Glossary

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

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

Preface | Contents | 1 Introduction | 2 Review | 3 Req. analysis | 4 Req. documents | 5 Specification | 6 Design | 7 Verification | 8 Discussion | 9 PAL manual | Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Glossary | References | Index