The terms used within this document have been updated to reflect ADL programs and projects, and are based on the MIL-HDBK-29612 series of handbooks:

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

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Ability. Power to perform an act, either innate or the result of learning and practice.

Ability grouping. Arrangement whereby students are assigned to groups on the basis of aptitude testing.

Ablation. Optical memory data writing technique where a laser burns holes, or pits, in thin metal film.

A-B rolls. A technique by which audio and video information are played back from two videotape machines rolled sequentially, often for the purpose of dubbing the sequential onto a third tape, usually a composite master. Required to achieve special effects or dissolves between scenes when editing.

Academic Review Board. A board that evaluates a student's progress and recommends a course of action when the student has failed to achieve learning objectives or when the student is qualified to accelerate their training.

Accelerators. Keyboard commands that can be used instead of pointing and clicking on menu options.

Accessibility. The ability to locate and access instructional components from multiple locations and deliver them to other locations.

Accessioning. The acts and procedures by which records are taken into the physical custody of a records center, archival agency, or other records repository.

Access time. The amount of time between an input and the availability of output from a system.

Accreditation. The recognition afforded an educational institution when it has met accepted standards of quality applied by an accepted, professional accreditation agency.

Accredited curriculum. Any formal training curriculum that has been reviewed and approved by a competent accrediting agency to determine the extent to which the curriculum content can be converted to academic credit.

Accredited Event. A training event that is determined to have a realistic joint environment with the appropriate elements of joint context for the joint tasks being trained.

Acquisition. The acquiring by contract of supplies or services (including construction) through purchase, lease, or donation whether the supplies or services are already in existence or must be created, developed, demonstrated, and evaluated.

Acquisition logistics. Technical and management actions conducted to ensure supportability implications are considered early and throughout the acquisition process to minimize support costs and to provide the user with the resources required to sustain the system in the field. Also see the definition for "logistics support."

Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL). A listing of source documents and Data Item Descriptions (DID) which have been approved for repetitive contractual application in DoD acquisitions and those that have been canceled or superseded. The Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL) is identified as DoD 5010.12-L.

Acquisition Management Systems Control (AMSC) Number. A control number for Type I and Type II Data Item Descriptions (DID) and source documents (see definition for DoD Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL) Control Officer).

Acquisition Plan (AP). A document that records program decisions; contains the user's requirements; provides appropriate analysis of technical options; and includes life cycle plans for development, testing, production, training, and logistic support of material items.

Acquisition streamlining. Acquisition streamlining is a common sense approach that results in more efficient and effective use of resources to develop or produce quality products. This includes ensuring that only necessary and cost-effective requirements are included, at the most appropriate time in the acquisition cycle, in Requests For Proposals (RFP) and resulting contracts for the design, development, and delivery of new products, or for modifications to existing products.

Action verb. A word that conveys action/behaviors and reflects the type of performance that is to occur (i.e., place, cut, drive, open, hold). Action verbs reflect behaviors that are measurable, observable, verifiable, and reliable.

Active program. The computer program that is currently being run.

Active video. The portion of the screen where video can appear. This is the portion of horizontal and vertical video not blanked by horizontal and vertical blanking.

Active video lines. All video lines not occurring in the horizontal and vertical blanking intervals.

Active voice. A mode of writing in which sentences are constructed so that a person or thing (the subject) acts directly rather than indirectly, usually upon an object; for example, the sentence, "The user opened a file," is in the active voice, but "A file was opened by the user," is in the passive voice.

ActiveX and ActiveX Controls. A loosely defined set of technologies developed by Microsoft. ActiveX is an outgrowth of two other Microsoft technologies called OLE (Object Links and Embedding) and COM (Component Object Model).

Actual equipment trainer. An actual system or subsystem component modified to allow for training of personnel.

Adaptive branching technique. Any of several techniques used in scheduling to accommodate individual differences. It may permit the student to bypass material they already know or may provide them with additional instruction as needed.

Additional Skill Identifier (ASI). Identification of specialized skills that are closely related to, and are in addition to, those required by Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

Additional training. Refresher, optional, or advanced training given to a student that results in the student regaining or improving their knowledge/proficiency.

Addressing. Methods for locating where a particular piece of data is stored.

Adjunctive materials. Materials that supports a program/plan of instruction and must be used by students to learn the tasks being taught in the program of instruction (i.e., adjunctive material for a lesson on map reading may include a map, compass, and protractor). Also see the definition for "supplemental training materials."

Administrative drop. The removal of a student from a formal training program for reasons other than failure to meet minimal academic standards.

Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL). An evolution of distributed learning (distance learning) that emphasizes the collaborating on standards-based versions of reusable objects, networks, and learning management systems, that may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously and may include some legacy methods and media.

ADL Certification Testing Center. An activity approved by the Director, ADL Initiative to perform SCORM conformance testing on a fee-for-service basis and provide certification documentation, as appropriate.

ADL Initiative. The ADL Initiative provides a collaborative federal framework for using distributed learning sponsored by the Department of Defense. The ADL Initiative provides access to the highest-quality education, training, and performance aiding that may be tailored to individual needs and delivered cost-effectively, anytime and anywhere.

ADL Registry (ADL-R). A DoD service, managed by DTIC, for registering the existence, location, description, and other relevant properties of distributed learning content developed or acquired by the DoD to enable the discovery and reuse of that content regardless of its location and/or origin. The registry and associated procedures shall result in a centrally searchable set of records representing the distributed content objects. The registration process shall further result in each content object being identified by a unique and persistent identifier which may be used as a constant reference to the object over changes in its location and other access details.

Adverse weather shutdown. Training stoppage due to adverse weather. This would include preventive shutdown because of threat to personnel and equipment and shutting down training hardware due to power fluctuations caused by adverse weather.

Affective domain. A classification of objectives that focus on the development of attitudes, beliefs, and values. Military training uses the classification "attitude" to describe the affective domain.

Affective learning. A domain of learning that is concerned with the acquisition of desired perceptions by the student; that is, the order and discipline required within the military. That part of student learning objectives that require the acquisition of perceptions in the students, promoting (e.g., self-confidence, responsibility, respect, dependability, and personal relations).

Aircrew. Student or pilot, navigator, electronic warfare officer, weapons director, or any other member of an aircraft crew.

Aircrew simulator. Usually an electromechanical device which imitates the flying environment for aircrew training.

Air Force Specialty (AFS). A grouping of positions that require common qualifications. An AFS is identified by a title and a code.

Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). An AFSC represented by a code.

