training objectives.

Practical exercise sheet. A description of the exercise, the actions to be performed by the student, the conditions under which they will perform, and how performance will be measured.

Practice. Repeated and systematic performance to gain proficiency using the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective skills, acquired in the training phase. Initial practice occurs while the student is acquiring skills; proficiency practice occurs at intervals after training so that the skills may be refreshed. Practice enables the student to perform the job proficiently.

Practice effect. The influence of previous experience in taking a test for the second time or more. Familiarity with directions, types of items, and questions when taking a test again usually helps the examinee to score higher. Practice effect is greatest when the time interval between the test and retest is short and when the same form is administered.

Practicum. A course of study, in a specialized field of study, designed for the task of learning a practice. Learning is conducted risk free under the guidance of one or more master practitioners teaching in a conventional sense, presenting facts and guidelines, and functioning as a coach in. The context approximates a practice world where students learn by doing, although their doing usually falls short of real-world work.

Prebrief/debrief. Conducted prior to/immediately following a training mission to discuss all aspects of the mission. Includes discussion of individual items and the mission as a whole.

Predictive validity. The extent to which the test or expert opinion predicts how well students will actually perform on the job.

Premaster. The fully coded media used in the mastering process to make a copy through direct transfer of its information onto the master disc.

Premastering. The process of assembling, evaluating, revising, and coding intermediate audiovisual materials onto a premaster.

Premaster materials. All training material needed to start and complete production to include adjunctive materials, final script-storyboard, and flowchart to be used for production of stock footage.

Preproduction. All tasks that are part of the production schedule leading up to the actual shooting of material on video or film.

Prerequisite. A requirement the trainee must possess before being able to attend a training course or lesson. Also called "entry skills" and "training prerequisite."

Prerequisite skills and knowledge. The physical and mental capability an individual must possess before entering an activity (e.g., training, task, job, etc.).

Prerequisite training. The training that personnel must have successfully completed to be qualified for entry into training for which they are now being considered.

Presentation media. Media (e.g., printed materials, audiovisual devices, hardware simulators, or stimulators) used to convey or communicate information to individuals engaged in learning.

Preservation. The processes involved in protecting and conserving information. These include storage under environmentally-protected conditions, conversion from obsolete to current formats, copying to more durable media, protecting from physical damage, cleaning, and securing against accidental or deliberate erasure, alteration, or loss.

Preventive maintenance. The actions performed in an attempt to keep an item in a specific operable condition by providing systematic inspection, detection, and prevention of failure.

Preview monitor. A monitor that shows the director the picture intended to be used as the next shot.

Primary menu. The menu initially presented to the viewer. This menu has no menu levels above it.

Prime time for training. An established period of time (e.g., hours, days, or weeks) devoted entirely to mission-related training.

Primitive. Basic display element, point segment, segment, alphanumeric character, or marker.

Printer's dummy. A page-by-page prototype of a publication showing margins, areas of type, illustrations, readings and captions, and suggested colors.

Probability of deficient performance. Tasks selection criterion that ensures training is given in those essential job skills in which job incumbents frequently perform poorly.

Problem-based Learning (PBL). PBL begins with presenting a real life problem the learner must attempt to solve. The learner follows a path of discovery whereby he or she expresses ideas about resolving the problem, lists known facts, decides what information to use (including naming sources for that learning) and develops an action plan to resolve the problem. Several evaluation methods follow the plan to determine the success or failure of the action plan.

Procedural analysis. A method for analyzing tasks that lend themselves to flowcharting.

Procedural task. A task for which a set of procedures has been published to produce the desired results. The procedures may be either a single fixed array (linear) or a set of alternatives on the contingencies encountered (branching).

Procedures trainer. A non-dynamic system that allows procedural training to be accomplished. It could take the form of a mock-up or a weapon system procedures trainer.

Process evaluation. An early stage in Instructional Systems Development/Systems Approach to Training (ISD/SAT) that identifies the steps in the process that will be used for the course under development. The purpose of the process evaluation is to describe and document the actual developmental process for this particular instruction.

Processing time. The amount of time it takes a computer's central processing unit to operate on a specified number of instructions (units of computer code).

Process standard. A standard for a task which consists of a series of steps resulting in individual obtaining a single result. The task is evaluated by observing the process and by scoring each step or element as it is performed in terms, of sequence, completeness, accuracy, or speed.

Production. In visual information, a complete, linear or non-linear presentation, sequenced according to a plan or script that is created from original or stock motion or still images, with or without sound, for the purpose of conveying information to, or communicating with, an individual or audience.

Production approval number. Alphanumeric number assigned to designate approval for the creation of a production.

Production assignment number. Alphanumeric number assigned to identify a course of instruction.

Production Decision Logic Table (PDLT). An online instrument used to help determine the appropriateness of using the production medium to achieve a given communication objective under a given communication scenario. The PDLT determinations are based on research findings in the fields of instructional technology, learning theory, and other fields.

Production Folder. The textual record pertaining to a production. A production folder usually includes scripts, contracts, talent releases, copyright releases, and related material.

Production Identification Number (PIN). Alphanumeric number assigned to identify a course of instruction.

Production list. Identical to the definition for "shot list."

Production schedule. A report describing each required video frame or sequence in an efficient shooting order.

Production task. A task that terminates in a discrete product or outcome that is observable and measurable. The task is evaluated by looking at the product or outcome in terms of completeness, accuracy, tolerance, clarity, error, or quantity.

Product standard. A standard for a task which terminates in a product or outcome which is observable and measurable. The task is evaluated by looking at the product or outcome in terms of completeness, accuracy, tolerance, clarity, error, or quantity.

Professional development course. A course designed to prepare commissioned officers, warrant officers, or noncommissioned officers to effectively perform the duties required in assignments of progressively greater responsibility.

Professional Military Education (PME) training. The systematic acquisition of theoretical and applied knowledge and the development of command and staff skills that are of particular significance to the profession of arms.

Proficiency. Ability to perform a specific behavior (e.g., task, learning objective) to the established performance standard in order to demonstrate mastery of the behavior.

Proficiency codes. A series of letters and numbers that will indicate the level of proficiency a student is expected to reach upon mastery of a given learning objective.

Proficiency training. Training conducted to improve or maintain the capability of individuals and teams to perform in a specified manner. Training to develop and maintain a given level of skill in the individual or team performance of a particular task.

Profile item-to-topic learning objectives assignment chart. An administrative tool designed to reflect the coverage of Personnel Performance Profile (PPP) line items within a curriculum.

Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT). A visual representation of the tasks of a project; shows the relationship between the tasks and defines the critical path. A planning technique that arranges events and their duration into a flow graph to examine the entire program and to aid in decision making (e.g., determine sequencing priorities, total time for plan completion, preparation (lead) time for specific events, and other determinations).

Program-linked functions. Computer program features such as back-up, suspend, and marginal notes that, once chosen by the designer, may be active throughout an Interactive Courseware (ICW) program.

Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM). Write once read-only memory on a chip that allows a program to reside in a piece of hardware.

Programmed Instruction (PI). A student centered method of instruction that presents the information in planned steps or increments, with an appropriate response immediately following each step. The student is guided step-by-step to the successful completion of the assigned task or training exercise.

Programmed Instructional Package (PIP). All the components of a specific unit of programmed instruction, including the programmed instructional materials, learning aids, instructor guide or manual, pretests and post tests, validation data, description of intended student target population, and objectives.

Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations (PLATO). A computer-based training system that uses the Tutor language.

Programmed text. A publication prepared in one or more of the programmed instruction formats, and which applies the concepts of programmed instruction.

Programming script. A detailed plan of the computer program information for each frame of Interactive Courseware (ICW). Also see the definition for "script."

Programming system in Logic Language (PROLOG). A specialized language developed for artificial intelligence applications and for decision making processes.

Program of instruction. A formal course record that identifies and describes the course content, course material, type of instruction, the major learning objectives, student information, and resources required to conduct training in an institutional setting. Also called "syllabus." Also see the definition for "plan of instruction."

Program validation. One aspect of post-production where the premaster tape is reviewed to attest to the correctness of content.

Progressive training. Training which is sequenced to require increased levels of performance proficiency.

Projected Operational Environment (POE). The environment in which a piece of equipment, system, organization, or personnel is expected to operate.

Project management plan. The training development project management plan is the plan for developing training for a single, resourced, training development requirement, such as development or revision of resident and nonresident courses, analyses, doctrine literature, and strategies/plans is based on a valid training development requirement identified during needs analysis or training design strategy development; details the personnel, milestones, costs, material, temporary duty and all other factors required to develop the training.

Prompt. A word, symbol, character, or other signal that initiates or guides behavior; a cue.

Prompted authoring aids. Computer program prompts which step an author through the process of creating a unit of instruction.

Prompted simulation. Student performance of a simulated procedure under controlled circumstances. The student is prompted, guided through the procedure, provided necessary remediation, given explanations, and help is provided. It usually consists of video or graphic still frames.

Proof disc. A check disc produced from an optical glass master.

Proof support. A type of instructional material used during the body of a lesson that provides hard data or expert testimony in support of an assertion. Also see the definition for "support instructional material."

Prop. A theatrical property (e.g., furniture, displays, backdrops, and other objects) used for set decorations and by actors or performers.

Proponent agency. An organization or staff that has been assigned primary responsibility for materiel or subject matter experts in its area of interest.

Proponent school. The school designated as a training proponent to exercise supervisory management of all combat/training development aspects of a materiel system, functional area, or task.

Protocols. A special set of rules for communicating that the end points in a telecommunication connection use when sending signals back and forth. Also see the definitions for "HyperText Transfer Protocol", "Internet Protocol (IP)", and "Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)."

Prototype section. A first sample section of courseware developed as a model.

Proxy server. Intercepts all messages entering and leaving the network. The proxy server effectively hides the true network addresses.

Psychomotor domain. A major area of learning that deals with acquiring physical skills requiring dexterity, coordination, and muscular activity. Also see the definition for "psychomotor skills."

Psychomotor skills. Identical to the definition for "physical skills." Also see the definitions for "mental skills" and "psychomotor domain."

Public Information. Public information is "any information, regardless of form or format that an agency discloses, disseminates, or makes available to the public." (Paperwork Reduction Act)

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). A system of digital certificates, Certificate Authorities, and other registration authorities that verify and authenticate the validity of each party involved in an Internet transaction.

Pull-down/pull-down menu. Generally referring to menus that are accessed by selecting a high-level menu title such as File, Edit, or View; that then "unfolds" to provide additional menu options associated with that keyword.

Pulse code or pulse. A signal that, when recorded on every frame of a videotape, facilitates editing and access by making individual frames easier to identify.

Pushbuttons. In the context of the user interface, software-generated objects that are displayed on the computer screen; often designed to resemble physical pushbuttons through outlining and shadowing; activated by pointing and clicking, or in a touchscreen application, by physically touching the appropriate screen space; also called command buttons.

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Qualification. Demonstration of personal attributes, education, training and/or work experience.

Qualitative and Quantitative Personnel Requirement Information (QQPRI). A document that provides information concerning numbers and qualifications of personnel involved in the use, maintenance, and transport of equipment or systems. Where appropriate, it also describes the personnel duties, Military Occupational Skill (MOS)/skill levels, specialty code, and organization.

Quality Assurance (QA). Actions taken by the contractor and/or Government to ensure that supplies and services meet the stated requirements.

Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAR). A Government person responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control (QC). A process of measurement and evaluation used in order to maintain standards.

Quiz. A short test administered by the instructor to measure achievement on material recently taught or on any small, newly completed unit of work.

Quota. The number or amount constituting a proportional share; an allotment.

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Radio button. A type of electronically-displayed pushbutton used for exclusive selection; the user can select one, and only one, option from a set of radio buttons; contrast with check box.

Random access. The ability to access memory circuits directly without going through a fixed sequence.

Random Access Memory (RAM). Addressable memory directly controlled by the central processing unit of a computer.

Random Access Memory (RAM) disk. Use of a computer's RAM to simulate a disk drive to allow for quick access of data at a rate faster than access of a magnetic disk.

Random sample. A sample selected in such a way as to guarantee equal probability that any portion of the group may be selected.

Random selection. A process for selecting people or objects with no specific pattern, purpose, or objective so that all available elements have the same chance of selection.

Random Survey. A statistical study of a sample population in which every person in the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Rank order. The relative standing of an individual on a given trait with reference to other members of the group.

Raster. The closely spaced parallel lines produced on a display device. An image is formed by modulating the intensity of the individual pixels. A binary representation, a raster form, of the pixels can be used to digitally represent an image.

