Glossary

The glossary contains a list of glossary, acronym and terminology sections that have been included in Communicator articles since Autumn 2018. Each entry has a link to the relevant article.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y

A

ADDIE

ADDIE is an acronym for the five stages of an instructional design development process: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The ADDIE model relies on each stage being done in the given order but with a focus on reflection and iteration. Source: www.learnupon.com/blog/addie-5-steps (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Amazon Alexa

Alexa is a virtual digital assistant developed by Amazon for its Amazon Echo and Echo Dot line of computing devices. www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/alexa.html (definition retrieved 28 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is an area of computer science that emphasises the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. Source: www.techopedia.com/definition/190/artificial-intelligence-ai (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

Asynchronous learning

Asynchronous learning can be carried out even while the student is offline. Source: https://mindflash.com/elearning-glossary/asynchronous-synchronous (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Augmented Reality (AR)

A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. www.lexico.com/definition/ augmented_reality (accessed 17 April 2020). Communicator: Summer 2020

API

Application Programming Interface. Enables different systems to interact with each other programmatically. Two types of APIs are web services and library-based APIs. Communicator: Winter 2020

ASD

AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe. Communicator: Winter 2020

ATA

Air Transport Association. Communicator: Winter 2020

B

Backlog

This is a list of all the things that need to be done in a agile development cycle. Communicator: Summer 2019

Blended learning

Blended learning (also known as hybrid learning) is a method of teaching that integrates technology and digital media with traditional instructor-led classroom activities, giving students more flexibility to customise their learning experiences. Source: www.panopto.com/blog/what-is-blended-learning (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Bot

A bot (short for “robot”) is an automated program that runs over the Internet. Chatbots were one of the first types of automated programs to be called “bots” and became popular in the 1990s, with the rise of online chatrooms. https://techterms.com/definition/ bot (definition retrieved 29 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

BPEL

Business Process Execution Language. https://searchmicroservices.techtarget.com/definition/BPELBusiness-Process-Execution-Language (accessed April 2019). Communicator: Summer 2019

BRDP

Business Rule Decision Point in S1000D. Communicator: Winter 2020

BREX

Business Rules Exchange in S1000D. Communicator: Winter 2020

C

CCMS

Component Content Management System. Communicator: Autumn 2020

CDS

SCHEMA CDS (Content Delivery Server) is one of only a few content delivery platforms that are available as a comprehensive standard solution in the market. Like SCHEMA ST4 for the area of content creation, SCHEMA CDS covers the requirements of content delivery scenarios in the B2B area. Communicator: Autumn 2018

Chatbots

A computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the Internet. Communicator: Spring 2019

Classroom learning

Classroom learning encompasses the merits of the setting of one traditional classroom. Classroom learning needs a certain number of participants or students to be active listeners & participate in that learning environment. The students and teachers need to be physically present in the classroom. Source: www.eztalks.com/elearning/difference-between-elearning-and-classroom-learning.html (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

CMS

Content Management System. Communicator: Autumn 2018

Content testing

Content testing (also known as usability Testing) is defined as a practise of testing whether the written content is appropriate and suitable for the audience in question, and whether or not they are able to understand and comprehend it. Source: www.professionalqa.com/content-testing (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

CPD

Continuous Professional Development. Communicator: Summer 2020

cURL

A command line utility often used to interact with REST API endpoints. Used in documentation for requesting code samples. Communicator: Autumn 2020

CALS

Computer-aided Acquisition and Logistics Support. A set of standards mandated by the US Department of Defense for technical documentation. Then AFEI (Association for Enterprise Information) which in turn became NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association) in the US. Communicator: Winter 2020

CPSC

Customer and Product Support Committee of ASD. Communicator: Winter 2020

CRUD

Create, Read, Update and Delete actions. Communicator: Winter 2020

CSDB

Common Source Database. Communicator: Winter 2020

D

Diff

The diff utility is a data comparison tool that calculates and displays the differences between two files. Diff is line-oriented rather than character-oriented, and tries to determine the smallest set of deletions and insertions to create one file from the other. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diff (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Docs as Code

Documentation as Code (Docs as Code) refers to a philosophy that you should be writing documentation with the same tools and workflows. Source: www.writethedocs.org/guide/docs-as-code (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