Allocation Of Instructional Time (AOIT). The AOIT shows the time it takes for one training organization to teach one iteration of the course, and includes times for individual topics, labs, etc.

Alpha-geometric. A videotext graphics format where shapes are defined by geometric elements such as points and lines.

Alpha-mosaic graphics. A videotext graphics format where pictures are composed of small character-size blocks resulting in low resolution graphics.

Alpha-photographic. A videotext graphics format where images appear similar to still photos and each point on the screen is separately addressable.

Alternate character set. A set of user-defined characters that can be loaded in place of the standard characters provided.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). The standardized, eight-bit data character code system used internationally to code alphabetic, numerical, and other symbols into the binary values used in computer applications.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) interface. An interface between systems that accepts commands and returns responses in the form of standard ASCII strings.

Analog. The representation of quantities that vary continuously. Information that steadily flows and changes. The representation of numerical values by physical variables such as temperature, current, and voltage.

Ancillary materials. Documents that integrate the use of instructional media materials by directing the instructor and student use of the materials and providing supplemental information. Ancillary materials may be a self-study workbook, lecture guide, student guide, exercise controller guide, or instructor utilization handbook.

Ancillary software. Commercial off-the-shelf packages or tools used with authoring software. Examples of ancillary software are storyboarding tools, word processing, graphics, flowcharting, and Computer Managed Instruction (CMI) software.

Ancillary training. Refers to training in subjects that pertain to the duty performance of personnel but are separate from the individual's primary job. Included is training in those subjects not identified in the individual's job description.

Animation. The illusion of movement produced by displaying a series of successive images. For successful animation sequences, images must replace one another rapidly enough to appear to be continuous movement; at least 14 Frames Per Second (FPS).

Answer key. A document that shows the answers to each test item and the test standard for each test.

Anti-aliasing. Software adjustment to make diagonal or curved lines appear smooth and continuous in computer generated images.

Anticipated responses. Answers expected from students in reply to planned questions.

Applets. A miniature application program designed to perform simple tasks without having to send a user request back to the server. Some examples of these tasks include built-in writing and drawing programs, and performing immediate calculations.

Application Area. Screen space that serves as the user's main work space; also called the screen body or client area.

Application Program Interface (API). The specific method prescribed by a computer operating system or by another application program by which a programmer writing an application program can make requests of the operating system or another application.

Application Service Provider. A third-party entity that hosts software-based services and solutions off site.

Application software. A computer program designed to do one specific job or perform a specific task. Any software that is part of the application layer.

Apprenticeship. A structured training program involving instruction, work experience, and testing, usually for a set period of time, leading to certification in a given area.

Aptitude. The ability of an individual to acquire skill or show the potential for acquiring skill when given the opportunity and proper training.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). A series of tests designed under Department of Defense sponsorship which measures potential for training in a general occupational area.

Army Training and Evaluation Program (ARTEP). The cornerstone of unit training. It is the umbrella program to be used by the trainer and training manager in the training evaluation of units. The ARTEP is a complete program enabling commanders to evaluate and develop collective training based on unit weaknesses, then train the unit to overcome those weaknesses and reevaluate. Success on the battlefield depends on the coordinated performance of collective and individual skills that are taught through the ARTEP Mission Training Plan (MTP). Also see the definition for "Mission Training Plan (MTP)."

Array. The designation of a location of points by coordinates. A 2-D array is described with X-Y coordinates, while a 3-D array is described with X-Y-Z coordinates.

Artificial Intelligence (AI). The development or capability of a machine that can perform functions that are normally associated with human intelligence such as learning, adapting, reasoning, self-correction, and automatic improvement.

Artwork. Still illustrations or graphics.

Aspect ratio. The measurement of a film or television viewing area in terms of its relative width and height values. The width-to-height ratio of a single frame of film (three-to-two) or video (four-to-three).

Assembly. In computer technology this term means the conversion of instructions and data written in a computer language or in everyday terms, into the machine code that the computer understands.

Assembly language. A low level language (one level above machine code) that uses mnemonics for instructions, computational operations, and pseudo operations.

Asset. Any electronic representation of media such as text, images, sound, or any other piece of data a Web client can deliver. The most basic form of content is an asset. Assets include but are not limited to file types such as .doc, .wav, jpeg, .fla, .mov, .gif, .avi and .html.

Assignment-oriented training. Training designed to qualify an individual to perform those specific functions associated with the duty position and skill level of the next assignment.

Asynchronous Learning Network. A distance learning network using data channels to send and receive courseware permitting instructors and students to engage in conversations without being constrained by scheduled class convenings.

Asymmetric encryption (public-key encryption). A type of encryption system that uses two keys (i.e., password), a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message.

Asynchronous. Communication in which interaction between the participants is not simultaneous. Also see the definition for "synchronous."

Asynchronous transmission. Transmission in which time intervals between transmitted characters may be of unequal length. Transmission controlled by start and stop bits at the beginning and end of each character. Also see the definition for "synchronous transmission."

Asynchronous Web-based Instruction (WBI). On-demand, online-based instruction stored on a server and accessed across a distributed electronic network. It can be delivered over the Internet or private local area network (LANs) or Wide Area Networks (WANs) where the content is displayed utilizing a web browser. Student access is asynchronous, self-paced, and does not provide for synchronous interaction between the instructor and the remote student. High-resolution images and video may be limited due to available bandwidth.

Attention step. A segment of a lesson introduction in which the presenter gains the attention of the student and focuses upon the subject to be taught.

Attenuation. The decrease in magnitude of a signal.

Attitude. The mental state of a person that influences behavior, choices, and expressed opinions. Military training uses the term attitude to identify the psychological term affective domain.

Attitude learning type. A classification of change in an individual's mental capability to perform a skill.

Attitude measure. An instrument designed to gather information about a person's disposition toward something (e.g., liking or disliking subject matter or usefulness of a medium).

Attitudinal traits. An attitude that is part of the normal behavior of an individual. In contrast, attitudinal state is a momentary behavior.

Attribute. The property of an HTML element as an object.

Attribution (copyright). The requirement to acknowledge or credit the author of a work that appears in another work, and is required by most copyright licenses.

Attrition rate. The rate at which students are disenrolled from a course or fail to complete a course satisfactorily.

Audio. Sound based sensory stimuli. In some cases audio cues may be the sole sensory stimulus possible. In most cases audio is used to reinforce other sensory stimuli.

Audio compression. Identical to the definition for "still frame audio."