Rating scale. A measurement device in which an evaluator must choose a response from choices arranged in a continuum such as from low to high or good to bad.

Raw score. A score obtained on a test as determined by the performance itself, to which no correction or modification of any kind has been applied other than the possible addition or subtraction of a constant score.

Raw video. Video that has not yet been edited.

Reading Grade Level (RGL). A number representing a person's ability to read and comprehend what they are reading, equating to a given level of schooling in which a student should be capable of reading and comprehending the written matter (i.e., a RGL of 7 is representative of an individual being able to read and comprehend 7th grade subject matter). A number representing the school grade level assigned to the complexity of reading materials. Formulas used to calculate reading grade level are usually based on length of words and sentences.

Read Only Memory (ROM). A type of internal computer memory in which data can be read but cannot be altered.

Ready For Training (RFT) date. The date that equipment, training materials, or other support are required to be in the field to support training requirements.

Ready For Use (RFU). When a new acquisition is available for use either operationally or in a support function.

Real estate. In video technology, the space available on a videodisc or tape, or the active viewing area on a video display.

Really Simple Syndication. A form of web syndication used by news websites and weblogs.

Real time. The normal clock time at which events occurs.

Realism. The extent to which an operator's experience in a training device corresponds to experiences as they would actually occur in/on the operational system/equipment under a given set of conditions.

Really Simple Syndication. A form of web syndication used by news websites and weblogs.

Rear screen. Translucent screen onto which images are projected from the rear and photographed or viewed from the front.

Reclassification training. Training provided to individuals that will qualify them to perform in a newly assigned job.

Record. A unit of logical storage or set of data forming the basic elements of a file.

Recycling. The process by which students are afforded additional opportunities to complete a training course (or cycle) either through repetition of training previously not completed satisfactorily or make-up of extensive training that was missed because of medical or other absences.

Red, Green, Blue (RGB). Stands for the separate input of the three signals corresponding to the primary color "guns" in a color cathode ray tube, or color monitor.

Red-lining. A process used to record recommended change actions prior to Government approval.

Re-enactment. A reconstruction of something that has really happened, possible using the same people and places, but quite likely edited.

Referatory. A digital registry that can be queried to find content. Searchers are provided links to the asset holder or owner.

Reference - dependent task. A task that requires frequent or continuous use of a reference during task performance.

Reference - independent task. A task that must be performed without the aid of references due to mission or job requirements.

Reference resources. Library and reference links included on a training portal in addition to the primary training links to the electronic classrooms, electronic forums, e-mail, etc.

Refresher training. Used to reinforce previous training and/or sustain/regain previously acquired skills and knowledge.

Regenerative design. A lesson style that allows for a different set of questions to be presented for each student or for each time a student enters a lesson.

Register. An internal circuit in a microprocessor used for holding and manipulating data and memory addresses.

Registered Repository. An activity approved by the DoD Component that has a DTIC-managed account with the ADL-R.

Regulation. A document of general application designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe procedural requirements.

Release form. A document used to obtain written permission for use of copyrighted materials or pictures taken of individuals.

Reliability, equipment. The characteristic that a device, equipment, or system will operate effectively for a period of time without a failure or breakdown.

Reliability, test. The extent to which the test/test item gives consistent results each time it is used. Any time a test item is examined for validity, it is also examined for reliability.

Remedial instruction. Special instruction designed and delivered to alleviate deficiencies in the achievement of some of the learning objectives of an instructional program.

Remediation. Corrective training/instruction. A form of feedback that re-teaches information for which the student has demonstrated a lack of understanding.

Remediation design criteria. Previously determined paths developed by the designer and influenced by the user's input. The remediation is intended to re-teach information the trainee has failed to understand. It may also be supplemental instruction to correct student non-understanding of course material or a student learning deficiency.

Remote operations. Events conducted away from the normal local area of operations.

Remote terminal. A terminal physically located so that it must communicate with the mainframe computer through a modem.

Remote workstation. A self-contained microcomputer that can compute in a stand-alone operation or input/output information to/from a different computer.

Remotivation step. A segment of a lesson conclusion during which the presenter reminds students why the information presented is important to the student as an individual so that student will have a desire to retain and use what they have learned.

Replacement Training Unit (RTU). Any organization which accepts Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) graduates and trains them in a major weapons system.

Repository. A mechanism to acquire, store, control, and distribute digital media assets using specifications defined by the host and agreed to by the content provider throughout the entire lifecycle of the assets. A key component is digital preservation long term, error-free storage with means to archive, search, and retrieve content. The digital content is stored in databases called asset repositories while metadata such as photo captions, article key words, advertiser ids, contact ids, file ids or low-resolution thumbnail images are stored in separate databases called media catalogs and point to the original items.

Repository (Institutional). Institutional repositories include diverse types of digital works (e.g., electronic theses and dissertations, e-prints, learning objects, presentations, and technical reports) by authors at one institution or, less frequently, at multiple institutions. They are often established and maintained by libraries or libraries working in partnership with other major institutional entities, such as the institution's information technology unit. Since they are formal institutional functions, institutional repositories are permanent and stable. There is often a commitment to use digital preservation techniques to ensure the continued availability and usefulness of the digital materials that they contain. Institutional repository systems share the capabilities described previously for disciplinary and institutional-unit archives, but may be further optimized to more fully support a wide range of digital materials, the autonomous operation of institutional units, and digital preservation. They may include electronic document publishing functions, such as e-journal management or conference paper management systems. They typically utilize free open source software, such as DSpace, EPrints, or Fedora, but may be externally hosted by vendors for designed fees. Institutional repository staff may offer a range of services, such as document deposit, metadata creation, repository promotion, training, and user support. (Although less common, there are also institutional e-print archives that only contain e-prints.) Example: DSpace at MIT, https://dspace.mit.edu/index.jsp.

Repository Manager. The entity given administrative rights to the ADL-R for a learning content repository.

Repository Proponent. The office representing the DoD Component that shall authorize repositories to be registered with the ADL-R.

Repository (Registered). An activity approved by the DoD Component that has a DTIC-managed account with the ADL-R.

Reproducible copy. Identical to the definition for "camera-ready copy."

Reproduction Master Materials. The materials necessary to reproduce or modify all components of the IMI courseware, including all video and audio source materials as originally supplied to the mastering facility. Reproduction master materials also include the appropriate associated development documentation.

Request For Information (RFI). As used in this handbook, a formal invitation for industry to provide comments on a Government pre-proposal package. Also see the definitions for "Request For Proposal (RFP)" and "solicitation."

Request For Proposal (RFP). A formal invitation for offerors to submit a proposal to satisfy a stated Government need. Also see the definitions for "Request For Information (RFI)" and "solicitation."

Required Operational Capabilities (ROC). Statements prepared by mission and force function sponsors that detail the capabilities required of equipment, systems, organizations, and personnel in various operational situations. The level of detail sets forth which systems will be ready at varying degrees of readiness.

Resident school. A training location other than the individual's assigned unit where the individual is a full-time student.

Resident training course. A formal course presented by trained instructors, conducted at a training location where the student is a full time student.

Resolution. A measure of picture clarity, sharpness, or fineness of detail. It is directly related to the number of visible scanning lines per frame, in video, or the number of pixels (picture elements or discrete element dots) per unit of area, in non-video applications. The higher the number of scanning lines or the pixel density, the higher the resolution. In CORDRA, this is the process of locating (resolving) the asset identified by its handle.

Resource management. The control (i.e., identification, acquisition, and use) of training development and training resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, funds, personnel, and time) to obtain maximum and timely training efficiency.

Resource requirements list. An overall list that identifies the equipment, facilities, funds, personnel, time, texts, references, films, graphics, and other instructional media materials required to support the curriculum.

Resources. The equipment, facilities, funds, personnel, time, texts, references, films, graphics, and other instructional media materials required to support the training program. Also called "training resources."

Responding. A level of affective domain in which students act or comply by performing an act.

Response. Any activity which is induced by a stimulus. In instruction, it designates a wide variety of behavior which may involve a single word, selection among alternatives (multiple choice), the solution of a complex problem, the manipulation of buttons or keys, etc.

Response bias. Tendency to favor a certain response over others.

Response-paced. Interactive Courseware (ICW) that prompts the student to comprehension of learning points at the optimum comprehension speed.

Response time. The time between the end of the user input and the start of the output (e.g., seeing data begin to appear on the screen).

Return On Investment (ROI). The savings that accrue, usually over a pre-determined period of time, either through cost avoidance or savings in time, money, personnel, or other resources, by an up-front investment in a training program.

Reusability. The flexibility to incorporate instructional components in multiple applications and contexts.

Ring network. A configuration of computers and peripherals serially connected such that any unit can directly communicate with any other unit.

Risk. A hazard, danger, or peril; exposure to loss or injury; the degree of probability or loss.

Risk assessment. The process used to identify potential hazard associated with training, set values on the risk elements, compare risks against training benefits, and eliminate unnecessary risks. It is an expression of potential loss in terms of hazard severity, accident probability, and exposure to hazard.

Risk assessment code. A code, representing the risk assessment output.

Routers. On the Internet, a router is a device or, in some cases, software in a computer, that determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded toward its destination. The router is connected to at least two networks and decides which way to send each information packet based on its current understanding of the state of the connected networks.

Routine. A part of a computer program that does a limited, specific task.

Rule-based system. A system in which knowledge is stored as simple "if-then" or "condition-action" statements.

Runtime Environment (RTE). The physical platform that sets standards for utilizing the Shared Content Object in the target Learning Management System. The Runtime protocol utilizes JavaScript, a standard Web-programming language, to define a common interface for Shared Content Objects. Together, the Content Aggregation Model (CAM) and the Runtime Environment (RTE) allow the exchange of Sharable Content Objects.

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S1000D. An international specification for technical publications utilizing a common source database. In addition, it defines a Common Source Database (CSDB) for compiling publications used in electronic logistics information systems to deliver modules of information direct to the user. More information may be found at: http://www.s1000d.org.

Safe area. That area in the center of a screen that is sure to be displayed on all receivers and monitors. The outer edge of a screen (about 10 percent of the total picture) is not represented in the same way on all televisions and monitors.

Safety-in-training. The integration of safety requirements and risk management into the training development process. It involves hazard (risk exposure) identification and prevention (risk control techniques) into individual/unit training products.

Sample. A portion or small segment of a student target population (i.e., a sample of students for whom instruction is designed).

Sampling plan. Specified procedures for selecting a small but representative group (i.e., sample) from the student target population.

Satellite e-Learning. Satellite e-learning represents the next generation of distributed media. Utilizing IP (Internet Protocol) as the network layer and distribution technology, it also incorporates the latest MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) video standard or latest version of Widows Media. Similar in application to ITV, it allows for the live traditional classroom to be transmitted to a remote site while synchronous oral interactivity is supported by audio teleconferencing or student response systems integrating audio and keypad technology (data interaction). Additionally, since satellite elearning uses IP, video streaming can be utilized at extremely high bandwidths (~0Mbps). The IP-based video can be distributed directly to the user's end-point and then distributed via the LAN to either a classroom or desktop computer, or both. Also, satellite e-learning can easily transmit large multimedia/web-based training modules (known as data casting) without being constrained by bandwidth, as is common with a terrestrial network. This capability allows the data to bypass the WAN by transmitting directly to the user's end-point and then distributed locally via the LAN, thereby effectively bypassing the terrestrial infrastructure and the Internet. Satellite elearning is also referred to as BTV/IP (Business Television/Internet Protocol).

Satellite TV. Video and audio signals are relayed from the data's origin via a communication device that orbits the earth.

Saturated colors. Strong, bright colors (particularly reds and oranges) which do not reproduce well on video, but tend to saturate the screen with color or bleed around the edges, producing a grayish, unclear image.

Saturation. The degree of purity in a given color, measured by its freedom from mixture with white.

Scalability. The ability to use the same application software on many different classes of hardware.

Scenario. A logical and realistic presentation of mission objectives and specific mission tasks required by the formal training syllabus in corresponding mission lesson plans.

Schemas. An organization of information. Schemas may take the form of scripts (a kind of story or scenario that organizes information) or frames (a structure that looks like a table or matrix into which information fits).

Sharable Content Object (SCO) . The SCO represents a collection of one or more digital assets that include a specific launchable asset that utilizes the SCORM Run-Time Environment to communicate with Learning Management Systems (LMS). A SCO represents the lowest level of granularity of learning resources that can be tracked by an LMS using the SCORM Run-Time Environment.

SCORM. See - Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM®).

