Information Technology, Communication, and Online Learning: Key Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms from the lecture on IT history, communication technologies, and online learning.

Information Technology (IT)

The field that uses computers and telecommunications to store, process, and communicate information.

Abacus

An ancient manual calculating device with beads on rods, once used for basic arithmetic operations.

Personal Computer (PC)

A small, affordable computer introduced in the 1970s that brought computing power to individual users.

Internet

A global network connecting computers worldwide, enabling data exchange and real-time communication.

Globalization (IT role)

The acceleration of worldwide communication and trade enabled by information technology.

Communication Technology

Tools and systems—from stone tablets to email—designed to transmit information quickly and efficiently.

Social Media

Online platforms such as Facebook that let users create, share, and interact with content and communities.

Virtual Workspace

An online environment where people collaborate, share files, and hold meetings without a physical office.

Mobile Communication

Wireless technologies, especially mobile phones, that allow users to talk, text, and share content anywhere, anytime.

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)

A free, open-access online class capable of enrolling large numbers of learners worldwide.

E-learning

Education delivered electronically via the internet, often lacking traditional face-to-face interaction.

Cloud Computing

Storing and processing data on remote internet servers, enabling access from any device.

Excel

A spreadsheet program that is typically single-user and lacks real-time co-editing features of collaborative tools.

Google Docs

A cloud-based document editor that supports simultaneous, real-time collaboration by multiple users.

Email

A digital messaging service that sends and receives text and attachments over the internet.

Morse Code

The first long-distance electronic communication system using dots and dashes to represent characters.

Political Mobilization (via social media)

The organization of protests or awareness campaigns using platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Learner Isolation

A drawback of online education where students may feel disconnected from peers and instructors.

Evolution of Computing

The historical progression from early tools like the abacus to modern digital systems.

Flexibility (Online learning benefit)

The ability for students to study at any time that fits their personal schedules.

Accessibility (Online learning benefit)

The capacity for learners to reach educational materials from any location with internet access.

Remote Collaboration Tools

Applications such as Zoom and Google Docs that enable groups to work together from different locations.