Audio Conferencing. An audio-only environment in which students in different locations use telephones or audio conferencing equipment to communicate with each other in real time. Supports a synchronous interactive environment between the instructor, remote students, and multiple sites but does not support visual images and graphics, and often supplemented by electronic or printed handouts. Can be integrated with other delivery systems to provide synchronous audio.

Audio Description. Speech, synchronized to the picture, describing a production's visual content. Audio description is specifically designed for visually impaired and blind persons. Typically, appropriate portions of the audio description are narrated during what would otherwise be natural silences in a production.

Audiographics. Audiographics combines audio conferencing with personal computer text and graphics, allowing both voice and data to be transmitted to remote sites. Typically, a site consists of audio conference equipment, plus a large screen that serves as an electronic whiteboard. This system allows for two-way data exchange (limited to high-resolution still images only) and a synchronous interactive environment between the instructor and students at multiple sites.

Audio only lesson. A recording that provides verbal information related to a task, or supporting skill and knowledge training.

Audio track. The section of an analog media that contains the sound signal that accompanies the video signal. The audio track usually runs along the edge of the videotape, and beside the video track on a disc.

Audiovisual aid. A device capable of providing stimuli to the physical senses of sight and hearing.

Audiovisual equipment. Equipment used for producing, processing, recording, and showing audiovisual products.

Audiovisual products. Material containing sound or imagery for conveying a message. Refers to still photography, graphics arts, still projections such as overhead transparencies, slides or film strips, motion pictures such as film, videotape, or videodisc, audio recordings (tape and disc), and combinations of such media.

Audiovisual services. Those functions performed in the production, manipulation, distribution, and storage of audiovisual materials such as scripting, video storyboard, photography, sound or television recording, film processing, film or tape editing, animation, graphic arts, audiovisual media depository and record center operations, reproduction and distribution of products, loan of audiovisual products or equipment, presentation of television, audio, still, or motion picture information; and design of consulting support for audiovisual users.

Audit trail. A documented record of the relationships among data.

Authentication. The process of verifying the identity of the sender of a communication, such as a request to log in, to ensure users are who they say they are. This may be applied to a person, computer, or computer program.

Authoring. A structured approach to developing all elements of a unit of instruction.

Authoring language. A set of rules, procedures, words, notation, syntax, and semantics used by an author to specify the logic and content of instruction to be delivered by a computer.

Authoring software. Computer programs designed to help authors create Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) without elaborate programming. There are three types of IMI authoring software they are: authoring language, authoring system, and ancillary software.

Authoring system. A prepackaged, prompted authoring aid, courseware template, or menu-driven editor designed to help authors (without formal computer programming skills) create Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) without elaborate programming. It is often referred to as an authoring package.

Auto-stop. A pre-programmed instruction telling the system to stop automatically at a designated place.

Awareness training. Training used to disseminate information that provides an individual with the basic knowledge/understanding of a policy, program, or system.

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Background training. The training that provides basic technical knowledge and skills required to prepare for further specialized training.

Bandwidth. The difference, expressed in Hertz (Hz), i.e. cycles per second between the highest and lowest frequencies of a transmission channel. For digital transmission channels and networks bandwidth is typically expressed in terms of megabits per second (Mbps) or Megabytes per second (MBps).

Base memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) from the 0 byte memory addresses up to the 640 KB Disk Operating System (DOS) limit, in an IBM compatible personal computer using the DOS operating system. This memory area is usable by DOS for programs and data. Also called "conventional memory."

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The computer hardware and software that describes the conventions of input/output for a particular computer.

Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP). A program that provides individuals instruction in prerequisite academic competencies necessary for job proficiency and preparation for advanced training.

Batch file. A text file (denoted with the file extension name ".BAT") that contains a collection of Disk Operating System (DOS) commands. When the filename is typed, each DOS command in the file will be executed sequentially as if each DOS command had been typed separately.

Battle drill. A collective action executed in a standard manner without the application of a deliberate decision making process. The action is vital to success in combat or critical to preserving life. The drill is initiated on a cue, such as an enemy action or simple order, and is a trained response to the given stimulus. It requires minimal orders to accomplish and is standard throughout like units. Also see the definitions for "crew drill" and "drill." Also called "combat drill."

Behavior. Any human activity (skill, knowledge, or attitude), overt or covert, capable of being measured.

Behavioral objective. Identical to the definition for "Learning Objective (LO)."

Behavior modification. The change in the knowledge, skills, or attitude of an individual that occurs as the result of a planned set and schedule of reinforcements.

Benchmarking. A systematic method of comparing processes and practices (apple-to-apple) for the purpose of improving organizational performance. The five key components are: knowing the current state, setting the right goals, choosing the right path, establishing cost controls, and continued improvement.

Bezel. Frame or housing around a monitor screen often associated with touch screens that frequently require an extra bezel to accommodate the infrared Light Emitting Diodes (LED) or controlling electronics.

Bias. A systematic and pervasive error in measurement, not attributable to chance or random effects.

Billet. A specific personnel space that is assigned qualifiers that define the duties, tasks, and functions to be performed and the specific skills and skill level required to perform the delineated functions.

Binary code. A code in which every digit has only one of two possible values. The values may be the presence or absence of a pulse, a one or a zero, or a high or low condition for a voltage or current.

Binary digit. A numeral in the binary system of notation. The smallest unit of information in a binary system. One piece of information equal to one binary decision and represented either by a 0 or 1. All the memory locations in a computer are identified by a binary number address.

Binary interface. An interface between systems that accepts commands and returns responses in the form of command and response codes and pointers to parameter packets containing parameter token numbers and associated values.

Binary notation. A numbering system with a base of two (as opposed to decimal with a base of 10) and using only two numerals: one and zero. The numbering system used by computers, where a "1" represents an "on" condition and a "0" represents an "off" condition.

Bit Error Rate (BER). A unit of measurement equal to the number of bit writing errors in a given volume or area of storage medium in a specified period of time.

Bit location. A storage position capable of storing one bit; the position of a specific digit in a binary number.

Bit map. A computer graphic image that is stored in a digital format that can be displayed on a screen.

Bit mapping. A method of saving graphics in a digitized format so a graphic image or parts of the image can be displayed on the screen.

Bit planning. A build-up of graphics behind a display being shown to reduce or eliminate graphic build-up of following displays. The display appears quickly on the screen similar in speed to video displays.

Bit stream transmission. The method of transmitting characters at fixed time intervals. No stop and start elements are used, and the bits that form the characters follow each other without pause.

Blanking. The period of time in which no video image is displayed. Also see the definitions for "horizontal blanking" and "horizontal blanking interval."