SCORM Application Program Interface (API). The communication mechanism for informing the LMS of the state of a content object (e.g., initialized, finished, in an error condition). The API is used for getting and setting data (e.g., score, time limits, etc.) between the LMS and the Sharable Content Object (SCO).

SCORM Content Packages. Content Packages as defined by the SCORM Content Aggregation Model (current version).

SCORM metadata:

• Content Aggregation Metadata. Metadata that describes the content aggregation (i.e., the content package) as a whole. The purpose of applying Content Aggregation Metadata is to enable discoverability of the Content Aggregation and to provide descriptive information about the Content Aggregation as a whole. The requirements for any metadata built for a Content Aggregation shall match those requirements set forth in the Content Aggregation Metadata Application Profile.
• Content Organization Metadata. Metadata that describes the Content Organization. The purpose of applying Content Organization Metadata is to enable discoverability within, for example, a content repository and to provide descriptive information about the content structure, as a whole, defined by the Content Organization. The requirements for any metadata built for a Content Organization shall match those requirements set forth in the Content Organization Metadata Application Profile.
• Activity Metadata. Metadata that describes an individual Activity. The purpose of applying Activity Metadata is to make the Activity accessible (enabling discovery) within a content repository. The metadata should describe the Activity as a whole. The requirements for any metadata built for an Activity shall match those requirements set forth in the Activity Metadata Application Profile.
• SCO Metadata. Metadata can be applied to SCOs to provide descriptive information about the content in the SCO independent of use. This metadata is used to facilitate reuse and discoverability of content. The requirements for any metadata built for a SCO shall match those requirements set forth in the SCO Metadata Application Profile.
• Asset Metadata. Metadata can be applied to Assets to provide descriptive information about the Assets independent of any usage or potential usage within courseware content. This metadata is used to facilitate reuse and discoverability, within, for example, a content repository during content creation. The requirements for any metadata built for an Asset shall match those requirements set forth in the Asset Metadata Application Profile.

SCORM Sample Run-Time Environment (SRTE). A "mini-LMS" that adheres to the SCORM requirements for managing the runtime environment responsible for launching content, tracking the learner, providing the SCORM API and supporting the data model used for passing information relevant to the learner's experience with the content.

SCORM Sequencing and Navigation (SN). Information and behaviors that an LMS must apply in order to present a designed learning experience. The information is expressed within Content Structure and encoded in the organization section of Content Packaging.

Script. The detailed plan, including a numbered list of each scene or frame showing description, talent, props, audio, narration, sound effects, camera angle, image size, and all that is necessary to produce an audiovisual program. It is a printed narration with instructions and cues used to develop video presentations for programs or program segments. Also see the definition for "programming script."

Script Storyboard (SSB). A combination storyboard and audiovisual script. It is a detailed description of an individual or series of frames containing important script features of scene description, reference information, text displayed, audio content, camera directions, special effects, program flow, programming function information, production information, post-production information, props needed, graphics needed, and special notes. Also see the definition for "storyboard."

Scrolling. An orientation for display framing, moving the display up or down on the screen.

Search. In the process of rapidly accessing a specific address, identified by its unique sequential reference number.

Search time. The amount of time required by a computer to locate specific data in a storage medium.

Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet). SIPRNet is a Wide Area Network (WAN )that is separated both physically and logically from other networks. It is a secret router that serves as the backbone network for long distance transmission data security in support of national defense. Each access circuit and backbone trunk is encrypted to ensure integrity of information.

Section 508 Accessibility Standards. Standards established by law in 1998 when Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require that electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained or used by federal agencies be accessible to people with disabilities - www.section508.gov.

Segment. A basic unit of Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI), with a fixed duration, containing enough information to enable a viewer to absorb, comprehend, and respond.

Segmented training. Modification of existing formal courses into discrete portions.

Selective erase. Refers to the ability to erase part of a screen display without affecting other portions of the same screen display. Also called "mode erase."

Self-development. The continuous and deliberate process of engaging in learning activities used to enhance and improve one's depth of knowledge, capabilities, and potential. Its objective is to provide a means for acquiring enhanced knowledge, understanding, performance, and competence beyond that developed, or experienced in an organization.

Self-diagnostic. A procedure by which a system checks its own operations and identifies error conditions.

Self-paced instruction. Instruction that permits progress at the student's rate of learning. Also called "individual-paced instruction."

Self-study. Individual study by which a person learns new knowledge or skills or reinforces knowledge or skills already learned.

Self-study workbook/guide. A document containing a series of lessons arranged in discrete steps with self-test questions that allow the instructor to monitor the students' progress. It is used to guide the student through a controlled path of study and specific job tasks with a minimum amount of supervision. An instructional document that provides the student study material in support of objectives. This document contains the objectives, sub-objectives, subject matter content, reference to adjunct reading or study material, review exercises with feedback, and directions to interact with training media including an instructor.

Sensory stimulus. An action, agent, or condition that activates/stimulates a human sense (e.g., hearing, sight, smell, equilibrium, etc.).

Sequence. Two or more frames forming one visual unit (e.g., motion sequence, still-frame sequence).

Sequencing. The order of presentation. Arranging the objectives, teaching point, teaching steps, criterion steps, and activities into the most appropriate sequence for effective learning. The IMS Simple Sequencing Specification defines a method for representing the intended behavior of an authored learning experience such that any learning technology system (LTS) can sequence discrete learning activities in a consistent way. Also see the definitions for "sequential training" and "training structure."

Sequential Color with Memory (SECAM). The color television standard (Sequential Couleur a Memorie (SECAM)) developed by France, and subsequently adopted by the former USSR and its former satellite states, and in some parts of the Middle East and North Africa. It involves sending the three primary color signals sequentially, rather than nearly simultaneously (as the "NTSC" and "PAL" systems do).

Sequential training. The ordering of training so that the learning of new or more complex skills/knowledge is built on and reinforces previously learned material. Also see the definition for "sequencing."

Serial. The sequential transmission of information, unit by unit, on a single channel.

Serial memory. A memory to which access occurs in a set sequence, not randomly.

Server. A computer program that provides services to other computer programs in the same or other computers.

Service group. A segregated set of commands that relate to a specific functional area. For example, the videodisc service group contains commands for controlling videodisc players.

Session Initiation Protocol. a handshaking routine used to interoperate wireless devices using different network communications specifications.

Shaping. The process of gradually changing a student's behavior until it conforms to the desired behavior.

Sharable Content Object (SCO). The SCO represents a collection of one or more digital assets that include a specific launchable asset that utilizes the SCORM Run-Time Environment to communicate with LMSs. A SCO represents the lowest level of granularity of learning resources that can be tracked by an LMS using the SCORM Run-Time Environment.

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). The SCORM is a collection of specifications that defines a web-based learning Content Aggregation Model, Run-time Environment, and Sequencing and Navigation protocol for reusable content objects. At its simplest, it is a model that references a set of interrelated technical specifications and guidelines designed to meet the Department of Defense's high-level requirements for distributed learning content.

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). A collection and harmonization of specifications and standards that defines the interrelationship of content objects, data models, and protocols such that objects are sharable across systems that conform to the same model - content aggregation, run-time environment, and sequencing and navigation.

Sharable Content Object Reference Model Run-Time Environment. A data model providing a means for interoperability between Sharable Content Objects (SCOs) and LMSs. SCORM provides a means for learning content to be interoperable across multiple LMSs regardless of the tools used to create the content. For this to be possible, there must be a common way to launch content, a common way for content to communicate with an LMS and predefined data elements that are exchanged between an LMS and content during its execution.

Shared task. A task that may be performed on or by more than one job, skill level, or specialty.

Shibboleth. Standards-based, open source middleware software designed for Internet2 providing a federated Web Single SignOn (SSO) and attribute exchange framework across or within organizational boundaries. It allows sites to make informed authorization decisions for individual access of protected online resources in a privacy-preserving manner.

Shielding. Protective covering that eliminates electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

Shot list. A list that specifies the video segments (e.g., video sequences and still shots) and sound tracks that will be produced, including instructions about the interface with the following shot. Shot lists are organized in a way to save production time. They are usually compiled from the storyboards. Also called "production list."

Shot sequence. A term that identifies the order in which the video will be shot.

Shot sheet. A list of every shot a particular camera has to take.

Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N). The strength of video/audio signal in relation to the interference (noise) it has picked up passing through electrical circuitry. The higher the S/N, the better the quality of the signal.

Simple Network Management Protocol. A protocol allowing hubs and routers to report statistics and status to a network management station.

Simulated performance. Interaction between the student and the computer whereby the student selects the correct procedure to achieve a stated objective or result in a simulated real-world situation.

Simulation fidelity. The degree of correspondence of an aspect(s) or element(s) of the model embedded in a trainer to those analogous characteristics of reality.

Simulations. Any representation or imitation of reality. The representation of the salient features, operation, or environment of a system, subsystem, or scenario.

Simulation sequence. A video production term that identifies the order in which the video will be presented to the student in the Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI).

Simulation/stimulation. A hybrid process where the training system may stimulate part or all of the system and simulates the remainder of the system and the environment.

Simulator. A training device that substitutes for, by emulation, the functions and environment of actual equipment or systems. Any training device, machine, or apparatus that reproduces a desired condition or set of conditions synthetically. Specifically for training, a relatively complex item of training equipment, using electronic/mechanical means to reproduce conditions necessary for an individual, or a crew, to practice operational tasks in accordance with training objectives. It represents the operational equipment physically and functionally to varying degrees and follows the mathematical equations that describe performance.

Simulator software. The computer programs necessary to enable the training device to perform the various functions. Simulator software includes all real-time programs necessary for student operation as a training device, diagnostic or other maintenance or support programs, debug, or software development tools to be used in correction of errors in the present programs or in future modifications. All other programs or material necessary to recreate, copy, maintain, support, and update any of the simulation software as well as any other applicable software or software procedures developed or produced during the period of the contract shall also be included. All computer vendor programs and commercially marketed programs as well as those programs developed, modified, or otherwise produced or provided by the manufacturer and the documentation are included in the simulator software.

Simulator trainer. Equipment that replicates the functions and environment of actual equipment or systems. Any training device, machine, or apparatus that reproduces a desired condition or set of conditions synthetically. Specifically for training, a relatively complex item of training equipment, using electronic/mechanical means to reproduce conditions necessary for an individual, or a crew, to practice operational tasks in accordance with training objectives. Represents the operational equipment physically and functionally to varying degrees.

Skill. The ability to perform an activity that contributes to the effective completion of a task.

Skill learning type. A classification of change in an individual's ability to perform.

Skill level. A list of proficiency requirements for performance of a specific job, and the level of proficiency at which an individual qualifies in that occupational specialty/grade.

Skill retention model. A model which provides a numerical score for an individual task used in predicting retention on that task. Of value for determining sustainment training requirements.

Skills profiles. Concise listings of skills currently taught in a course.

Skills transfer. An ability acquired for the performance of a task that may be used in the performance of a different task.

Slide-tape. A combination of visual slides and an audio tape, synchronized so that the audio describes the content of the slides.

Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI). A type of controller system that enables users to connect devices to a computer. (Pronounced "scuzzy.")

Small Group Instruction (SGI). A means of delivering training which places the responsibility for learning on the student through participation in small groups led by small group leaders who serve as role models throughout the course. SGI uses small group processes, methods, and techniques to stimulate learning.

Small Group Leader (SGL). An instructor who facilitates role modeling, counseling, coaching, learning, and team building in Small Group Instruction (SGI).

Small group trial. Tryout of a training course on a representative sample of the student target population to gather data on the effectiveness of instruction in regard to error rates, criterion test performance, and time to complete the course. Also called "trials" or "tryout, small group."

Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) time code. A standard SMPTE method of address-coding a videotape that gives an accurate frame count, retaining all frame numbers in a chronological order, rather than an accurate clock time. Also see the definition for "time code." Also called "full-frame time code" or "nondrop frame time code."

Soft data. Information obtained from attitude or opinion surveys. This data is not as reliable as hard data. Also see the definition for "hard data."

Soft skills. Skills needed to perform jobs where job requirements are defined in terms of expected outcomes, but the process(es) to achieve the outcomes may vary widely. Usually, an area of performance that does not have a definite beginning and end (i.e., counseling, supervising, and managing).

Software. The programs and routines that tell the computer and its peripherals what to do.

Software interface. The boundary between two or more software modules, or a protocol that defines how two software modules communicate.

Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks (SMCT). Contains the critical tasks that every soldier must be able to perform. It lists the conditions, standard, and measures for each Army task.

