M

M-learning (mobile learning): Learning that takes place via such wireless devices as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or laptop computers.

Markup: Text or codes added to a document to convey information about it. Usually used to formulate a document's layout or create links to other documents or information servers. HTML is a common form of markup.

MB (megabyte): 1,048,576 bytes, often generically applied to 1,000,000 bytes as well.

Mbps (megabits per second): A measurement of data transmission speed in a communication system; the number of megabits transmitted or received each second.

Mentoring: A career development process in which less experienced workers are matched with more experienced colleagues for guidance. Mentoring can occur either through formal programs or informally as required and may be delivered in-person or by using various media.

Metadata: Information about content that enables it to be stored in and retrieved from a database.

Metatag: An HTML tag identifying the contents of a Website. Information commonly found in the metatag includes copyright info, key words for search engines, and formatting descriptions of the page.

Microwave: Electromagnetic waves that travel in a straight line and are used to and from satellites and for short distances up to 30 miles.

Modem: A device that enables computers to interact with each other via telephone lines by converting digital signals to analog for transmitting and back to digital for receiving.

Modular: E-learning that's made up of standardized units that can be separated from each other and rearranged or reused.

MOO (MUD, object oriented): A MUD created with an object-oriented programming language.

MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group): 1) A high-quality video file format that uses compression to keep file sizes relatively small. 2) The subgroup of the International Organization for Standardization responsible for setting the standards for this format.

MP3: A format for music file compression that enables users to download music over the Internet.

MUD (multi-user dimension or multi-user domain): A simulated virtual world in which users interact with each other, often by taking on character identities called avatars. Originally created for game-playing, MUDs are growing in popularity for online learning and virtual community-building.

Multicasting: The transmission of information to more than one recipient. For example, sending an email message to a list of people. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing can also use multicasting. See also broadcasting and unicasting.

Multimedia: Encompasses interactive text, images, sound, and color. Multimedia can be anything from a simple PowerPoint slide slow to a complex interactive simulation.