Blended Learning. The combination of different training "media" technologies, activities, and instructional events creating an optimum learning program and environment for a specific audience. The learning program may combine self directed and instructor-led components in synchronous (live) or asynchronous (latent) constructs with learning models appropriate to the complexity of the course of study.

Block of instruction. A group of related instructional units or modules covering a major subject area.

Bookmark (or Hotlist). A stored list of Internet URLs which an individual may save in order to expedite rapid access to that site. The name on the list is the Title associated with that URL.Byte.

Branching. An instructional operation where a selection is made between two or more possible courses of action depending upon some related fact or condition or user response. Two or more directions a program path can go from a decision point.

Branching design. Paths developed by the designer to be executed by the user's input.

Branching design criteria. Previously determined paths developed by the designer and influenced by the user's input. Branching is intended to allow for differences in students learning processes.

Broadband. Typically the analog technology of CATV transmissions employing coaxial cable to operate with a radio frequency range of 50 MHz to 500 MHz. In the digital domain transmission is normally considered to be data rates in excess of T-1.

Broadcast quality. A level of quality for audio and video that can both be acceptably transmitted by radio or television.

Browsers. An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with information that resides on the Web, with navigation features that can also be applied to other media such as a CE-ROM. The browser is the primary interface between the user and the media. A Web browser is a client program that uses the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to make requests of Web servers throughout the Internet on behalf of the browsers user. Also see the definitions for "HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)" and "World Wide Web (WWW)."

Bubble memory. A memory technology that makes use of magnetic bubbles generated from a single-crystal sheet. Memory is nonvolatile (not lost when power is removed).

Buffer. A temporary storage area for data usually used to compensate for a difference in data rate and data flow between two devices (e.g., a computer and a printer).

Burst transmission. The process of messages being stored for a while, then released at a much faster rate of transmission; the received signals are recorded and then slowed down for the user.

Business Object. An object that is modeled after a business concept, such as a person, place, event, or process. Business objects represent real world things such as employees, products, invoices, or payments. They are functionally analogous to learning objects.

Bypassing. In programmed instruction, a technique that permits a student to skip certain portions of the material because of prior knowledge.

Byte. A byte is a common unit of computer storage. It is made up of eight binary digits. A byte holds the equivalent of a single character, such as the letter A or a dollar sign.

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C Programming language. A computer programming language that allows for computations to be made quickly.

Cache. Temporary, volatile storage for data requiring quick access.

Cadre training. Training of an initial (nucleus) group of personnel, such as instructors. Also see the definitions for "instructor and key personnel training", and "new equipment training."

Camera-ready copy. Original document (either in paper or electronic form) ready for entry into the printing system. Also called "reproducible copy."

Captions. Display of spoken dialogue as printed words on a television, computer, projection, or other type of screen. Unlike subtitles, captions are specifically designed for hearing impaired viewers. They may include information regarding on- and off-screen sound effects, such as music or laughter. Captions come in two forms: open and closed. Open captions are displayed automatically as part of the video, without selection by the user. Closed captions normally do not appear unless the user has selected them to appear.

Career management fields. Groupings of related occupational specialties that show a logical career progression.

Cascading Style Sheet (CSS). A web page style sheet derived from multiple sources with a defined order of precedence where the definitions of any style element conflict. The CSS specifies the possible style sheets or statements that may determine how a given element is presented in a web page.

Case study. A learning experience in which students encounter a real-life situation under the guidance of an instructor or computer in order to achieve an instructional objective.

Catalog. A detailed listing that describes or indexes a collection of information according to some specific plan.

Categories of Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) presentation. There are four categories of ICW presentation, descriptions are as follows:

a. Category 1 - Low Grade Presentation. This is the lowest (baseline) category of IMI development. It is normally a knowledge or familiarization lesson, provided in a linear format (one idea after another). Category 1 is primarily used for introducing an idea or concept. The user has little or no control over the sequence and timed events of the lesson material. Minimal interactivity is provided by selective screen icons and inserted into the lesson through typical input/output peripherals and programming protocols. This category may include simple developed graphics and/or clip art, customer provided video, and audio clips.

b. Category 2 - Medium Grade Presentation. This category involves the recall of more information than a Category 1 presentation and allows the student more control over the lesson/scenario through screen icons and other peripherals, such as light pens or touch screens. Typically Category 2 is used for non-complex operations and maintenance lessons. Simple emulations or simulations are presented to the user. As an example, the user is requested to rotate switches, turn dials, make adjustments, or identify and replace a faulted component as part of a procedure. This category also may include simple to standard developed graphics, and/or clip art, and customer provided video and audio clips.

c. Category 3 - High Simulation Presentation. This category involves the recall of more complex information (compared to Categories 1 and 2) and allows the user an increased level of control over the lesson scenario through peripherals such as light pen, touch screen, track ball, or mouse. Video, graphics, or a combination of both is presented simulating the operation of a system, subsystem, or equipment to the user. The lesson scenario training material typically is complex and involves more frequent use of peripherals to affect a transfer of learning. Operation and maintenance procedures are normally practiced with Category 3 scenarios and students may be required to alternate between multiple screens to keep pace with the lesson material. Multiple software branches (two to three levels) and rapid response are provided to support remediation. Emulations and simulations are an integral part of this presentation. This category may also include complex developed graphics, and/or clip art, and customer provided video and audio clips.

d. Category 4 - Real-time Simulation Presentation. This IMI category involves more in-depth recall of a larger amount of information (compared to Categories 1, 2, and 3) and allows the user an increased level of control over the lesson. Every possible subtask is analyzed and presented with full, on-screen interaction, similar to the approach used in aircraft simulator technology. The lesson material is extremely complex and involves more frequent use of peripherals to affect the transfer of learning. This category normally supports certification, recertification or qualification requirements. Complicated operation and maintenance procedures are normally practiced with Category 4 and involves all of the elements of Categories 1, 2, and 3 presentations plus 1) a high degree of interactivity, 2) an extensive branching (four or more levels), and 3) levels of sophistication - short of artificial intelligence.

C-Band. An analog satellite broadcast transmission operating in the 4-6 GigaHertz (GHz) portion of the microwave spectrum.

Central Processing Unit (CPU). The computer unit or chip, where all calculations, instructions, and data manipulations are performed.

Certification. A formal confirmation of certain facts. A product or service is certified when a qualified, neutral third party conducts a formal evaluation process typically using a rigorous, accurate, reliable, validated software test suite, and evaluation methodology. Certification (with policy, law, etc.) is for a specific version only of the product being tested. Certification may lapse after a specific duration, and may be lost or revoked. The certifying body stands behind its evaluation of the product or service.