Soldier's Manuals (SM). The base document for all Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)-specific individual task training and evaluation. Soldier's manuals list critical task summaries for an MOS and skill level as well as conditions for performance, standards, performance measures, training evaluation information, and references.

Soldier Training Publications (STP). Contains critical tasks and other training information used to train soldiers and standardize individual training. Provides information and guidance that aids the instructor in conducting individual training in the unit. STPs include Soldier's Manuals, Trainer's Guides, Military Qualification Standards Manuals, and Officer Foundations Standards System Manuals.

Solicitation. As used in this handbook, a formal Government request for proposals or information to satisfy a stated need. Also see the definitions for "Request For Proposal (RFP)" and "Request for Information (RFI)."

Source code. The uncompiled written language for a computer program. The program text for a program.

Source document. A document listed in the Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL) and Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards (DoDISS) that is applied in a solicitation or contract and establishes a data requirement which requires a Data Item Description to define the preparation requirements for data content and format.

Source file. The file created from grouped source code.

Special effects generator. An electronic image creation device that produces a variety of special effects wipe patterns.

Special training. Any additional training that is required in order for the particular specialist to perform the maintenance on the system and assemblies concerned. This presumes the indicated specialist is fully qualified in their career field and is experienced on similar systems, assemblies, and support equipment.

Specialty qualification indicator. An identification of warrant officer or enlisted skill in addition to those of a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) used to identify the positions and personnel with those special requirements or qualifications. Special qualification indicators are authorized for most MOSs.

Specification. A document prepared to support acquisition that describes essential technical requirements for materiel and the criteria for determining whether those requirements are met.

Speech recognition. Identical to the definition for "voice recognition."

Speech synthesis. Approximation of human speech produced by a computer and provided to the user as an output.

Speech synthesizer. A device that produces human speech sounds from input in another form.

Split-screen. The ability of a screen to be halved, quartered, or divided into virtually any shape or proportion with different material displayed on each part.

Spooler. A buffer between a computer and printer that allows continued computer processing while the printer is operating. It stores an output print file used by the printer.

Stair-stepping. Jagged raster representation of diagonals or curves; can be corrected by anti-aliasing.

Stamper. A metal reverse mold disk made from a glass master disc that is used to produce final replicated disc.

Stand-alone computer. A self-contained computer system consisting of at least a central processor, central memory, display device, and input device. Typically refers to a single-user, self-contained microcomputer system.

Standard Data Element (SDE). A data element of a basic unit of information having a meaning and subcategories (data items) of distinct units and value. Through its id and definition, a data element conveys a single informational concept. A SDE specifies the characteristics of digital data (e.g., data type, data id, maximum number of characters, etc.). A SDE is a data element that has been formally approved in accordance with DoD's data element standardization procedures.

Standard deviation. Identical to the definition for "mean deviation."

Standard Digital Data (SDD). Information presented in a format that conforms to the data standards contained in the Defense Data Dictionary System (DDDS).

Standard Interchange Protocol (SIP) (IBM developed). A class of Content Information ingested by the repository.

Standard of performance. A statement that establishes criteria for how well a task or learning objective must be performed. The standard specifies how well, completely or accurately, a process must be performed or product produced. The standard reflects task requirements on the job or learning requirement in the classroom. A product standard is expressed in terms of accuracy, tolerance, completeness, format, clarity, errors, or quantity. A process standard is expressed in terms of sequence, completeness, accuracy or speed. Both product and process must be observable and measurable. Also see the definitions for "standards statement" and "task standard."

Standards Organization. Typically a not-for-profit entity that consists of commercial, government, and individual members whose goal it is to manage the development of procedures, protocols and technologies that allow systems to interoperate and promote their adoption by governments and industry.

Standards statement. A part of a criterion objective that describes the qualitative and quantitative criteria against which student performance or the product of that performance will be measured to determine successful learning. Also see the definitions for "standard of performance" and "task standard."

Statement of Objectives (SOO). A Government prepared document which is incorporated into a proposal request that states the overall solicitation objectives. The offeror is expected to respond with a statement of work. Also see the definition for "Statement of Work (SOW)."

Statement of Work (SOW). The SOW states the Government's needs in terms of work tasks (e.g., work to be performed in developing or producing the goods to be delivered or services to be performed by a contractor). Also see the definition for "Statement of Objectives (SOO)."

Stem. The part of a test item that asks a question.

Step frame. The facility to move through a video sequence frame-by-frame, forward or backward, either automatically or by using a remote control device. This can be used to examine a sequence of moving footage in close detail, or to employ a set of stills that have been recorded as single static frames.

Stepped skills. Still frames selected to show a process, such as raising an antenna, at different points of completion.

Still frame. A video image of any kind that is represented as a single, static image rather than as moving footage. Also called "video segment" and "video still." Also see the definition for "video sequence."

Still-frame audio. A method of digitally recording and transmitting several seconds of voice-quality audio per individual disk frame, resulting in a potential for several hours of audio per disk. A buffer is used to store the audio information in order to deliver a limited amount of audio from each digitally encoded still-frame. Also called "audio compression."

Stimulation. An excitation to activity caused by an event, situation, condition, signal, or cue to which a response must be made.

Stimulator. A training device designed for inter-connection with operational equipment, that will artificially create conditions that somewhat replicate conditions encountered in the operational environment. Also, insertable or inducible faults for trainers and simulators.

Stimulus. The event, situation, condition, signal, or cue to which a response must be made.

Stimulus characteristics. Those basic qualities or capabilities of a medium that are required to carry out the intent of the instructional activity (i.e., visual images, motion, color, and sound).

Stock footage. Film or video usually available for sale by the producers.

Storage device. Any device that stores information such as on discs, disk, or tape.

Storyboard. A layout and detailed graphic description of a single frame or series of frames, arranged sequentially. The frames describe the action and content of the Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) and specifies all details such as graphics, text, visuals, video, audio, and special effects. It is a graphic depiction that shows the IMI presentation. Also see the definition for "Script Storyboard (SSB)."

Streaming. A method of transmitting network-based data that can be presented and viewed on the receiving computer before the entire data file has finished transferring.

Structure. The complete set of relationships between parts of a learning program as displayed in a course map or learning plan.

Structured language. Any programming language that permits repositioning of information within a program in the order selected, allowing for modular construction.

Structured question or structured response. A question that can only be answered in a specific way (e.g., yes/no, true/false).

Student. An individual who has been placed in a learning situation in order to acquire skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Also called "learner" and "trainee."

Student centered. Instruction that employs all the principles of criterion-referenced instruction to meet the needs of the student.

Student Centered Instruction (SCI). An instructional process in which the content is determined by the student's needs, the instructional materials are geared to the student's abilities, and the instructional design makes the students active participants.

Student centered instructional objective. A desired outcome of learning described in terms of student knowledge, skill, or attitude; proof of learning may be obtained through direct measurement of limited, precise student behavior (criterion objective) or general evidence of learning may be inferred from measurements of a sampling of student behaviors (level of learning objectives).

Student control. The student has input to pace/content/depth of training. Also called "learner control."

Student controlled instruction. An instructional environment in which the student can choose from a variety of instructional options for achievement of the terminal objectives. Students can vary their rate of learning, the media used, and other such learning factors. Also called "learner controlled instruction."

Student evaluation plan. Details how to determine if the student has demonstrated a sufficient level of competence to pass. It identifies course completion requirements to include minimum standards for each written or performance test, final grade requirement, minimum course attendance requirements (when applicable), and specific tests that must be passed for graduation.

Student flow. The average input and output of students to a course during a given period of time. Also called "throughput."

Student guide. Identical to the definition for "trainee guide."

Student handout. A summary of excerpts from supplementary material or presents information in a much clearer and more condensed form.

Student input. The number of students actually enrolled at the beginning of a course.

Student instructions. Directions for students on how to achieve the objectives of each lesson.

Student load. The average number of students enrolled in a course of instruction over a specified time period.

Student output. The number of students who successfully graduate from a course.

Student performance counseling. As related to training, communication which informs students about their training and the expected performance standards and provides feedback on actual performance. Student performance includes appearance, conduct, learning accomplishment, and the way learning is being performed.

Student population baseline data. Information about the current level of performance of the student population that can be used to confirm the need to develop new instruction or to assess differences between student performance before (at baseline) and after instruction. Also called "baseline data."

Student prerequisites. The knowledge, skills, background, and attitudes of the people who will be using the instruction. Student characteristics might include age, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), educational background, reading level, prior training in related areas, and other related characteristics. The traits possessed by students that could affect their ability to learn.

Student target population. The audience for which training presentation is directed, or the audience for which training materials are designed. Also see the definition for "population."

Student workbook. A document containing printed exercises for the student to practice required skills and applications of knowledge.

Study guide. A document that guides the students' study for a lesson or series of lessons. It focuses on the important points and reinforces learning by providing a broad picture and summary of the training.

Subject Matter Expert (SME). An individual (authority) possessing formal, documented knowledge as well as implicit or tacit knowledge in a given area or domain encompassing theoretical constructs, operations and processes, and applications; specialized knowledge or skill. SMEs are able to input rules (content and context), for solving a particular range of problems or processes to accomplish certain ends expressed as fact, judgment, or opinion. The Subject Matter Expert is that individual who exhibits the highest level of expertise in performing a specialized job, task, or skill within the organization.

Submenu. A menu under a main menu that allows a user to branch to new information without returning to the main menu.

Subroutine. A definable portion of a program to be used many times.

Subsystem. A grouping of functionally related equipment that together perform particular functions contributing to the overall system function.

Subtask. Activities (e.g., perceptions, decisions, and responses) that fill a portion of the immediate purpose within a task (e.g., remove a lug nut).

Summative evaluation. Overall assessment of training at the completion of the developmental process.

Supervised On-the-Job Training (OJT). Structured training accomplished while a person is working in a particular skill level and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The training is closely monitored by a supervisor because of equipment, safety, or skill requirements. Training support products such as training extension course lessons, Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI), and correspondent subcourses may be integrated into supervised on-the-job training. Also called "Managed On-the-Job Training (OJT)."

Supplemental training material. Any material that cannot be included in the courseware but is educationally necessary to support the lesson. Also see the definition for "adjunctive materials."

Support instructional material. A type of instructional material used during the body of a lesson to support an assertion or to develop understanding. Also see the definition for "proof support." Also see the definition for "adjunctive material."

Supportive learning objective relationship. In instructional systems development, knowledge and skills in one learning objective that have some relationship to those in another learning objective. The learning involved in mastery of one learning objective transfers to the other, making learning involved in the mastery of the other easier.

Symmetric encryption. A type of encryption where the same keys (i.e., passwords) is used to encrypt and decrypt the message.

Synchronizing pulse. A signal used to coordinate the audio and video portions of program.

Synchronous. Communication in which interaction between the participants is simultaneous through two-way audio or video, computer document conferencing, or chat rooms. Also see the definition for "asynchronous."

Synchronous transmission. Transmission in which data bits are sent at a fixed rate with the transmitter and receiver synchronized. This form of transmission eliminates the need for start and stop bits. Also see the definition for "asynchronous transmission."

Synchronous Web-Based Instruction (WBI). Internet-based software and services delivered over the Web that enable synchronous audio or web conferencing, text chat, audio, video, document and application sharing, whiteboards, presentations, etc. Can support synchronous oral interaction between the instructor and remote students at multiple locations as well as supporting a Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) or webinars. Due to bandwidth limitations, high-resolution images and video may be limited.

Syntax. The syntax is the grammatical rules associated with a language (e.g., HTML).

System. A grouping of functionally related subsystems operating together to support a major function.

Systems approach. A process that synthesizes and interrelates the components of a process within a conceptual framework, ensuring continuous, orderly, and effective progress toward a stated goal.

Systems Approach to Training (SAT). A training development process. It is a disciplined, logical approach to making collective, individual, and self-development training decisions. It determines whether or not training is needed; what is trained; who gets the training; how, how well, and where the training is presented; and the training support/resources required to produce, distribute, implement, and evaluate those products. The SAT involves all five training related phases: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Also see the definition for "Instructional Systems Development (ISD)."

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System Training Plan (STRAP). Plan developed to detail all training support required for newly developing weapon and equipment systems. It describes training required (individual and collective) for each Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) associated with the weapon equipment systems.

T-1 (DS-1). A dedicated digital communications channel often used for compressed video teleconferencing. It allows for voice and/or data to travel as high-speed digital data at a high volume rate. A T-1 line actually consists of 24 individual channels, each supporting 64 Kbits per second. Also see the definitions for "E-1" and "T-1."