DDN

Data Dispatch Note. Communicator: Winter 2020

DMC

Data Module Code. Communicator: Winter 2020

DMRL

Data Management (Module) Requirements List. Communicator: Winter 2020

DP

Decision Points. Communicator: Winter 2020

DWG

Documentation Working Group. Communicator: Winter 2020

E

eLearning

eLearning (also known as online learning or electronic learning) is the acquisition of knowledge which takes place through electronic technologies and media. In simple language, eLearning is defined as ‘learning that is enabled electronically’. Typically, eLearning is conducted on the internet, where students can access their learning materials online at any place and time. eLearning most often takes place in the form of online courses, online degrees, or online programs. Source: https://e-student.org/what-is-e-learning (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Endpoint

The endpoint is a connection point where HTML files or active server pages are exposed. Communicator: Autumn 2020

Estimate

This is how long a user story is expected to take to complete. Communicator: Summer 2019

F

Flipped Classroom

In flipped classrooms (also known as inverted classrooms), students review lecture materials before class as homework. In-class time is dedicated to discussions, interactive exercises, and independent work that would have previously been completed at home — all under the guidance of the teacher, who is present and available to respond to any questions that may arise. Source: www.panopto.com/blog/what-is-a-flipped-classroom (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

G

GitHub

GitHub is a web-based version-control and collaboration platform for software developers. https://github.com. Communicator: Autumn 2020

GraphQL

A query language for your API, and a server-side runtime for executing queries by using a type system you define for your data. https://graphql.org. Communicator: Winter 2020

H

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the standard markup language for creating web pages and web applications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML. Communicator: Autumn 2018 special supplement

Hypertext

Text with references to other text that the reader can immediately access. www.w3.org/WhatIs.html (accessed April 2019). Communicator: Summer 2019

HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The application protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems, which is used for data communication on the World Wide Web. Communicator: Winter 2020

I

IDE

An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development. An IDE normally consists of at least a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_development_environment (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) refers to the extension and use of the internet of things (IoT) in industrial sectors and applications. With a strong focus on machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, big data, and machine learning, the IIoT enables industries and enterprises to have better efficiency and reliability in their operations. The IIoT encompasses industrial applications, including robotics, medical devices, and software-defined production processes. www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/ us/security/definition/industrial-internet-of-things-iiot (accessed 17 April 2020). Communicator: Summer 2020

Information 4.0

The characteristics are: Molecular ie no documents, just information molecules; Dynamic ie continuously updated; Offered rather than delivered; Ubiquitous, online, searchable and findable; Spontaneous ie triggered by contexts; Profiled automatically. Communicator: Spring 2019

Instant messaging (IM)

An instant message is a realtime, text-based communication similar to chat. IM uses a shared software client between or among two or more people using personal computers, iPhones or other devices. www.techopedia.com/definition/402/instantmessage-im (definition retrieved 29 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

IoT

The Internet of Things is the network of devices such as vehicles, and home appliances that contain electronics, software, actuators, and connectivity that allows these things to connect, interact and exchange data. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_things (definition retrieved 29 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

Iterations

These are part of a agile development cycle. Communicator: Summer 2019

ICN

Information Control Number. Communicator: Winter 2020

IETP

Interactive Electronic Technical Publication. Communicator: Winter 2020

ILS

Integrated Logistics Support. Communicator: Winter 2020

ISO

International Standards Organization. www.iso.org. Communicator: Winter 2020

J

JSON

JavaScript Object Notation. A lightweight syntax containing objects and arrays, usually used (instead of XML) to return information from a REST API. Communicator: Winter 2020

K

Kik

Kik is a mobile messaging application that can be used on both android and iPhone. www.kik.com/about (accessed 29 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

L

Learning objectives

Learning objectives (also known as learning outcomes) should be brief, clear, specific statements of what learners will be able to do at the end of a lesson as a result of the activities, teaching and learning that has taken place. Source: http://batchwood.herts.sch.uk/files/Learning-Objectives.pdf (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

LMS

A learning management system (LMS) is a software-based platform that facilitates the management, delivery, and measurement of an organisation’s corporate eLearning programs. Source: www.docebo.com/blog/what-is-learning-management-system (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

M

Machine learning

Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that enables systems to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Source: www.expertsystem.com/machine-learning-definition (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

Minimal viable product

These are the products with enough features for customers to be satisfied, while providing feedback for further iterations. Communicator: Summer 2019

Miro board

Visual collaboration software. www.miro.com. Communicator: Summer 2020

MI

Model Identification. Communicator: Winter 2020

Middleware

Software that acts as a bridge between an operating system or database and applications. Communicator: Winter 2020