Certification process. All activities by which a body establishes that a person fulfils specified competence requirements, including application, evaluation, decision on certification, surveillance and re-certification, use of certificates and logos/marks.

Certified Facilities. Training facilities or systems that are determined to be compliant with specified DoD technical architectures, configurations, and standards required to create a realistic joint training environment.

C-Format videotape. A standard for one-inch videotape and one-inch videotape recorders and players.

Chaining. A training technique that uses or transforms a learned response into the stimulus for the next desired response which then becomes the stimulus for the next response and so on to the final desired response.

Check box. A type of pushbutton implemented in software; behaves as an on-off toggle to indicate that one or more options is on or off; presenting a group or panel of check boxes allows the user to make multiple choices; also called check button; contrast with radio button.

Checklist. A job aid used to determine or ensure a process or procedure is followed. The elements of the activity are listed in the execution sequence.

Chrominance. An analog measure of a color signal, consisting of red, green, and blue primary information.

Class size. The number of students in a class.

Class training schedule. The schedule of lessons and events for a class attending a resident course.

Clearance for Public Release. The determination by responsible officials that a DoD production and the information contained therein are not classified; do not conflict with established DoD or Federal Government policies or programs; and comply with applicable laws and regulations, and, therefore, are releasable to the public.

Client. Client software requests information from another computer or server. Examples of client software used to browse the Web are Netscape Navigator, Firefox (an open source tool), and Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE).

Clustering. A process of organizing many tasks or learning objectives into logical groups based on some criteria. Also pertains to sequencing groups of objectives within a course of instruction.

Cockpit Familiarization Trainer (CFT). A device that looks like the aircrew station(s) of a specific aircraft.

Cockpit Procedures Trainer (CPT). A device used to train normal, emergency, and instrument procedures.

CODEC. An electronic device which converts analog signals to digital form, and vice versa. Codec stands for COder/DECoder, and is usually made up of a central processing unit and memory. Codecs may also be configured as send only and receive only.

Cognitive domain. A classification of educational objectives characterized by their dependence upon the manipulation of language symbols (thinking) mental process.

Cognitive engineering. The process of designing a user interface for compatibility with human capabilities and with the user's tasks.

Cognitive learning. A domain of learning that is concerned with knowledge and the various mental activities and processes by which the learner acquires knowledge and mental skills.

Cognitive test analysis. The process of identifying and describing work activities that involve primarily mental effort, such as problem solving and decision making; the methods used to perform such an analysis.

Collective exercises. Multi-echelon training events used to evaluate and sustain the skills of individuals, leaders, teams, staffs, and units.

Collective task. A task that requires more than one individual to complete with each individual performing a discrete part of the collective task. Also see the definitions for "common collective task," "common task", and "task."

Collective task analysis. The breaking down of a collective task into its discrete component parts.

Collective training. Instruction and applied exercises that prepare an organizational team (e.g., a squad, crew, battalion, or multi-Service task force) to accomplish required tasks and/or missions as a unit. Also see the definitions for "concurrent training"and "team training."

Collective training matrices. Graphic portrayals of relationships between missions, collective tasks, leader tasks, and individual tasks.

Co-located school or course. A school or course that is used by one or more services on another service's installation and shares classroom facilities and equipment.

Color bars. A color standard used by the television industry for the alignment of cameras and videotape recordings.

Combat drill. Identical to the definition for "battle drill." Also see the definition for "drill."

Combat readiness. A unit's ability to perform and be supported in combat.

Combination platform and component and simulator (hybrid) trainer A combination of systems utilizing actual components and simulated components functioning to provide a replica of the systems as installed. Can be designed with varying combinations of hardware and simulation dependent upon specified objectives and planned student terminal competency. Actual system components may be used, replicated, stimulated, or simulated.

Combined arms live fire exercise. High-cost, resource-intensive exercises in which player units move or maneuver and employ organic and supporting weapons systems using full service ammunition.

Combined arms training. Training which focuses on the integration of combat, combat support, and combat service support elements to produce units capable of mission accomplishment on the battlefield.

Combined training exercise. A training exercise that is conducted by military forces of more than one nation. Also called "multinational training."

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS). Items regularly used in the course of normal business operations for other than Government purposes that may be sold or licensed to the general public.

Common collective task. A collective task that is trained and performed in the same way by every unit in the Service. Also see the definitions for "collective task," "common task", and "task."

Common Cartridge. Defines a commonly supported content format able to run on any compliant LMS platform. It is built upon existing Content Packing specifications, adding support for integrating assessments, third-party tools and commonly used content models.

Common core. Certain basic principles or instruction common to two or more training courses.

Common Gateway Interface. A standard that allows Web servers to run external applications such as search engines.

Common core training. Directed training requirement for specific courses, grade levels, or organization levels.

Common learning objective. A learning objective written for a task element (supporting skill or knowledge) that is common to two or more tasks.

Common task. A task that is performed by all members of a Service regardless of rank, job, or duty position. Also see the definitions for "collective task", "common collective task", and "task."

Communications program. A program used to transmit and receive digital data.

Communications protocol. In a data communication network, the code standard that governs the priority and sequencing of data transmission. The rules governing the exchange of information between devices on a data link.

Communications tools (both synchronous and asynchronous). Tools that are used to enable instructor-to-student and student-to-student interaction through several media (i.e., video, audio, text, Internet) and face-to-face conversations. Communication tools can be utilized in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.

Community of Interest (CoI). An organization, group of organizations, or parts of organizations utilizing a system in the pursuit of common interest or objectives.

Community of Practice. The process of social learning that occurs when people who have a common interest in some subject or problem collaborate over an extended period to share ideas, find solutions, and build innovations.

Compact Disc (CD). A 4.75 inch optical disk with information recorded in a pattern of microscopic pits on the disk's reflective surface sandwiched between layers of plastic. (A low power laser shines on the surface and an optical sensor reads the pits by noting changes in the beam/reflection.)

Competence. Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and/or skills, and with relevant demonstrated personal attributes, as defined in the certification scheme.

Competency. A specific range of skills, knowledge, or abilities.

Competency-based instruction (or education). Instruction that is organized around a set of learning objectives based upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform a set of skills called competencies. Evaluating student success is based on competent skill performance. Normative measurement is specifically excluded from competency-based instruction.