T-3 (DS-3). A digital channel which communicates at a significantly faster rate than a T-1 communications channel. Also see the definitions for "E-1" and "T-1."

Tailoring. The process by which individual requirements (sections, paragraphs or sentences) of specifications, standards and related documents are evaluated to determine the extent to which they are most suitable for a specific acquisition, and the modification of these requirements to ensure that each achieves an optimal balance between operational needs and cost.

Tailoring of requirements. The deletion of requirements (from Data Item Descriptions (DID) and specifications) that are not required to meet the needs of a specific contract, or the addition of (for specifications only) requirements that may be needed under certain conditions.

Talking head. A sequence showing a head and shoulders shot of the presenter talking directly to the camera.

Target population description. A profile of potential candidates for the target training program. This description realistically describes target population's entry behavior, current skill and knowledge profile, job history, reading grade level, and other pertinent information.

Task. A single unit of mental or physical specific work behavior, with clear beginning and ending points, that is directly observable or otherwise measurable. A task is performed for its own sake, that is, it is not dependent upon other tasks, although it may fall in a sequence with other tasks in a mission, duty, or job, or as a sub unit of another function characterized in terms of information requirements (knowledges, skills, and abilities) needed by a worker. A task consumes time on the order of minutes (not seconds or hours). Also see the definitions for "collective task," "common collective task", and "common task."

Task analysis (acquisition). A systematic method used to develop a time-oriented description of personnel-equipment/software interactions brought about by an operator, controller or maintainer in accomplishing a unit of work with a system or item of equipment. It shows the sequential and simultaneous manual and intellectual activities of personnel operating, maintaining, or controlling equipment, in addition to sequential operation of the equipment. It is a part of system engineering analysis where system engineering is required. The following taxonomy is used to inventory or analyze tasks, with mission and scenario conditions stated by the procuring activity and the remaining levels dependent on the current phase of system development and purpose (e.g., gross analysis of tasks, analysis of critical tasks) for which the analysis is being conducted:

a. Mission. What the system is supposed to accomplish, e.g., combat reconnaissance. Scenario/conditions, Categories of factors or constraints under which the system will be expected to operate and be maintained (e.g., day/night, all weather, all terrain operation).

b. Function. A broad category of activity performed by a system, e.g., transportation.

c. Job. The combination of all human performance required for operation and maintenance of one personnel position in a system (e.g., driver).

d. Duty. A set of operationally related tasks within a given job (e.g., driving, weapon servicing, communicating, target detection, self protection, operator maintenance). e. Task. A composite of related activities (perceptions, decisions, and responses) performed for an immediate purpose, written in operator/maintainer language (e.g., change a tire).

f. Subtask. An activity (perceptions, decisions and responses) which fulfills a portion of the immediate purpose within the task (e.g., remove lug nuts).

g. Task element. The smallest logically and reasonably definable unit of behavior required in completing a task or subtask (e.g., apply counterclockwise torque to the lug nuts with a lug wrench).

Task analysis (Service). A process of reviewing actual job content and context to identify the elements of a task by analyzing mission/job conditions, standards, performance steps, required skills and knowledge, safety and environmental factors, references, equipment, and job performance measures.

Task attribute. A trait of an activity that is conducive to communication through a defined sensory mode. Examples of attributes include tactile, olfactory, visual, aural, color, motion, and interactivity.

Task-based training. Training developed and implemented to train units and individuals to perform critical tasks and supporting skills and knowledge to established performance standards. Critical tasks focus training on what really needs to be trained.

Task delay tolerance. An individual critical task selection factor. A measure of how much delay can be tolerated between the time the need for task performance becomes evident and the time actual performance must begin.

Task description. Textual information presented in column, outline, decision table, or timeline format that describes the required job behavior at the highest level of generality. Intended to provide an overview of the total performance.

Task description worksheet. A tool used to document specific task factors including training factors, stimuli, subtasks, steps and activities, standards of performance, and job aids.

Task fidelity. The degree of correspondence of cues and responses accompanying task performance on a training device to those characteristics of analogous performance on the operational system/equipment.

Task inventory. Identical to the definition for "Job Task Inventory (JTI)." Also called "total task inventory."

Task learning difficulty. Refers to time and effort required by a student, as well as assistance required for the student, to achieve performance proficiency.

Task limits. The cues in a job situation that mark the beginning and ending points of the task (known as limits or boundaries).

Task-linked functions. Functions that must be entered in relation to the procedure to which they are linked. They require either two records to bracket the procedure such as time performance and turning off a program-linked function for a particular segment or only one record such as a branch to a particular lesson, depending on an earlier user input.

Task performance steps. The required unit/individual actions that must be performed to accomplish the critical task. Each step must be specific and detailed and contain only one action or unit of work.

Task selection board. A group of subject matter experts who evaluate task performance data. The board makes recommendations to the approving authority those individual tasks which they determine to be critical.

Task selection factors. A statistical factor collected by survey on all tasks listed in the individual total task inventory. These factors are applied by using a task selection model to identify which individual tasks are critical to job performance.

Task selection model. A model used to apply statistically valid task selection models to identify critical individual tasks. There are a variety of models available for use. Some examples of task selection models are as follows:

a. Difficulty-importance-frequency model. An individual critical task selection model that uses difficulty, importance, and frequency factors.

b. Eight-factor model. An individual critical task selection model that uses percent performing, percent time spent performing, consequence of inadequate performance, task delay tolerance, frequency of performance, task learning difficulty, probability of deficient performance, and immediacy of performance.

c. Four-factor model. An individual critical task selection model that uses percent performance, and task learning difficulty.

d. Probability of task criticality model. An individual critical task selection model used by the Occupational Data, Analysis, Requirements and Structure Program (ODARS).

e. Training Emphasis (TE) model. An individual critical task selection model that uses the training emphasis factor to determine if a task is critical or not. The TE factor is collected from supervisors of job holders. It reflects how much emphasis the task should be given in training for a specific task.

Task standard. A statement of how well a task must be performed. Task standards establish the criteria for how well the task must be performed. The standard must describe the minimal acceptable level of task performance. Also see the definitions for "standard of performance" and "standards statement."

Task statement. A written description of task performance that contains an action verb, an object, and the conditions under which the task is performed and the standard that the performance must meet.

Task summary. A listing of the conditions, standards, performance steps, and performance measures, references, and proponent for each individual critical task. Information is extracted from the individual critical task analysis. The following are different types of task summaries:

a. Reference-dependent task summary. A summary written for those tasks that require the trained individual to refer to one or more publications while performing all or part of a task in wartime conditions.

b. Reference-independent task summary. A summary written for those tasks that require the trained individual to perform the task in wartime conditions from memory, without reference to any publications.

Taxonomy. A hierarchical way of classifying things and concepts, Taxonomies begin with a general concept of thing and list the elements from which it is made. The taxonomy of "my ideal breakfast," for example, can be broken down into "bacon" and "eggs." The best known taxonomy is the scientific classification of living things that starts with "kingdom" and ends with "species." The reference models, with the exception of the reference data model, are taxonomies of performance measurements, business functions, applications, and technical standards.

Taxonomy of educational objectives. A systematic classification scheme for sorting learning outcomes into three broad categories (e.g., cognitive, affective, and psychomotor) and rank ordering these outcomes in a developmental hierarchy from least complex to most complex.

Teaching point. The smallest increment of information to which a student may be expected to respond; a statement of fact or a procedural step in the performance of a task; the precise information the student needs to know or to which they should respond.

Team scheduling. The ability to form teams of students (two or more) at any time in the learning sequence when the required number of individuals are ready to perform a team task.

Team task. Those tasks that require two or more individuals performing separate functions simultaneously.

Team teaching. The coordinated efforts of two or more instructors working together in an instructional situation.

Team trainer. A training device that takes personnel trained and qualified in their individual skill specialties and trains them together to perform as a team (e.g., aircraft weapon system trainer, artillery unit, and satellite crew).

Team training. The instruction of a group of personnel interacting with each other on the same courseware to teach performance of related or integrated functions as a team. Also see the definitions for "collective training" and "concurrent training."

Technical data. Recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, of a scientific or technical nature. It may, for example, document research, experimental, developmental, or engineering work. It may be used to define a design or process or to acquire, support, maintain or operate material. The data may be graphic or pictorial delineation in media such as drawings or photographs, text in specifications, related performance or design type documents, or computer printouts. For purposes of this document, examples of technical data include research and engineering data, engineering drawings and associated lists, specifications, standards, process sheets, technical reports, catalog item identifications and related information, documentation related to computer software, and computer-generated databases. Technical data does not include computer software or financial, administrative, cost and pricing, and management data, or other information incidental to contract administration.

Technical evaluation of premaster videotape. A standard evaluation of the premaster videotape to ensure it meets the minimum stated specifications required to produce an effective videodisc.

Technical Manuals (TM). Publications that contain instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, training, and support of a weapon system, weapon system component, or support equipment. Information may be presented in any form or characteristic, including but not limited to hard printed copy, audio and visual displays, magnetic tape, disks, and other electronic devices. TMs normally include operational and maintenance instructions, parts lists or parts breakdown, and related technical information or procedures excluding administrative procedures. Technical Orders (TO) that meet the criteria of this definition may also be classified as TMs. Also, see the definitions for "electronic publications" and "Technical Order (TO)."

Technical Order (TO). May be classified as "technical manuals" when it is determined that they meet the criteria of the definition for technical manuals. Also see the definition for "Technical Manuals (TM)."

Technical training. Training in specific skills and knowledge essential to performance of those tasks and duties related to a technical specialty.

Technique of delivery. Process or manner of delivering instruction that includes one or more methods. For example, group-paced instruction could use conference, discussion, demonstration, and practical exercise. A technique of delivery may involve a whole course, a phase, or a module. Also called "instructional strategy."

Telecommunication. The science of information transport using wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic channels to transmit and receive signals for voice or data communications using electromagnetic systems.

Teleconferencing. The use of communication systems by groups of three or more individuals, at two or more locations, for the purpose of conferencing with one another; or, two-way communication between two or more groups, or three or more individuals, remote from each other using a telecommunications medium; or interactive group communications through an electronic medium.

Teletraining. Training delivered via communication links such as satellite or cable links.

TEMPEST-Approved. A device that meets stringent requirements IAW FED-STD-1037B. The electromagnetic waves it emits have been reduced through shielding or other techniques to a point where it would be extremely difficult to gather information from the electromagnetic waves.

Template. A reusable, electronic form, previously developed for specific applications.

Terminal behavior. The output performance for a system; graduate performance (e.g., criterion behavior, baseline behavior, whole task behavior, summative behavior).

Terminal Learning Objective (TLO). A learning objective at the highest level of learning (KSA) appropriate to the human performance requirements a student will accomplish when successfully completing instruction.

Test compromise. Unauthorized disclosure of a test or of test items, with the likelihood that prospective examinees will benefit from the disclosure, thereby distorting the results of the test.

Test fidelity. The degree to which the test resembles the actual task performed. The closer the resemblance, the higher the fidelity of the test.

Testing constraints. Limitations such as time, money, personnel, facilities, and other resources that prohibit tests from being reliable measures of the items (i.e., job tasks) they measure.