MIDI

Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a technical standard that describes a communications protocol. Communicator: Winter 2020

N

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural Language Processing is the technology used to aid computers to understand the human’s natural language. https://becominghuman. ai/a-simple-introduction-to-natural-language-processing-ea66a1747b32 (accessed 17 April 2020). Communicator: Summer 2020

Needs Analysis

Needs analysis (also known as gap analysis, or needs assessment) is a formal, systematic process of identifying and evaluating training that should be done, or specific needs of an individual or group of employees, customers, suppliers, etc. Source: https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/needs-analysis (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

NFC-chip

NFC (near field communication) is the technology that allows two devices—like your phone and a payments terminal—to talk to each other when they’re close together. NFC is the technology that enables contactless payments. https://squareup.com/gb/guides/nfc (accessed 19 April 2020). Communicator: Summer 2020

O

Online learning

Online learning always involves an internet connection and can include virtual face-to-face interactions (webinar, online lecture, virtual meeting). Source: www.conexed.com/are-online-learning-virtual-learning-e-learning-distance-learning-and-blended-learning-the-same (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

OpenAPI

An official specification for REST APIs (formerly Swagger Specification). It provides objects used to describe your endpoints, parameters, responses, and security. https://swagger.io/docs/specification/about (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

P

Persona

A persona in UX design is the characterisation of a user who represents a segment of your target audience. Source: www.everyinteraction.com/definition/personas (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

Plain language

Plain English (also known as plain language) is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. It is not baby talk, nor is it a simplified version of the English language. Writers of plain English let their audience concentrate on the message instead of being distracted by complicated language. They make sure that their audience understands the message easily. Source: https://plainlanguage.gov/about/definitions/short-definition (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

PM

Publication Module in S1000D. Communicator: Winter 2020

Postman

Collaboration platform for API development. Communicator: Winter 2020

Q

QR-code

A machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone. www.lexico.com/ definition/qr_code (accessed 19 April 2020). Communicator: Summer 2020

QA

Quality Assurance. Communicator: Winter 2020

R

RDF

Resource Description Framework. www.w3.org/RDF (accessed April 2019). Communicator: Summer 2019

Repo

A repository (or repo) is a central location for storing versioned source content. Communicator: Autumn 2020

Retrospective

This is a meeting at the end of a sprint/iteration where the team reflects on how things went. Communicator: Summer 2019

RTF

Rich text format. Communicator: Summer 2019

Rule-based model

A rule-based system is a set of “if-then” statements that uses a set of assertions, to which rules on how to act upon those assertions are created. www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/rule_ based_system.html (accessed 17 April 2020). Communicator: Summer 2020

REST API

Representational State Transfer uses web protocols (HTTP) to make requests and provide responses in a language-agnostic way, meaning that users can choose whatever programming language they want. Communicator: Winter 2020

S

SAAS

Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the Internet. https:// searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/ Software-as-a-Service (accessed 25 April 2020). Communicator: Summer 2020

SCORM

Shareable Content Object Reference Model is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based electronic educational technology. It defines communications between client-side content and a host system, which is commonly supported by a learning management system (LMS). Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharable_Content_Object_Reference_Model (accessed 14 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Scrum

This is a type of agile that’s often used for software development. Communicator: Summer 2019

SDK

Software development kit. Developers often create an SDK to accompany a REST API. The SDK helps developers implement the API using a specific language, such as Java or PHP. They usually involve a collection of files that work together as a package or sample app. Source: https://idratherbewriting.com/learnapidoc/docapis_ sdks.html (accessed 3 August 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

SEO

Search engine optimisation. Communicator: Summer 2019

Slack

Slack is a collaboration hub for work, no matter what work you do. https://slack.com (definition retrieved 28 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

SME

A subject matter expert (SME) is an individual with a deep understanding of a particular job, process, department, function, technology, machine, material or type of equipment. Source: www.thebalancecareers.com/subject-matter-expert-2275099 (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Sprint

This is a short, timeboxed window of time that a team uses to complete specific tasks. Communicator: Summer 2019

Sprint planning

This is a meeting where the team define the work and effort (estimates) needed for the next sprint. Communicator: Summer 2019

ST4

SCHEMA ST4 is an XML editing system used for creating modular documentation in technical documentation and other editing contexts. Communicator: Autumn 2018

Stand-up / Daily scrum

This is a short (timeboxed) meeting that sets the context for the day’s work. Communicator: Summer 2019