Compilation. A type of DoD production that includes a selection of discrete items of imagery and/or audio, text, and graphics arranged according to a common theme or subject and organized as a single deliverable product. Compilations are usually viewed non-linearly. Examples are the DoD CD-ROM products, "Allied Force" and "War and Conflict."

Compiler. A computer program that translates a high-level language into a sequence of machine-language instructions that is executable by the computer.

Completion item. A test component requiring the completion of a statement, phrase, or concept.

Compliant. A product or service is compliant when tested to ensure it performs according to applicable guidelines, instructions, policy, or law. The performance test suite is designed to rigorously test inputs, processes, and outputs. Non-compliance (e.g., to a law or contract) may result in remedial and/or punitive actions.

Component video. A video signal in Red-Green-Blue (RGB) format which is a type of computer display output signal comprised of separately controllable red, green, and blue signals.

Composed SMPTE. The Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) number for each frame of video made of character-generated text, video, and special effects.

Composite video. The complete visual wave form of the color video signal composed of chromatic and luminance picture information; blanking pedestal; field, line, color sync pulses; and field equalizing pulses.

Comprehension verification. A technique whereby the student's understanding of what has been presented is tested before the student may proceed through the courseware.

Compressed speech. A presentational technique in which recorded audio information is presented at a rate of speed closely approximating the thinking rate of the individual.

Compression. Reduction of the amount of visual information sent in a signal by only transmitting changes in action. Compression can be "lossy" or "lossless" based on an algorithm's ability to reconstruct the original file.

Computer Aided Instruction (CAI). The use of computers to aid in the delivery of instruction. CAI exploits computer technology to provide for the storage and retrieval of information for both the instructor and student.

Computer Aided Testing (CAT). Software that provides automated testing and assessment tasks within education settings.

Computer based courseware portability. The capability to transfer courseware across various computer hardware or operating systems and have the courseware correctly function without modifications. Also see the definition for "portability."

Computer Based Training (CBT). Instruction delivered with the aid of a computer.

Computer language. A formal system of signs and symbols, including rules for the information and transformation of expressions, which all communicate information a computer, can understand.

Computer Managed Instruction (CMI). The use of computers and software to manage the instructional process. CMI functions can include student registration, student and group performance and trends, course and lesson content interaction with the student, scheduling training, course/lesson performance and use trends, and other training management functions.

Computer mark-up. The computer capability to write marks on the screen, indicating incorrect or unacceptable student responses to a question.

Computer modeling technique. A procedure employed during the simulation of an operational system; involves computer simulation of the major operations of the system under a variety of conditions.

Computer storage medium. A medium used to store digital data.

Concurrent training. Scheduling of training designed to train groups of trainees simultaneously on different tasks. Also see the definitions for "collective training" and "team training."

Condition. That portion of a learning objective or task statement that describes limitations.

Conditional branching. Branching which occurs when a specified condition or set of conditions is satisfied.

Condition statement. Part of a task or learning objective that describes the environment for performing the task. Conditions to be included in an accurate and complete statement of task conditions are tools and equipment, job aids, manuals, supervision, special physical demands, environmental conditions, and location of performance.

Configuration management. A systems management process used to ensure that modifications made in either hardware or software are in accordance with system standards and are compatible with the operation of other system components.

Conformant. A product or service is conformant when it adheres to technical specifications, guidelines, recommendations, or best practices to identify the correctness, completeness, and quality of developed product or service. Test assertions are achieved by inspecting results focused on reliability, stability, portability, maintainability, and usability. No form of testing is used other than evaluating actual results against expected results. For a more complete listing of attributes consult International Organization for Standardization standard ISO 9126.

Consequences of inadequate performance. A criterion in selecting critical tasks. The consequences of inadequate performance on certain tasks could result in injury to personnel, loss of life, or damage to equipment.

Constant Angular Velocity (CAV). A mode of videodisc playback where a disk rotates at a constant speed, regardless of the position of the reading head or stylus, making each frame separately addressable. A videodisc with information configured in concentric circles in order to provide rapid and discrete access. Individual frames can be identified and retrieved quickly and easily-the rapid, random access that is a basic requirement for an Interactive Video Disc (IVD). A CAV videodisc revolves at a continuous speed of 1,800 rotations per minute, contains 54,000 frames per side, and assigns a variable track length to each frame. One revolution generates one video frame.

Constant Linear Velocity (CLV). An extended-play videodisc with information configured in a spiral, similar to a record, to provide continuous, linear play. A consistent length for each frame is maintained, thus enabling longer playing time per side. CLV videodiscs assign a fixed track length to each frame and spin at a speed that gradually decreases as the disk plays. CLV discs allow twice as much playing time per side than CAV discs, but many user control capabilities of the CAV format are forfeited. The CLV disc can be read in linear play only, but can provide chapter search capability. A CAV videodisc contains 108,000 frames per side but restricts access in terms of chronological time. They are usually used for entertainment such as movies.

Constraints. Limiting or constraining conditions or factors.

Constructed response. An answer requiring recall or completion as opposed to recognition (e.g., drawing a diagram, filling in a form, and labeling the parts of a piece of equipment). Constructed response test item. An examination item requiring recall or completion as opposed to recognition (e.g., drawing a diagram; filling in a form; labeling the parts of a piece of equipment; writing a sentence, paragraph, or essay).

Content Aggregation Model (CAM). A set of responsibilities and requirements for building content and content organizations (e.g., course, lessons, modules, etc.) based on a natural taxonomy. The CAM contains information on creating content packages, applying metadata to the components in the content package and applying sequencing and navigation details in the context of a content package.

Content Delivery Network (CDN). A system of computers networked together across the Internet that cooperates transparently to deliver content (especially large media content) to end users. Nodes are deployed in multiple locations, often over multiple backbones, transparently moving content behind the scenes to optimize the delivery process (forward and store). Also called Enterprise Content Delivery Network, (ECDN).

Content development tools. Content development tools are paper or electronic job aids for training developers which assist them with collection, production, format, or integration of required steps, information, procedures, or other content into a learning unit.

Content Package. Content that is packaged in a known manner and file format, providing a consistent form for describing content structures, learning content, the metadata that describe the various components of the content structures, and sequencing and navigation rules.

Content Protection Layer. A feature applied to all content allowing a download, but precluding any further replication.

Content Repository. An accessible digital storage system containing SCORM Content Packages.

Content validity. An assessment that attests that a product will produce the desired results. One example in military training compares objectives, tests, and materials to ensure that they track with each other and, thus, may be expected to produce the desired results.

Contiguity. In learning, the principle, in which events that occur closely together, become associated by the student.

