Host is a network computer that receives data from other computers. Internet is a global information network connecting millions of computers. Local Area Network is multiple local computers that are physically connected. Modem is equipment that converts digital signals to analog for transmission along analog lines allowing computers to interact with each other. Network is multiple computer systems linked together. Online is active and prepared for operation. Portable document format (PDF) is a file format developed for the Adobe Acrobat Reader that captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications and preserves the intended format for display on a recipient's monitor or printer. Real-time is a communication in which interaction between parties takes place simultaneously. Search Engine is a web-based software tool that searches for and returns documents on the Web based on specified keywords. Threaded Discussions are asynchronous online conversations consisting of a series, or threads, of linked messages. Uniform Resource Locator is the address of a document on the Web. Video on Demand is the delivery of digital movies via cable, telephone, or wireless where the user has the ability to start and stop the movie at any time. World Wide Web is a global, networked system that serves data images, documents, Multimedia, via the Internet (http://www.pbs.org/als/dlweek/abc/index.html).
Students wishing to participate in this type of learning must be willing to work alone and be self-motivating. Students that chose the Internet courses must have access to a computer with online access. The student must be able to maneuver the Web and have email capabilities. Students have many support options available to them. Each college has their own resources and the Web has many to choose from as well. WWW.pbs.org is a site that offers numerous links to information about distance education.