Test, instructional. Any device/technique used to measure the performance, skill level and knowledge of an individual. See appropriate types listed below:

a. Achievement test. A test for measuring an individual's attainment of knowledge/skills as the result of specific teaching or training.

b. Aptitude test. A test or battery of tests designed to show a person's capacity for a particular type of behavior in a single field or in several related fields.

c. Comparative test. A test given at the completion of a major section of a course and, as required, at completion of a course to measure whether the student has mastered the course learning objectives.

d. Computerized mastery test. The computer administers a series of item clusters, stopping when a decision has been reached about whether the test taker is above or below some pre-established cut score.

e. Criterion-referenced test. A test that establishes whether or not a unit or individual performs the learning objective to the established standard. Performance is measured as a "go" or "no-go" against a prescribed criterion or set of criteria - the learning objective standard. It is scored based upon absolute standards, such as job competency, rather than upon relative standards, such as class standings.

f. Diagnostic test. A test used to measure performance against a criterion and to identify specific areas of weakness or strength in individual knowledge and skills.

g. End-of-course comprehensive test. An end-of-course test, administered to all initial entry students prior to graduation, designed to ensure a high probability that students can perform all critical tasks taught in the course. It provides feedback on the need for both reinforcement training and course revisions.

h. Entry skills test. A test designed to determine if a student already possesses certain knowledge or skills needed as a prerequisite before undertaking new instruction.

i. Field test. Tryout of any training course on a representative sample of the student target population to gather data on the effectiveness of instruction in regard to error rates, criterion test performance, and time to complete the course.

j. Heuristic test. Heuristic or discovery tests will present problem-solving simulations that emulate the on-the-job environment. These tests present the student with stimulus information that is inadequate, incomplete, ambiguous, or irrelevant to the simulated environment. The student will be required to synthesize knowledge and apply training received in order to solve the job performance simulation.

k. Job performance test. A test used to determine whether an individual can perform a job. It may include all job performance measures for a job or a subset of the job performance measures.

l. Knowledge test. A test that measures the achievement of theory supporting skill through the use of test items written at the appropriate knowledge and training levels.

m. Multiple-choice test. A type of selection test in which the student is asked to choose for each test item the answer(s) that is most correct.

n. Non-language test. Identical to the definition for "nonverbal test."

o. Nonverbal test. A test that requires little or no speaking, reading, or understanding of language on the part of the examinee either in connection with comprehending directions or making responses. Directions may be given pictorially or in pantomime. Also called "non-language test."

p. Norm--referenced test. A test that ranks a student in relation to the performance of other students in contrast to criterion-referenced testing wherein a student is measured against a prescribed performance standard.

q. Objective test. A test whose scoring requires no human judgment.

r. Performance test. An evaluation of the actual performance of the task or learning objective using the conditions under which it will be performed and the absolute standards for acceptable performance.

s. Post-test. A test administered to a student upon completion of a course or unit of instruction to measure learning achieved and to assess whether a student has mastered the objectives of the course or unit of instruction.

t. Power test. A test in which items are usually arranged in order of increasing difficulty and in which examinees are given all the time they need to complete as many items as they possibly can.

u. Pretest. A test administered to a student prior to entry into a course or unit of instruction to determine the technical skills (entering behaviors) the student already possesses in a given subject. Often used to identify portions of the instruction the student can bypass.

v. Proficiency test. A test designed to measure a student's capabilities in terms of the job. It measures both psychomotor and cognitive skills. A performance test is sometimes understood to mean a skill demonstration, while a proficiency test is understood to be a comprehensive procedure used to examine the student's capability to do what the job requires.

w. Progress test. A short test administered throughout a course to evaluate student progress. It is administered at strategic points in a course to determine the degree to which students are accomplishing the learning or enabling objectives. Also called "within-course test."

x. Qualifying test. A test administered to determine whether a student is qualified for a task that the student has been selected or trained for, or for which the student is being considered. A qualifying test may also be applied to tests used for selecting personnel for training, although the usage is not so common.

y. Simple gaming test. Presents the student with fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, matching, completion, and true/false test items formatted and presented in a gaming style. z. Simulated part-task performance test. Measures critical sub-sets of job task performance. Simulated part-task performance tests should meet the same construction criteria as simulated performance tests.

aa.Simulated performance test. A performance-based two dimensional simulation of the job performance required. A synthetic performance test.

ab.Simulation performance test. A test that measures the student's ability to meet training objectives by performing whole tasks or parts of tasks using simulators or simulations. ac. Speed test. A test in which the time limit is set so that almost no one can finish all the items or tasks making up the test.

ad.Survey test. A criterion-referenced test used prior to the development of an instructional system. It is administered to a sample of prospective students to determine what knowledge and skills should be put into the course of instruction. Also called "Threshold Knowledge Test (TKT)."

ae. Threshold Knowledge Test (TKT). Identical to the definition for "survey test."

af. True-false test. A type of selection or alternate-response test in which the student indicates whether each of a number of statements is true or false.

ag. Verbal test. Any test involving language. In general usage, the term is restricted to those tests in which the questions and responses are mainly expressed in language or which use language to a substantial degree.

ah. Within-course test. Identical to the definition for "progress test."

ai. Written test. A test in which an individual demonstrates their capabilities by responding to written test items. It is not usually a performance test, and hence is usually a measure of supporting knowledge rather than skills.

Test item. A query or procedure intended to ascertain the truth or actual state of an individual's knowledge, skill, ability, or attitude.

Test item analysis. The process of evaluating single test items by any of several methods. This usually involves the determination of how well an individual item separates examinees, its relative difficulty value, and its correlation with some criterion of measurement.

Test item identifier. A combination of one or more numbers, letters, or special characters that designate a specific test item but that have no readily definable meaning.

Test reliability. The degree to which a test/test item gives consistent results each time it is used.

Test security. The process of ensuring that tests are not compromised.

Test validity. The degree to which a test measures what it was designed to measure.

Text. Alphanumeric characters represented as words, sentences, and paragraphs.

Text overlay. Computer generated text placed over a video image.

Thin Client. A client application or applet that is very small. The ideal thin client contains only user interface code and communicates with a middle layer residing on another machine that implements the business logic. One major advantage of thin clients is that they can run on the new network computers such us the NC, or the NetPC, or other devices such as mobile phones, PDA's, or TV boxes that support a Java virtual machine.

Three-tier Architecture. A software architecture that divides the presentation (user interface), application logic, and data storage into three distinct layers. Each layer or tier usually resides on a different virtual machine. The presentation layer only communicates with the application or middle layer, containing the objects. The middle layer handles the applications processing logic and in turn communicates with the data access layer, such as SQL server. A three-tier application allows thin client implementation and is much more flexible and easy to maintain than a two or one-tier. For example, the data storage layer can be substituted completely without having to change a single line of code at the client side (presentation layer).

Thumbnail Pictures. A thumbnail picture is a small version of a larger graphic. The typical size of these pictures is often in the range of 40 by 60 pixels. These pictures are placed within documents to provide the user with a flavor for the picture. Usually the picture is linked to another page which has the expanded graphic.

Time code. A frame-by-frame address code time reference recorded on the spare track of a videotape or inserted in the vertical blanking interval. Also see the definition for "Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) time code."

Time code generator. A signal generator designed to generate and transmit Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) time code.

Time code reader. A counter that reads and displays Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) time code.

Time Related Instructional Management (TRIM). A computer system used by the Air Force to handle all student records.

Topic. The basic organizational unit of instruction covering one or more closely related learning objectives.

Topical outline. An outline of the topics to be included in the instructor guide. It provides course learning objectives, a listing of part, section, and topic titles and statements of rationale to explain or justify the training. It is used by the curriculum designer to develop the instructor guides.

Total task inventory. Identical to the definition for "Job Task Inventory (JTI)." Also called "task inventory."

Track. A designed, sequential, and progressive training path for a course. A single course may have multiple tracks (e.g., tracks for different equipment). \

Trainee. Identical to the definition for "student." Also called "learner."

Trainee Guide (TG). A publication that provides each student with the data necessary for the successful completion of a course of study. The materials may be in the form of information, diagram, job, assignment, problem, and outline sheets. Also called "student guide."

Trainer. Hardware and software, designed or modified exclusively for training purposes, involving simulation or stimulation in its construction or operation to demonstrate or illustrate a concept or simulate an operational circumstance or environment.

Training. Instruction and applied exercises for acquiring and retaining skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to complete specific tasks.

a. Collective Training. Instruction and applied exercises that prepare an organizational team to complete required tasks as a unit.

b. Individual Training. Instruction provided to an individual, either in a centralized training organization or in an operational unit that prepares the member to complete specified tasks.

c. Interagency Training. Training of individuals, units, and staffs considered necessary to execute their assigned or anticipated missions in support of interagency operations.

d. Intergovernmental Training. Training of individuals, units, and staffs considered necessary to execute their assigned or anticipated missions in support of State and local government operations.

e. Joint Training. Training, including mission rehearsals, of individuals, units, and staffs using joint doctrine or joint tactics, techniques, and procedures to prepare joint forces or joint staffs to respond to strategic, operational, or tactical requirements considered necessary by the Combatant Commanders to execute their assigned or anticipated missions.

f. Multinational Training. Training of individuals, units, and staffs considered necessary to execute their assigned or anticipated missions in support of multinational operations, including coalition operations.

g. Staff Training. Individual or collective training conducted by an organization's or operational unit's staff.

Training aid. An item developed, procured, or fabricated for the purpose of assisting in the conduct of training and the process of learning, such as models, mockups, Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI), audiovisual aids, displays, slides, books, pictures, and magnetic/optical recordings.

Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (TADSS). A general term that includes Combat Training Center (CTC) and training range instrumentation; Tactical Engagement System (TES); battle simulations; targetry; training-unique ammunition; and dummy, drill, inert munitions, casualty assessment systems, graphic training aids, and other training support devices.

Training Analysis Data Sheet (TADS). A document that defines a task (unit of work) hierarchically in terms of subject, task, subtask, element, and sub-element. The level of indenture is developed to the level required by the using Service or agency. It also includes information related to level of activity, occupational skill level, material system with which used, and level of knowledge or skill at which used.

Training and Evaluation Outlines (T&EO). Part of the Mission Training Plan (MTP) which provides collective task specifications. The outlines are the basis for evaluation.

Training capabilities analysis. An analysis that provides information about what the training material or training equipment could train.

Training Circular (TC). TCs are publications (paper or computer-based) which provide a means to distribute unit or individual soldier training information that does not fit standard requirements for other established types of training publications. TCs are part of the Army-wide Doctrinal and Training Literature Program (ADTLP).

Training concept. A summary describing how the required training is to be accomplished in terms of type of training, presentation environment, presentation techniques, presentation media, pipeline, location, and other considerations.

Training cost effectiveness. Actual or predicted effectiveness in relation to life cycle cost.

Training data product. Contains information related to the analysis, design, development, presentation, evaluation, or the life-cycle maintenance of training, regardless of its form or physical characteristics. Also called "training development product."

Training development plan. A generic id for a master planning document. It functions as a top-level plan covering all resourced requirements (reflected in training development project management plans) and unresourced requirements. It includes all required training products (resident and nonresident courses, training support package, etc.) and all training development processes (mission analysis, job analysis, etc.). It shows what training development workload must be accomplished. It does not have to be a formal plan: the requirements can be in a database and not formalized in a report. The plan is for internal proponent school use.

Training development planning. The planning of all aspects of training development including but not limited to funding, staffing, resourcing, and scheduling.

Training development product. Identical to the definition for "training data product."

Training development requirement. The training solution to a performance deficiency determined during needs analysis or training strategy development.

Training Development (TD) team. The TD team is responsible for the development of all media, courseware, training devices, syllabi, and hands-on events. The team is the office/unit designated with the primary responsibility for training development and maintenance and evaluation for lesson plans, phase manuals, and syllabi. The TD team may consist of a project leader, subject matter experts, Instructional Systems Development/Systems Approach to Training (ISD/SAT) technicians, education and training officers, and instructional systems specialists.

Training effectiveness. Enhanced student, safety and/or environmental benefits that accrue as the result of investment (expressed in terms of time, money, personnel, or other resources) in a training program including, but not limited to the following: improved quality, increased capability, increased safety, decreased security risk or decreased environmental impact. Training effectiveness is a measurable component of Return on Investment (ROI). Also see the definition for "Return On Investment (ROI)" and "training efficiency."

Training Effectiveness Analysis (TEA). A general category of studies for assessing the effectiveness of training strategies, programs, and products.

Training effectiveness evaluation. The systematic process of measuring the training benefit gained through a course of instruction in terms of operational readiness.

Training efficiency. Benefits that accrue by investment (expressed in terms of time, money, personnel, or other resources) in a training program including, but not limited to the following: decreased course length/time to train, more training events/interventions per unit of time, decreased travel and per diem costs, lower attrition, decreased capital cost of complex, equipment intensive training programs, and decreased ordnance and consumable cost. Also see the definition for "training effectiveness."

Training equipment. Items used in the support of training, such as trainers, operational equipment, and other associated hardware.

Training evaluation. The collection and analysis of data about all aspects of the training system (including but not limited to student performance, instructor capabilities, on-the-job performance, training development methods and processes, training management activities, and job requirements) to judge, assign, or affix the worth of the training system.

Training exercise. A practice problem conducted in the field, for example, a simulation of the real situation (operational situation), and conducted in an environment approximating the significant features of the real (operational) environment.

Training facility. A permanent or semi-permanent military real property or contractor property used for the purposes of conducting training.

Training feature. An element of the training medium that provides sensory inputs to the student or receives sensory outputs from the learner. The sensory inputs and outputs may be utilized as stimulus and feedback for the purpose of training. Training features correspond to the attributes defined for a given task, learning objective, or student for which the training medium is designed. Examples of training features include motion, level of fidelity, G-forces, visual imagery, cue enhancement, and response rate control.

Training fidelity. The extent to which cue and response capabilities in training allow for the learning and practice of specific tasks so that what is learned will transfer to performance of the tasks in the operational environment.