Contingency management. The establishment of a set of procedures by which students are required to perform a certain amount of work or to achieve certain objectives before engaging in activities that are preferred by the student (e.g., recreation, a break, or a more desirable training event). Also, described as reward stimulus procedures (i.e., systematically scheduling the consequences of behavior).

Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD Form 142. A list of the data requirements that are authorized to be acquired for a specific acquisition, which is made a part of the contract.

Contracting activity. An element of an agency designated by the agency head and delegated broad authority regarding acquisition functions.

Contractor. An individual or organization outside the U.S. Government that has accepted any type of agreement or order for providing supplies or services to a U.S. Government Agency.

Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE). Items provided by the contractor for inclusion in or support of contract work.

Controlled testing. A controlled study to test or evaluate an item or subject, used for such things as obtaining validation data.

Control track. A defined area that runs along a narrow band on the bottom edge of videotape, where the field sync pulse is recorded and replayed by a separate audio head. It acts as a reference that controls the heads to accurately trace the recorded information.

Convention. A guideline, rule, or practice based on general consent or acceptance.

Cookie. A cookie is a message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file called cookie.txt. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages for them. When you enter a Web site using cookies, you may be asked to fill out a form providing such information as your name and interests. This information is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser which sorts it for later use. The next time you go to the same Web site, your browser will sent the bookie to the Web server. The server can use this information to present you with custom Web pages. The name cookie derives from UNIX objects called magic cookies. These are tokens that are attached to a user or program and change depending on the areas entered by the user or program. Cookies are also sometimes called persistent cookies because they typically stay in the browser for long periods of time, unless removed by the browser's user.

Copy protect. A software or hardware system placed on a program to prevent its being copied.

Core curriculum. The central part of the total educational program involving the development of essential skills required for desired student performance.

Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI). A not-for-profit organization formed in 1986 to foster research and development for the National Information Infrastructure. CNRI promotes various collaborative activities that create productive synergies among government agencies, universities, and private organizations; it undertakes targeted research in technologies for management of digital objects and high-speed networking.

Corrective maintenance. The actions performed, as a result of failure, to restore an item to a specified condition.

Correspondence course. A self-study course consisting of instructional material and an assignment booklet (or lessons) for administration to nonresident students. Also see the definitions for "distributed learning" and "extension training."

Cost Avoidance. An accounting technique wherein the cost of a new program is offset against the cost of business as usual. Often used as a cost-benefit technique in cases where the beneficiary does not reimburse the proponent activity though the proponent must demonstrate savings.

Cost and Training Effectiveness Analysis (CTEA). An analysis which compares costs and effectiveness among training alternatives.

Cost/Benefit (tradeoff) Analysis. An analytic approach to solving problems of choice. It requires the definition of objectives, identification of alternative ways of achieving each objective and the identification, for each objective, of that alternative that yields the greatest benefit for a given cost or produces the required level of benefits at the lowest cost.

Cost-effective. Economical in terms of goods or services received for the money spent.

Cost-Effective Training Analysis (CETA). A comparative evaluation of potential instruction methods and media to determine the most cost efficient and training effective alternative.

Counseling. A means of assisting and developing students and subordinates. A leader/instructor counsels subordinates: to praise and reward good performance, to develop teamwork, to inform students on how well or how poorly they are performing, to assist students to reach required standards, to cause students to set personal and professional goals, and to help students resolve personal problems.

Course. A complete integrated series of lessons which are identified by a common title and/or number. Also see the definitions for "instructional unit", "lesson," and "module."

Course chart. A qualitative course control document that states the course identity, length, and security classification, lists major items of training equipment, and summarizes the subject matter covered.

Course evaluation. An assessment of the course to include course effectiveness, instructor effectiveness, technical documentation effectiveness, and effectiveness of training media.

Course identification. Alphanumeric designator used to identify a training course.

Course Identification Number (CIN). Alphanumeric number assigned to identify a course of instruction.

Course management plan. A document that describes how the course manager and instructors will manage and conduct the course.

Course map. A chart that depicts the designed sequence for events of a course.

Course mission. A description of the ultimate purpose of the course including a statement of whom and what is to be trained, the degree of qualification brought about by the training, and where and under what general conditions the graduate will perform on the job.

Course prerequisite. A requirement the student must possess before being able to attend a training course or lesson.

Course Structure Format (CSF). CSF is made up of elements, blocks, Sharable Content Objects (SCO) and objectives. CSF provides a means for moving a course from one Learning Management System (LMS) to another and reducing or eliminating dependency of a course on a particular LMS implementation.

Course training standards. Sets forth the tasks and proficiency required of students. Establishes overall course objectives. Contains performance, standards, and conditions.

Course trials. A full-length course conducted in a target environment (facilities, instructors and students) using the curriculum and supporting training material prepared for that course. Its purpose is to "shake down" or "validate" the curriculum and materials in a classroom situation to determine their effectiveness in attaining the approved learning objectives or training goals. Also called "pilot course."

Courseware. An instructional package (including content and technique) containing training materials, including the curriculum database and all disks, tapes, books, charts, and computer programs necessary to deliver a complete IMI program. Courseware includes special applications programs and other necessary software loaded in a computer, training device, or other instructional delivery system to interpret and execute an IMI program.

Courseware authoring tools. Tools that provide a means of developing course content and maintaining that content. Normally provided by a Learning Management System (LMS), these tools are able to integrate courses developed with different authoring tools through a conversion process by templates with emphasis on the capability of customizing, defining, and storing additional templates. Also called "authoring tools."

Courseware logic flow diagram. A graphic representation of actions/events required in accomplishment of the presentation of a course.

Courseware maintenance. Repairing, changing, replacing, or any other manipulation of implemented courseware.

Course Management Systems (CMS). A CMSs primary purpose is the management of curriculum data. The CMS supports launching, tracking, and feedback procedures within a computer-based training program. Additionally, a CMS provides the direct interaction between the student and the courseware and is the presentation interface for the course.

Cover shot. A wide-angle shot giving basic orientation of place and action.

Covert behavior. Behavior that is not directly observable but may be inferred from overt behavior that is observable.

Creative Commons. A non-profit organization devoted to expanding the range of creative work available for others legally to build upon and share. It offers a mechanism enabling copyright holders to grant some of their rights to the public while retaining other using contract schemes including dedication to the public domain or open content licensing terms. The intention is to avoid the problems current copyright laws create for the sharing of information.

