W

W3C: World Wide Web Consortium, an organization developing interoperable specifications, software, and tools for the WWW. See the W3C Website.

WAN (wide-area network): A computer network that spans a relatively large area. Usually made up of two or more local area networks. The Internet is a WAN.

WAP (wireless application protocol): Specification that allows Internet content to be read by wireless devices.

WBT (Web-based training): Delivery of educational content via a Web browser over the public Internet, a private intranet, or an extranet. Web-based training often provides links to other learning resources such as references, email, bulletin boards, and discussion groups. WBT also may include a facilitator who can provide course guidelines, manage discussion boards, deliver lectures, and so forth. When used with a facilitator, WBT offers some advantages of instructor-led training while also retaining the advantages of computer-based training.

Web-based learning: See Web-based training.

Webcast: (Web + broadcast) (noun) A broadcast of video signals that's digitized and streamed on the World Wide Web, and which may also be made available for download. (verb) To digitize and stream a broadcast on the World Wide Web.

Web conference: (noun) A meeting of participants from disparate geographic locations that's held in a virtual environment on the World Wide Web, with communication taking place via text, audio, video, or a combination of those methods. (verb) To participate in a Web conference.

Webinar: (Web + seminar) A small synchronous online learning event in which a presenter and audience members communicate via text chat or audio about concepts often illustrated via online slides and/or an electronic whiteboard. Webinars are often archived as well for asynchronous, on-demand access.

Webpage: A document on the World Wide Web that's viewed with a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

Website: A set of files stored on the World Wide Web and viewed with a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. A Website may consist of one or more Webpages.

Whiteboard: An electronic version of a dry-erase board that enables learners in a virtual classroom to view what an instructor, presenter, or fellow learner writes or draws. Also called a smartboard or electronic whiteboard.

Wi-fi (wireless fidelity): 1) Term developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance denoting products that can connect to each other without wires, acting as either wireless clients or base stations. Products bearing a “Wi-fi certified” label should always be interoperable; some non-logoed products will interoperate as well. 2) Any network adhering to the IEEE 802.11 standard, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and so forth.

Wizard: A mini-application that prompts a user through the steps of a particular computer-based action. The user provides necessary information as he or she proceeds through the wizard's screens, while the wizard completes the actual steps behind the scenes.

WML (Wireless Markup Language): XML-based language that allows a reduced version of Webpages' text to be displayed on cellular phones and personal digital assistants.

Workstation: 1) A device, often a microcomputer, that serves as an interface between a user and a file server or host computer. 2) More generally, a computer or a computer terminal.

Worm: A computer virus that replicates itself many times over for the purpose of consuming system resources, eventually shutting down a computer or server. This type of virus is most often directed at mail servers such as Microsoft Exchange and is usually unleashed when an unsuspecting user opens an email attachment.

WORM (write once, read many): A type of data storage disk that allows information to be saved to it only once, archiving permanent data. WORM disks must be read by the same kind of drive that wrote them, thus hindering widespread acceptance of this technology.

WWW (World Wide Web): A graphical hypertext-based Internet tool that provides access to Webpages created by individuals, businesses, and other organizations.

WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get): Pronounced "wizzy wig," a WYSIWYG program allows designers to see text and graphics on screen exactly as they will appear when printed out or published online, rather than in programming code.