Connie Lippenholz

LS521, Su02

7/12/02

Online Course Module #1

 

Creating a Technical Dictionary

Objective

Students will select appropriate terminology to introduce the internet and technology to students and teachers not experienced in the use of technology.

Students will then develop a tool to help explain internet and related technological terminology in non-technical terms.

Introduction It is often difficult to define and explain technical terminology and functions to someone not familiar with technology. By developing a comprehensive dictionary of technical terminology, this will serve as a future tool for educators introducing technology in the classroom.
Activity

Develop a comprehensive dictionary of internet and related terminology. The following sites may assist in your selection of terms and provide a starting point for re-definition:

Computers & Internet: iVillage dictionary of computer and internet terminology <http://www.ivillage.co.uk/computers/tools/jargon>

TECHtionary: animated technical dictionary <http://www.techtionary.com/>

Webopedia: an online dictionary and search engine for computer and Internet technology <http://www.webopedia.com/>

WhatIs?com: a technology-specific encyclopedia for definitions of thousands of the most current IT-related words <http://whatis.techtarget.com/>
Assignment

Compile a dictionary of terms useful to students when introducing the Internet and technology in the classroom. Create an alphabetical listing of terms, non-technical definitions and supporting examples and/or documentation.

Post your dictionary file to your website and link to it from your index page.

Rubric  
1
2
3
Selection of terminology

short list of terms (less than 10)

10-15 terms

at least 15 terms

limited to one area of technology involves 2 or 3 areas of technology comprehensive selection involving many different aspects of the Internet and related technology
Clarity of definition

brief explanation of the term

 

 comprehensive explanation of the term thorough explanation of the term, with supporting examples and/or printscreens
explanation does not clarify the term to the target audience explanation is appropriate to a majority of the target audience explanation comprehensively clarifies the term to the target audience
Other Resources Using any good search engine, try finding existing dictionaries for student use by combining keywords such as technical, technology, internet, dictionary, encyclopedia, for kids, classroom, etc. into search phrases.


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