T

T-1 (DS-1): High-speed digital data channel that is a high-volume carrier of voice and/or data. Often used for compressed video teleconferencing. T-1 has 24 voice channels.

T-3 (DS-3): A digital channel that communicates at a significantly faster rate than T-1.

TBT (technology-based training): The delivery of content via Internet, LAN or WAN (intranet or extranet), satellite broadcast, audio- or videotape, interactive TV, or CD-ROM. TBT encompasses both CBT and WBT.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): A protocol that ensures that packets of data are shipped and received in the intended order.

Teaching: A process that aims to increase or improve knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or behaviors in a person to accomplish a variety of goals. Teaching is often driven more toward the long-term personal growth of the learner and less toward business drivers such as job tasks that are often the focus of training. Some people characterize teaching as focused on theory and training as focused on practical application. See also Training and Learning.

Telecommunication: The science of information transport using wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic channels to transmit and receive signals for voice or data communications.

Telecommuting: Working at home but connecting to one's office by way of a computer network.

Teleconferencing: Two-way electronic communication between two or more groups in separate locations via audio, video, and/or computer systems.

Telnet: A utility that enables a user to log onto a computer or server and access its information remotely, for example, from home or a work location in the field.

Template: A predefined set of tools or forms that establishes the structure and settings necessary to quickly create content.

Thin client: 1) A network computer without hard- or diskette drives that accesses programs and data from a server instead of storing them locally.
2) Software that performs the majority of its operations on a server rather than the local computer, thus requiring less memory and fewer plug-ins.

Thread: A series of messages on a particular topic posted in a discussion forum.

Touch screen: An input device used to simplify user input and response. The user touches the screen to control the output, working with menus or multiple-choice decision points. Allows some simulation of hands-on training; for example, pointing to parts on a machine.

Training: A process that aims to improve knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or behaviors in a person to accomplish a specific job task or goal. Training is often focused on business needs and driven by time-critical business skills and knowledge, and its goal is often to improve performance. See also Teaching and Learning.

Training management system: See LMS.

Transparent technology: Technology that is easy to use, intuitive in nature, and not the focus of the learning experience. Also called seamless technology.

Transponder: Satellite transmitter and receiver that receives and amplifies a signal prior to retransmission to an earth station.

Trojan horse: A malicious computer program that appears legitimate but masks a destructive file or application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses usually do not replicate themselves but can still cause a great deal of damage, such as creating an entryway into your computer for malevolent users.

Tutorial: Step-by-step instructions presented through computer or Web-based technology, designed to teach a user how to complete a particular action.

24/7: Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In e-learning, used to describe the hours of operation of a virtual classroom or how often technical support should be available for online students and instructors.