Training Level Assignment (TLA). A tabular listing in a Personnel Performance Profile (PPP) table number sequence that imposes training levels for the PPP items and identifies the environment where training for a particular PPP item will take place.

Training logistics support requirements. Logistics support necessary to establish a training capability. This includes technical training equipment, training devices, test equipment, special tools, training services, curricula materials, training aids, technical manuals, and facility support requirements.

Training Material Outline (TMO). A document that defines in detail the training package content in relation to each lesson in the outline. It is the second stage of instruction media material development.

Training materials. A general term covering plans, control documents, lesson guides, student guides, and other non-hardware training products.

Training media. Identical to the definition for "media."

Training mission. The stated objective and purpose of an activity whose principal role is to provide training.

Training Module (TM). A logical group of content objects linked together to accomplish a training objective. For example, a TM might consist of a course outline, instructor notes, IMI, test materials, and links to SMEs and related instructional material.

Training objective. Identical to the definition for "Learning Objective (LO)."

Training Objective Statements (TOS). A group of statements that describe the system, subsystem, equipment, or task/function depths and skill levels to be attained in support of coordinating, directing, or performing operation and maintenance. They define depth and level of training for Personnel Performance Profile (PPP) items.

Training Path System (TPS). A coordinated system for identifying the training requirements for categories of personnel in a training program. The student must obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to coordinate, direct, or perform operation and maintenance of a system, subsystem, or equipment or perform task/functions. It is based on the knowledge and skill items set forth in the Personnel Performance Profile (PPP), and upon an orderly categorization of these items.

Training performance measure. An instrument used to evaluate the proficiency of a job holder on a given task the student performed in training.

Training pipeline/track. Sequence of training courses required for an occupational group.

Training plan. A document that includes program information and data concerning the system or equipment program, event, or situation that identified/originated the training requirement, and describes the training required and the training program(s) to satisfy the requirement. Training plans provide a detailed description of the actions, milestones, and resources. They are designed to provide for planning and implementation of training and to ensure that all resources and supporting actions required for establishment and support are considered.

Training Planning Process Methodology (TRPPM). An integrated approach to early Navy Manpower, Personnel and Training (MP&T) analysis and planning consistent with the requirements of DoD directives, Navy instructions, and acquisition logistics. It also supports the Navy training planning and programming processes.

Training portal. Locations on the Web that serve as a gateway or entry point to central sources for education and training information and instructional content. Training portals serve as a guide to find information for instructional development or specific training and education needs.

Training prerequisite. Identical to the definition for "prerequisite."

Training program. An assembly or series of courses or other requirements that have been organized to fulfill a broad overall training objective.

Training rate. The number of personnel trained in a specific course in a given period of time.

Training readiness. The quality of being up-to-date (i.e., able to provide training on the latest model, device, version, technique, information, and other essentials) and be able to provide the necessary instruction.

Training Requirements (TR). Those skills that are required for satisfying the job performance requirements and not already in the student's incoming repertoire.

Training requirements analysis. A determination of the requirements to resolve a performance deficiency.

Training resource requirements. The training staff and student billets, training equipment and devices, test equipment, spare parts, training services, materials (e.g., texts, references, films, graphics, and other instructional media materials), construction for (or modification of) training facilities, technical services, funds, time, necessary to conduct required training and support training.

Training resources. Identical to the definition for "resources."

Training simulator. A generic term that refers to a group of training devices that can range from simple procedures trainers to high fidelity devices, all capable of simulating various aspects of reality.

Training site. The geographic location(s) at which a course or training is conducted.

Training site selection. In training analysis and design, the decision regarding where a task should be trained (i.e., resident or institution versus unit or job site).

Training Situation Analysis (TSA). A document used to verify the effectiveness of a training system to meet existing training needs and to survey training programs and technologies for applicability to new training needs.

Training specifications. A detailed description for the development of the job task analysis (job analysis), instructional materials, and the conduct of courses designed for preparing personnel to perform assigned tasks within their occupational fields.

Training staff. The administration staff and instructors required to manage/operate a training activity.

Training standard. A quantitative or qualitative measure for the determination of a level of competence or readiness. A standardized procedure or exercise.

Training strategy. The general description of the methods and resources required to implement a training concept. It lays out the who, what, where, when, why, how, and cost of the training. The development of a training strategy includes determining the training site and media selected to train each critical task.

Training structure. The process of organizing instruction into logical groupings to facilitate learning. The basic segments of formal training are courses, phases, modules, parts, and lessons. Also see the definition for "sequencing."

Training support. The resources, such as billets, personnel, funds, facilities, hardware, course materials, and services necessary to conduct training.

Training support agency. A bureau, command, office, headquarters, or other organization responsible for supporting the training agencies by providing resources and other forms of support within their cognizance.

Training support material. Those materials used as instructor aids for presenting information in a lecture or discussion and as student aids in an individualized training course or some other self-learning process.

Training Support Package (TSP). A complete, exportable package integrating training products, materials, and/or information necessary to train one or more critical tasks. The contents will vary depending on the training site and user. A TSP for individual training is a complete, exportable package integrating training products/materials necessary to train one or more critical individual tasks. A TSP for collective training is a package that can be used to train critical collective and supporting critical individual tasks. Also see the definition for "Individual Task Training Package (ITTP)."

Training system. Identical to the definition for "instructional system."

Training System Utilization Handbook. A document that is designed for user personnel to aid them in operating and achieving full utilization of a specific training system during the presentation of a course(s) of instruction, training exercise(s) or mission(s).

Training task. A task selected for training. Also see the definition for "critical task."

Training task analysis. The process of examining each unique unit of work from the job task analysis to derive descriptive information (e.g., procedural steps, elements, task conditions, standards, and other information) used in the design, development and testing of training products.

Training transfer. The ability to apply learned behavior (i.e., task, or supporting skills and knowledge performance) to an operational setting under operational conditions.

Training unique equipment. Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment, modified operational equipment, and equipment specifically designed for a training system as an integral part of the training system. Also see the definition for "Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)."

Training utilization. The extent to which the capacity of a training activity, school, device, or course is being used.

Training week. The number of hours in the standard workweek that is devoted to actual instruction of personnel (i.e., the minimum number of hours per week of instruction which any given student must receive).

Transfer of training (student). Ability of the student to apply old (familiar) concepts to new situations. Transfer of training is most effective when the learning situation is so organized as to facilitate generalization and the recognition of relationships.

Transient. An abrupt change in voltage that is of short duration.

Transition. A logical flow from one section of Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) to another.

Transition screen. A screen that provides a smooth instructional flow from one section of Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) to another.

Transition training. Training provided to personnel who are qualified on one system or equipment to support a replacement system or equipment.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). A set of rules to exchange messages with other Internet points at the information packet level. Also see the definitions for "HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)," "Internet Protocol (IP)", and "Protocols."

Transparency. The quality of being self-explanatory, predictable or intuitive; when an interface is transparent to the user reducing the user's perception of the delivery system in the process of interacting with the system. The user's ability to readily understand, uninhibited by lack of mechanical or programming skills.

Transponder. Electronic equipment on a satellite that receives signals from an uplink, converts the signals to new frequencies, amplifies the signals, and sends it back to earth. Transponders may be configured to process signals in a variety of bands (C, Ku, X, L, etc.).

Transportability. Identical to the definition for "portability."

Treatment or treatment plan. A design document that describes in general terms the scope and sequence of the instruction. A description of the subject, the audience, the interactive features, and other salient information (e.g., running time, closed caption requirement, types of audiovisual media, shot requirements, SMPTE time codes, etc.) regarding an Interactive Courseware (ICW) project. An initial outline of an ICW unit of instruction, including an initial flowchart depicting major branching design.

Trials. Identical to the definition for "small group trials."

Triggering circumstance. A cue or indicator that action needs to be taken.

Tryout, individual. Identical to the definition for "individual tryouts."

Tryout, small group. Identical to the definition for "small group trials."

Tutorial. An instructional program that presents new information to the student efficiently and provides practice exercises based on that information. A lesson design used to teach an entire concept. Interactive instruction that asks questions based on the information presented, requests student responses, and evaluates student responses. It is self-paced, accommodates a variety of users, and generally involves some questioning, branching, and options for review.

Two-dimensional simulation. Simulations that are viewed in a horizontal and vertical nature (no physical depth).

Two-way video. A satellite or terrestrial based teletraining system. The students can see the instructor and the other students, and the instructor can see the students. Also see the definition for "one-way video."

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Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet). The NIPRNet is an Internet protocol network that connects several Local Area Networks (LAN) and users through the use of routers and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switches. Access is restricted to permitted users by the use of an authentication control system which requires a log-in and password.

Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT). Any formal, syllabus-driven training program that prepares unrated, newly rated, or re-rated students for a follow-on training program, usually at a Replacement Training Unit (RTU).

Unified Modeling Language (UML). An object modeling and specification language used in software engineering.

Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). A short string of characters used to identify or id a resource. A URI can be classified as a locator, or a id, or both. To "resolve" a URI means either to convert a relative URI reference to absolute form, or to dereference a URI or URI reference by attempting to obtain a representation of the resource that it identifies. The "resolver" component in document processing software generally provides both services.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The address of a homepage on the World Wide Web (WWW).

Unit. A section of an Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) lesson that performs a single function (usually one screen or a functional routine).

Unit training. Individual, collective, and joint or combined training conducted at the unit level.

Universal Serial Bus (USB). A serial bus standard to interface devices. It was designed for computers such as PCs and the Apple Macintosh, but has become commonplace on video game consoles, PDAs, media players, cell phones and for memory devices.

Upward compatible. Programs written on a low level of system configuration for a particular processor that will operate without change on higher level configurations using the same processor.

User. That command, unit, or element which is the recipient of the item required for accomplishing a designated mission.

User-friendly software. Computer programs or systems designed for simplicity of operation by non-technical users. The ease of use of software designed to facilitate data entry, screen formatting, database definition, inquiry, report generation, and other applications. This software must be of such sophistication that a user may learn to use it with a minimum of formal training.

User interface. The set of displays and controls that support interaction (information transfer) between the user and the computer system; permits the display of information to the user and the user's input of data needed by the computer; also called the computer-human interface (CHI), the human-computer interface (HCI), or the user-system interface (USI); formerly known as the man-machine interface (MMI).

User-supported software. Any software that is financially supported by its users.

User survey. A collection of information from users on the subject of the evaluation.

Utility. A specialized program that allows an operator to modify or extract data from a program.

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Validation. The process by which products are reviewed for accuracy, completeness, adequacy, suitability for presentation, life-cycle maintenance capability, and effectiveness in providing for the student's accomplishment of the learning objectives. Training data products are also validated for compliance with the provisions of the specifications and other contractual requirements. Validation is accomplished by comparing the data product with the actual use for which the data product was prepared. Validation is normally accomplished in tryouts with a representative student target population. The materials are revised as necessary based on the results of the validation process.

Validity. A broad term that refers to the extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure. Although there are several types of validity and different classification schemes for describing validity there are two major types of validity that test developers must be concerned with, they are content-related and criterion-related validity.

Valid test. One that separates those who can perform (performers) from those who can't (non-performers).

Value engineering. Refers to the process of designing equipment or instruction to meet but not exceed the required outcomes. Generally, it refers to the elimination of features or instructional objectives that have not been demonstrated to be positively necessary.

Variable attributes. Characteristics shared by some but not all members of a class of people, objects, events, ideas, or actions that are grouped together on the basis of shared critical attributes and called by the same concept id.

Varied repetition. Design elements that repeat a segment of a lesson differently to enhance learning.

Vector graphics. Images which are stored and displayed as line segments identified by the X-Y coordinates of their end points.

Verification. A review process to ensure that a training product meets all stipulated requirements, is in compliance with applicable DoD standards and specifications, is complete and consistent with the supported system configuration, is usable in the intended training environment, and supports effective training.

Vertical task alignment. Tasks are vertically aligned when a task identified for a specific skill or organization level supports a task at the next higher skill level. Tasks in the same category (subject area) must be progressive, i.e., they show an increase in performance required at the next higher skill level, the conditions and standard are more exacting, or there are increased supervisory responsibilities when compared to supporting tasks. The task should indicate the increase in required performance or supervisory responsibilities.

Vertical training alignment. Training is vertically aligned when tasks for a particular skill level are built upon skills, knowledge, and behaviors gained during previous training and/or operational assignments. If tasks are in the same general categories, then their training must be progressive - they must show an increase in the skill level required to accomplish them, the conditions and standards must be more exacting, or the tasks represent increased supervisory responsibilities when compared to related tasks trained earlier. Task statements should indicate the increase in required skill level or supervisory responsibility.

