Online course content Internet-based, computer delivered instruction in the form of text, graphics, animation, audio, video, videoconferencing, and so on. Content may range from lessons, modules and tutorials to the entire curriculum. Delivery may be customized to accommodate students' learning styles.
Online discussion/community Online discourse environments are online spaces where people interact with one another by some means of discourse. This can include asynchronous discussion boards, synchronous chat, multi-user online games, or any other computer-mediated communication tool. These environments are primarily text-based, but may contain multi-media elements such as images, animation, or emoticons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_discourse_environment [Accessed 09/07/05]
Online video Online video is video that consumed (viewed) while it is being delivered. This form of delivery, known as "streaming," is more a property of the delivery system (computer networks) than the medium itself.
Oral communication skills Outcomes were coded as oral communication skills if the results specifically mentioned that the communications skills (i.e., the ability to communicate effectively) were oral communication skills, if not, then the outcome was coded as the more general communication skills category.
Orientation program Orientation programs are introductory courses or seminars that emphasize academic and social interaction and are aimed at improving student retention, interest, and achievement.
Outcomes This category provides three pieces of information on the type of outcome, the nature of the intervention's impact on student performance (performance enhanced, performance not enhanced, performance declined, inconclusive), and a verbatim statement of the main result(s).
Outside the United States The study took place in a non-United States institution. No data are provided on individual countries or institutions.
Outside the classroom The learning/instruction takes place individually or in small groups in informal settings usually without teacher supervision.