Crew drill. A collective action that a crew of a weapon or piece of equipment must perform to use the weapon or equipment successfully in combat or to preserve life. This action is a trained response to a given stimulus such as a simple order or the status of the weapon or equipment. It requires minimal orders to accomplish. Also see the definitions for "battle drill" and "drill."

Criterion. The standard by which something is measured. In training, the task or learning objective standard is the measure of student performance. In test validation, it is the standard against which test instruments are correlated to indicate the accuracy with which they predict human performance in some specific area. In evaluation it is the measure used to determine the adequacy of a product, process, or behavior.

Criterion behavior. Performance required of the course graduate, which is described by the terminal objective(s) and measured by the criterion test.

Criterion-referenced grading. A way of grading students in relation to a predetermined standard (go or no-go). The standard is based on job requirements.

Criterion-referenced instruction. A way of organizing and managing instruction in which pre-specified performance criteria are achieved by each qualified student.

Criterion-referenced measurement. The process of determining, as objectively as possible, a student's achievement in relation to a fixed standard that is based on objectives. Also see the definition for "norm-referenced measurement."

Criterion-referenced objective. An objective with prescribed levels of performance. Each criterion-referenced objective contains a behavior (task statement), condition (available equipment, checklists, and governing directives, or the situation requiring the task), and a standard (regulation, operating instruction) for the task.

Criticality standard. A standard that reflects the importance of a task or learning objective.

Critical sequence. In training development, sequencing of topics or objectives according to their importance.

Critical task. A collective or individual task that, if not accomplished to the specified standard by a unit or individual, results in a serious adverse effect upon mission accomplishment, survivability, or safety. Critical tasks must be trained. Also see the definition for "training task."

Critical task selection board. A management device that serves a quality control function in critical task selection. The board reviews the total task inventory and job performance data and recommends tasks for approval to the appropriate authority as critical tasks.

Cross talk. The unwanted transmission of a signal on a channel that interferes with another adjacent channel.

Cross training. The systematic training of individuals on tasks related to another duty position.

Cue. A prompt that signals performance is needed. An initiating cue is a signal to begin performing a task or task performance step. An internal cue is a signal to go from one element of a task to another. A terminating cue indicates task completion.

Cue inserter. The device that places cues on lines of the vertical interval of the master tape.

Cue track. A narrow area, along a narrow band on the outer edge of videotape, which records signals, codes, and verbal memoranda used in editing.

Curriculum. A set of courses constituting an area of specialization. All training conducted within a school, outlined into specific topics, along with detailed training objectives, to include behavior, conditions, and standards.

Curriculum materials. All materials required for the presentation of information and the development of skills in formal training.

Curriculum outline. A detailed chronological listing of units/modules and lesson topics with estimated times of coverage in sequential order with the learning objectives they support.

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Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). An XML-based architecture for authoring, producing, and delivering technical information by using the principles of specialization and inheritance; capitalizing on the semantics of topics (concept, task, reference) and of content (messages, typed phrases, semantic tables); and providing vertical headroom (new applications) and edgewise extension (specialization into new types) for information. The DITA architecture was originally developed by IBM, and is now an OASIS standard.

Data. Recorded information, regardless of form or method of recording.

Database. Systematically organized computer data files for central access, sorting, quick searching, retrieval, and update.

Data capture. A speed-saving data input technique whereby input data is read by an optical scanning device and sent to a computer to be processed.

Data Item Description (DID), DD Form 1664. A form used to define the data required of a contractor. The form, when completed, specifically defines the data content, preparation instructions, format, and intended use.

Data model. In a database, the user's logical view of the data in contrast to the physically stored data, or storage structure. A data model is also a description of the organization of data in a manner that reflects the information structure of an enterprise.

Data packets. A collection of data bits transmitted as a single unit in a communications network.

Data product specification. A type of specification used to acquire data products (with the exception of technical manuals). Data product specifications are the source documents for Data Item Descriptions (DID) and are listed in the DoD Acquisition Management Systems and Data Requirements Control List (AMSDL).

Data rate. The speed at which data is transmitted.

DD Form 1995. "Visual Information Production Request and Report." The primary authorization and reference document used for the life cycle management of DoD productions. For example, all production, distribution, and clearance instructions are derived from the information on the form.

DD Form 2568. "Defense Instructional Technology Information System (DITIS) Report." The primary authorization and reference document used for the life cycle management of Interactive Multimedia Instruction productions. For example, all administrative, instructional content demographics; instructional content description, software and system descriptions, and life-cycle management information are derived from the information on the form.

Decibel (dB). A unit for expressing the relative intensity of sound.

Decision point. A point at which there are two or more options.

Decision tree. A flowchart or graphic representation of the sequence of specific activities or operations.

Deductive design. An instructional design where rules are presented followed by examples. The emphasis is on forming conclusions. Also see the definition for "inductive design."

Deductive reasoning. The application of a law, principle, or other form of rule to develop conclusions. In training the principle or rule is provided and then supported with examples. Also see the definition for "inductive reasoning."

Default. A particular value that is assigned automatically and remains in effect unless overridden.

Defense Automated Visual Information System (DAVIS). DAVIS provides an online resource (http://dodimagery.afis.osd.mil/davis/) about visual information (VI), audiovisual (AV) productions, and interactive multimedia instruction (IM) products able to support training, command information and operational missions.

Defense Instructional Technology Information System (DITIS). DITIS provides information about courses and instructional products available to support education and training missions (http://dodimagery.afis.osd.mil/davis). DITIS provides content descriptions about proposed productions, productions in progress, and completed courseware products. DITIS products are available for all DoD Components and the United States Coast Guard customers.

Defense Inventory Production. A production created or acquired at any level within the DoD Components that has a target audience broader than the audience at the creating or acquiring installation or activity. Defense Inventory Productions are held at a central DoD inventory point, from which they can be easily ordered. Discovery of such productions, as well as ordering, is through DAVIS, which can be searched at http://dodimagery.afis.osd.mil. Local-Use-Only Productions expected to have long-term informational or other value may be declared Defense Inventory Productions to facilitate long-term discovery and ordering, even if only by users at the creating or acquiring installation or activity. See also Local-Use-Only Production.

Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). The organization that acquires, stores, retrieves, disseminates, and enhances technical information for research and development for government and industry.

Defense Visual Information Activity Number (DVIAN). A unique identifier assigned to each authorized DoD VI activity.

Demodulation. The process of retrieving digital data from a modulated signal.

Demonstration-performance method. A learning experience in which students observe and then participate in a sequence of events designed to teach a procedure, a technique, or an operation, frequently combining oral explanation with the operation or handling of systems, equipment, or materials.