Storyframe

Storyframing is a method of designing a digital service or product around distinct user behaviour, helping to ensure user adoption and repeat use are front of mind from the outset of a project. Source: https://uxdesign.cc/what-is-storyframing-21cd12dfe701 (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

Swagger Editor

OpenAPI specification validator. An online editor that dynamically checks whether your OpenAPI specification file is valid. Communicator: Autumn 2020

Swagger UI

A display framework. The most common way to parse an OpenAPI specification file and produce the interactive documentation. Communicator: Autumn 2020

Synchronous learning

Synchronous eLearning involves online studies through chat and video conferencing. Source: https://mindflash.com/elearning-glossary/asynchronous-synchronous (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Scaffolding

Scaffolding refers to a variety of instructional techniques used to move students progressively toward stronger understanding and, ultimately, greater independence in the learning process. Source: www.edglossary.org/scaffolding. Communicator: Winter 2020

SOAP

Simple Object Access Protocol. Communicator: Winter 2020

STE

Simplified Technical English. Communicator: Winter 2020

T

Timebox

This is a specific window of time to complete something in. Communicator: Summer 2019

U

User assistance (UA)

User assistance is a general term for guided assistance to a user of a software product. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_assistance (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

User experience (UX)

User experience encompasses all aspects of the end-user’s interaction with the company, its services, and its products. Source: www.nngroup.com/articles/definition-user-experience (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

User interface (UI)

The user interface is everything designed into an information device with which a person may interact. Source: https://searchmicroservices.techtarget.com/definition/userinterface-UI (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

User journey

A user journey represents a sequence of events or experiences a user might encounter while using a product or service. Source: www.everyinteraction.com/definition/user-journey (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

User story

A user story is an informal, natural language description of one or more features of a software system written from the perspective of an end user or user of a system. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_story (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

UI

User interface. Communicator: Winter 2020

V

Version Control

Version control (also known as revision control, source control, or source code management systems) are systems responsible for the management of changes to documents, computer programs, large web sites, and other collections of information. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Version_control (accessed 2 August 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is a conversational, computer-generated character that simulates a conversation to deliver voice- or text-based information to a user via a Web, kiosk or mobile interface. A VA incorporates natural-language processing, dialogue control, domain knowledge and a visual appearance (such as photos or animation) that changes according to the content and context of the dialogue. The primary interaction methods are text-to-text, text-to-speech, speech-to-text and speech-to-speech. www.gartner.com/it-glossary/virtual-assistant-va (definition retrieved 29 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

Virtual customer assistant (VCA)

A virtual customer assistant (VCA) is a business application that simulates a conversation in order to deliver information and, if advanced, takes action on behalf of the customer to perform transactions. www.gartner.com/reviews/market/virtual-customer-assistants (definition retrieved 29 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

Virtual learning

Virtual learning is instruction delivered through the internet, software, or both. Source: www.conexed.com/are-online-learning-virtual-learning-e-learning-distance-learning-and-blended-learning-the-same (accessed 23 July 2020). Communicator: Autumn 2020

VR

Virtual reality. Communicator: Summer 2019

W

Waterfall

This is an alternative project management approach where a Project Manager establishes the requirements of the project at the beginning, rather than in an iterative fashion. Communicator: Summer 2019

WCAG

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag (accessed April 2019). Communicator: Summer 2019

WeChat

WeChat (Chinese: pinyin; literally: “micro-message”) is a Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media and mobile payment app developed by Tencent. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeChat (definition retrieved 29 January 2019). Communicator: Spring 2019

Wireframe

A wireframe is commonly used to lay out content and functionality on a page which takes into account user needs and user journeys. Source: www.experienceux.co.uk/faqs/what-is-wireframing (accessed 19 July 2019). Communicator: Autumn 2019

WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG is an acronym for ‘what you see is what you get’. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WYSIWYG. Communicator: Autumn 2018 special supplement

W3C

The World Wide Web Consortium is the main international standards organisation for the World Wide Web. www.w3.org. Communicator: Winter 2020

X

XHTML

eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) is part of the family of XML markup languages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XHTML. Communicator: Autumn 2018 special supplement

XML

eXtensible Markup Language. Communicator: Winter 2020

Y

YAML

Recursive acronym for ‘YAML Ain’t No Markup Language’. A human-readable, space-sensitive syntax used in the OpenAPI specification file. Communicator: Autumn 2020