S

Satellite TV: Video and audio signals relayed via a communication device that orbits around the earth.

Scalability: The degree to which a computer application or component can be expanded in size, volume, or number of users served and continue to function properly.

Scanner: A device that converts a printed page or image into an digital representation that can be viewed and manipulated on a computer.

Schema: 1) A relatively simple textual description or representation of the internal structure of a database, including table names, element names, and relationships between elements. 2) One of several new entities that define the structure and content parameters for XML documents.

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model): A set of specifications that, when applied to course content, produces small, reusable learning objects. A result of the Department of Defense's Advance Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative, SCORM-compliant courseware elements can be easily merged with other compliant elements to produce a highly modular repository of training materials.

Screen reader: Computer software that speaks text on the screen. Often used by individuals who are visually impaired.

Screenshot: A picture of a computer display that shows the display at a given point in time. Also called a screen capture. Annotated screenshots are often used in software manuals and training programs.

Script: A program or set of instructions not carried out by the computer processor but by another program. Code is interpreted at run time rather than being stored in executable format.

Scripting language: See Script.

Scroll: To move text and images on a computer screen in a constant direction--down, up, right, or left.

Section 508: The section of the 1998 Rehabilitation Act that states that all electronic and information technology procured, used, or developed by the federal government after June 25, 2001, must be accessible to people with disabilities. Affected technology includes hardware such as copiers, fax machines, telephones, and other electronic devices as well as application software and Websites. See http://www.section508.gov/.

Seamless technology: Technology that's easy to use, intuitive in nature, and isn't the focus of the learning experience. Also called transparent technology.

Self-assessment: The process by which the learner determines his or her personal level of knowledge and skills.

Self-paced learning: An offering in which the learner determines the pace and timing of content delivery.

The Semantic Web: A concept proposed by World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee. States that the Web can be made more useful by using methods such as content tags to enable computers to understand what they're displaying and to communicate effectively with each other. That, says Berners-Lee, will increase users' ability to find the information they see.

Serial bus: A channel through which information flows, one bit at a time, between two or more devices in or connected to a computer. A bus typically has multiple points of access through which devices can attach to it.

Serial port: A connection point for peripheral devices to be attached to a computer, through which data transmission occurs one bit at a time.

Server: A computer with a special service function on a network, generally to receive and connect incoming information traffic.

Simulations: Highly interactive applications that allow the learner to model or role-play in a scenario. Simulations enable the learner to practice skills or behaviors in a risk-free environment.

Skill gap analysis: Compares a person's skills to the skills required for the job to which they have been, or will be, assigned. A simple skill gap analysis consists of a list of skills required along with a rating of the employee's level for each skill. Ratings below a predetermined level identify a skill gap.

Skills inventory: A list of skills or competencies that an individual posssess, usually created by self-evaluation.

SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol): A means of allowing a user to connect to the Internet directly over a high-speed modem. Also see PPP. SLIP is older and used less frequently than PPP.

Slow scan converter: A transmitter or receiver of still video over narrowband channels. In real time, camera subjects must remain still for highest resolution.

SME (subject matter expert): An individual who is recognized as having proficient knowledge about and skills in a particular topic or subject area.

Soft skills: Business skills such as communication and presentation, leadership and management, human resources, sales and marketing, professional development, project and time management, customer service, team building, administration, accounting and finance, purchasing, and personal development.

Software: A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do; a program.

Source code: Program instructions written by a software developer and later translated (usually by a compiler) into machine language that a computer can understand.

Spam: (noun) Junk email that is sent, unsolicted and in bulk, to advertise products or services or publicize a message. The term may have originated from a Monty Python song. (verb) To send unsolicited bulk email to advertise products or services or publicize a message.

Specification: A plan, instruction, or protocol for e-learning that's established or agreed upon. Specification is often used interchangeably with standard, but the two terms are not truly synonymous. Specifications become standards only after they've been approved by an accrediting agency.

SQL: Language for accessing information in a database and updating entries.

Stakeholder: A person with a vested interest in the successful completion of a project. Stakeholders in e-learning often include the developer, the facilitator, the learners, the learners’ managers, customers, and so forth.

Standard: An e-learning specification established as a model by a governing authority such as IEEE or ISO to ensure quality, consistency, and interoperability.

Storyboard: (noun) An outline of a multimedia project in which each page represents a screen to be designed and developed. (verb) To create a storyboard.

Streaming media (streaming audio or video): Audio or video files played as they are being downloaded over the Internet instead of users having to wait for the entire file to download first. Requires a media player program.

Studying: The self-directed practice of reviewing instructional material (usually as a follow-up to instruction) to improve retention and understanding. Aims to increase or improve skills or knowledge in the long-term, although some people argue that studying only places information in the short-term memory and mainly serves the goal of improving performance on tests.

Style sheets: In traditional print publishing and on the Web, style sheets specify how a document should appear, standardizing such elements as fonts, page layout and line spacing, repeated content, and so forth. Web style sheets help ensure consistency across Webpages, but HTML coding can also override the sheets in designated sections of the pages. Also see CSS.

Synchronous learning: A real-time, instructor-led online learning event in which all participants are logged on at the same time and communicate directly with each other. In this virtual classroom setting, the instructor maintains control of the class, with the ability to "call on" participants. In most platforms, students and teachers can use a whiteboard to see work in progress and share knowledge. Interaction may also occur via audio- or videoconferencing, Internet telephony, or two-way live broadcasts.

Synergy: The dynamic energetic atmosphere created in an online class when participants interact and productively communicate with each other.

System requirements: The technological conditions required to run a software application. Includes the operating system, programming language, database, hardware configuration, bandwidth, processing power, and so forth.