Vertical sync. The pulse used to synchronize the vertical scan of the video monitor.

Video. Motion imagery that is recorded or transmitted as either a digital or analog electromagnetic signal.

Video address code. Time code, indicating each video frame by reel, hour, minutes, seconds, frame number, picture, chapter, or still cue code.

Video crawl. Alphanumeric text that moves across a screen, horizontally or vertically. A steady controlled text movement, such as the display of credits.

VOD Video on Demand. A feature allowing users to select and watch video content over a network as part of an interactive television system. VOD systems either "stream" content or "download" it to another device (e.g. set top box) before viewing starts.

Videodisc. A generic term used to describe a medium of audiovisual information storage. A thin circular plate composed of translucent layered plastics sandwiching a metal layer on which video, audio, and digital information are encoded as a series of shallow microscopic pits along a circular or spiral track for playback on a television monitor. Videodisc is an information storage medium for analog/digital (e.g., video, audio, and control signals) data. There are many types of videodisc formats. Also see the definitions for "Compact Disc (CD)" and "optical disc."

Videodisc formats. The different forms and organization of data on a videodisc, such as reflective optical videodisc (laser), transmissive optical videodisc (laser film), Capacitive Electronic Disk (CED), magnetic videodisc, and Video High Density (VHD).

Video display unit. Television-type Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) (raster format) which decodes and displays information from a video source signal.

Video Graphics Array (VGA). An expansion card for an IBM personal computer that is inserted into the computer's expansion slot to enable the computer to process and display color graphics and text at a resolution of 640x480 Pixels.

Video head. The unit within a videotape player/recorder that reads video signals recorded on tape.

Video Home System (VHS). A consumer one-half inch videotape format. It employs 1/2 inch (165 mm) videotape in a 7 1/2 inch by 4 inch (190 mm x 105 mm) cassette.

Video levels. Chrominance and luminance (color and brightness) levels.

Video on Demand (VOD). A feature allowing users to select and watch video content over a network as part of an interactive television system. VOD systems either "stream" content or "download" it to another device (e.g. set top box) before viewing starts.

Video segment. Identical to the definition for "still frame." Also called "video still."

Video sequence. A segment of video that is intended to be displayed such that an on-screen display appears to be in smooth and continuous motion. A series of individual stills intended to be played sequentially to show motion of images. Two or more video frames forming one visual unit.

Video still. Identical to the definition for "still frame."

Videotape. A magnetic tape that can record and play back audio (sound) and video (pictures). It can also hold electrical signals used in editing and in interactive video applications. The tape is made of polyester film, which is strong and flexible, but not elastic. A carbon backing reduces the build-up of static electricity when the tape is in use. A magnetically sensitive emulsion, which commonly contains a magnetic oxide powder, a binder and a lubricant, forms the recording surface. A neutral topcoat helps to protect the emulsion against dirt and damage. Audio signals are usually recorded in a narrow band along one edge of the tape, in closely-packed vertical tracks. Audio signals are recorded and replayed by a separate audio head. A control track runs along a narrow band on the outer edge. This is where the field sync pulse is recorded; it regulates the running speed of the tape. A narrow cue track, which records signals, often contains codes and verbal memoranda used in editing. The video signal and the line sync pulse are recorded in shallow diagonal tracks on the wide band in the center of the tape.

Video Teletraining (VTT). A means of broadcasting to multiple sites through traditional television broadcast medium using live video and audio. VTT includes student participation in the form of two-way communication between personnel conducting the program and students located at remote sites.

VI Functions. The individual processes such as producing, documenting, reproducing, distributing, records preserving, presentation services, fabricating training aids and displays, and providing related technical services.

VI Materials. A general term that refers collectively to various VI still and motion films, tapes, discs, or graphic arts. Includes the original, intermediate, and master copies, and any other retained recorded imagery.

VI Media. Any films, videotapes, discs, or other physical objects that contain or are capable of containing visual information.

VI Production. The result of sequencing, according to a plan or script, original and/or existing still and/or motion images, with or without sound, into a self-contained, complete, linear presentation for the purpose of conveying information to, or communicating with an audience. Typically, VI productions are recorded continuously, or edited so as to appear as if recorded continuously onto a motion medium, such as film or videotape, for replication and/or time-delayed playback, but they may also be presented in real time. IMI with these elements are VI productions.

Virtual. Existing or resulting in effect though not in fact. In computing, a virtual device may reside only in memory while representing a hardware peripheral. Virtual devices may help programmers avoid hardware incompatibilities.

Virtual classroom. Electronic connections between instructors and students residing at different locations, usually over the Internet, which simulate the interactions which would occur in resident school where instructors and students are located in the same place. Also known as a Virtual Learning Environment.

Virtual Device Interface (VDI) management. The system-level software that is responsible for executing and responding to core and extended commands received from ICW or authoring systems via the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) or binary interface.

Virus. A programming code designed to spread and replicate within a system and cause wide spread system degradation.

Visual Information (VI). Information in the form of visual or pictorial representations of person(s), place(s), or thing(s), with or without sound. VI includes still photographs, digital still images, motion pictures, analog and digital video recordings, and hand- or computer-generated graphic art and animations that depict real or imaginary person(s), place(s), and/or thing(s), and related captions, overlays, and intellectual control data. VI excludes three-dimensional, alphabetic, symbolic, or coded data (such as printed text, signals, signs, maps and other geodetic products, numerical data, and icons), unless these items are part of larger pictorial representations, or contain pictorial representations (such as maps that include pictures). VI also excludes graphic art that depicts abstractions or abstract relationships, i.e., objects other than persons, places, or things (such as organizational structures, symbols, process flows, quantitative data, or logical relationships.

Visual Information (VI) production. The process of combining or arranging any separate audio or visual product(s) in continuity in a self-contained, complete presentation that is developed according to a plan or script for conveying information to, or communicating with, an audience. A VI product is also the end item of the production process. Used collectively, VI production refers to the functions of procurement, production, or adoption from all sources; that is, in-house or contract production, off-the-shelf purchase, or adopting from another Federal agency.

Visual simulation. The simulation of relevant parts of a place or object as seen by the eye, often as seen through an optical system. For a training simulator, usually the presentation of the external, out-the-window or through-the-periscope visual environment of a training program.

Visual spectrum. The type of color required of instructional materials. Some must be with full color, some with reduced color pallets, others with black and white or shades of gray.

Voice-activated. Hardware or equipment activated by the sound of the human voice.

Voice-frequency. That frequency in the part of the audio frequency range essential to transmit commercial quality speech.

Voice-over. Typically, live action with the original soundtrack replaced by scripted or spontaneous commentary delivered by a speaker who may or may not appear before the camera.

Voice recognition. A computer capability that allows for recognition and response to inputs provided by the human voice. A human utterance is recognized by a computer and then converted into machine-usable binary code. Also called "speech recognition."

Volatile storage/memory. A storage medium in which stored data is lost when operating power is removed.

Volume Unit (VU) meter. A device used to measure audio signal levels.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. Information that assists federal contracting officials in making preliminary assessments regarding the availability of commercial electronic and information technology products and services with features that support accessibility.

Voxel. Voxels are simply pixels with a third coordinate (Z, in addition to X and Y). Volume graphics are represented by voxels, the basic unit used to represent 3D objects in volume graphics (like a grain of sand).

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Watermark (digital). A visual or hidden marker providing copyright or other verification messages to digital audio, video, or image signals and documents. Such hidden message is a group of bits describing information pertaining to the signal or to the author of the signal (id, place, etc.), providing a mechanism to track the asset to the original owner.

Weapon systems training. Organized training conducted in a formal situation on weapons, weapon systems, and related equipment for both operator and maintenance personnel.

Web-based. An online offering where all the resources are available on the web.

Webcast(ing). The word is derived from "web" and "broadcast." Its use has varied over the past decade by different types of organization and as the nature of the medium came into public use. The generally accepted use of the term webcast is the "transmission of linear audio or video content over the internet." A webcast uses streaming media technology to take a single content source and distribute it to many simultaneous listeners/viewers.

Web Clients. Software applications, typically browsers that access information which is typically distributed over the Internet.

Webinar. A seminar conducted over the World Wide Web. It is a type of web conferencing. In contrast to a Webcast, which is transmission of information in one direction only, a webinar is designed to be interactive between the presenter and audience. A webinar is ‘live' in the sense that information is conveyed according to an agenda, with a starting and ending time. In most cases, the presenter may speak over a standard telephone line, pointing out information being presented on screen, and the audience can respond over their own telephones, preferably a speakerphone.

Web Page. A Web page is an individual computer file which is viewable through a browser and is addressed by a hypertext link.

Web Site. A collection of information, documents, or databases that is provided to a user community using World Wide Web formats and protocols. A location managed by a single entity that provides information.

Weight points. A means of identifying which lessons, tests, learning objectives, etc. are more or less important in relation to the total training program. Weight points are assigned to each test according to the importance of the test to job performance. A scale of 0 to 1000 is often used. Weight point distribution is shown in the student evaluation plan.

What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG). Refers to a graphic display mode in which the page on the screen shows exactly how the printed page will appear. (Pronounced "wizzy wig.")

Whiteboard. A document conferencing function, an element of the ITU T.120 standard, that lets multiple users simultaneously view and annotate a document with (electronic) pens, highlighters, and drawing tools. Advanced software enables handling multipage documents.

Whole-task practice. An exercise, performed with or without a training device that allows students to practice an entire task at one time.

Wide Area Network (WAN). A geographically dispersed telecommunications network. This term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a Local Area Network (LAN). A WAN may be privately owned or rented, but the term usually connotes the inclusion of public (shared user) networks. Also see the definition for "Local Area Network (LAN)."

Wiki. A type of website that allows the visitors themselves to easily add, remove and otherwise edit and change some available content, sometimes without the need for registration. This ease of interaction and operation makes a wiki an effective tool for collaborative authoring.

Wildcard. A representation of all possible variables. A computer command that can represent one or more characters, numbers, or symbols.

WiMAX. WiMAX, also known as the IEEE 802.16 network standard, ensures compatibility and interoperability of wireless broadband operating at the 2.5 GHz spectrum.  It is a flat all-Internet Protocol architecture providing around 2 Mbps of symmetrical bandwidth per user providing an “always on” connection over a distance of approximately 31 miles.  Designed for mobile devices the underlying electronics is capable of delivering higher quality video than 3G phones and can be used in cell phones, PDAs, or fixed-application gateways.  

Window. A defined portion of a display screen in which a video image or other information may be shown.

Windowing. The practice of not completely clearing or changing to a new display screen in order to present new information. A small portion of the screen is defined, activated, and used to display the new information. When this window is removed, the original screen display remains.

Wipe. A visual effect created by a special effects generator where one picture replaces another by sliding in from the edge of the screen.

Word processor. A computer-based system, including hardware and software, for creating, editing, manipulating, formatting, storing, and printing documents.

Work sample. A sample problem representative of the job as a whole, chosen and adapted for the purpose of testing performance on important operations of the job as nearly under normal conditions as possible apart from an actual tryout. Performance on a work sample is frequently used as a criterion against which prediction devices in evaluation are validated.

Workstation. A location at which an individual works; generally used to denote electronic, usually computer-linked devices which an individual uses in the course of performing work in an automated office setting.

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). Also known as IEEE 802.16, network standard ensuring compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless equipment using Internet protocol supporting mobile applications with a range up to 31 miles and 2Mbps data rates.

World Wide Web (WWW). A graphical hypertext-based Internet tool that provides access to homepages created by individuals, businesses, and other organizations.

Write. To transcribe recorded data from one place to another, or from one medium to another.

Write-Once-Read-Many (WORM). A technology that will allow data to be written only once and read many times. A type of permanent optical storage that allows the user to record information on a blank disk but does not allow erasure or change of that information, once recorded.

Writing speed (video). The speed at which the video heads on a quadruplex or helical scan video recorders revolve in relation to the videotape passing across the video head drum.

WWW Federal Consortium. The World Wide Web Federal Consortium is composed of Federal agencies. Participating agencies have the opportunity to adopt and influence the development of National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) World Wide Web technologies, are interested in the strategic use of these and related information technologies to better accomplish their assigned missions and work together to better use their pooled knowledge base in these areas. NCSA is becoming a national focal point for the fusion of High Performance Computing and communications technologies with the emerging National Information Infrastructure.

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Zoom. To scale a display so that it is magnified or reduced on the screen.