Action research: Inquiry-based research conducted by teachers that follows a process of examining existing practices, implementing new practices, and evaluating the results, leading to an improvement cycle that benefits both students and teachers. Synonyms include: practitioner research, teacher research, site-based research, and action science.

Authorable software: Computer programs which allow teachers to add their own content (questions, answers, definitions, pictures, sound files) through the use of simple forms. The teacher-added content is then used in the exercises and activities of the program.

CALL: Acronym for computer-assisted language learning. This is a broad term that refers to any method of teaching and learning a language which includes some type of work on a computer.

CBI: Acronym for computer-based instruction. This term refers to instruction which includes computer use as a central element. In other words, much of the course content is accessed via computer, either online or by using computer software.

Cloze exercises: Text passage with words systematically deleted. These exercises test or give practice in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar, by requiring the students to supply the missing words.

Drill and practice: A common name for exercises designed to practice a very specific skill or grammar point. Such exercises, while they are useful at times, are also considered to be generally boring and have gained the nickname "drill and kill".

ELLIS curriculum: A comprehensive interactive program for English language learning utilizing video, graphics, animation, text, sound and voice recording. Lessons are designed for high school and adult learners.

ESL: Acronym for English as a second language. This term is widely used in the field of English language instruction in English-speaking countries. (EFL, English as a foreign language, refers to the teaching of English in non-English-speaking countries).

Freeware: Copyrighted software given away for free by the author. Although it is available for free, the author retains the copyright, which means that you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by the author. Usually, the author allows people to use the software, but not sell it.

"Hot Potatoes": A freeware suite of authorable programs for making interactive World Wide Web pages. Teachers can use these programs to create their own exercises of various types, which the students can then access over the Internet or over their local school intranet.

L1: This stands for first language, meaning the student's native language.

L2: This is the designation for the language the student is learning, the second language.

LEP: Acronym for Limited English Proficiency. This is a term for students who need additional instruction in English.

National Public Radio: A network of non-commercial radio stations which carry national and local programming, funded by the Federal government, educational institutions, corporate donations, and local listeners. They also maintain a large website with an extensive collection of sound files which students can access. Visit their site at: http://www.npr.org/.

Shareware: Software that is freely distributed for a small fee paid on an "honor system." You are not required to pay the fee to try the program, but if you like the software enough to use it, you are expected to send the fee directly to the creator.

"SimpleText": A very simple program for writing text on a computer. It lacks most of the formatting and other features found in most word processing programs.

TESOL: Acronym for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is the largest professional organization for ESL teachers in the world. Visit their website for further information: http://www.TESOL.org.

TOEFL: Acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The most widely used test of English required of international students who come to study at universities in the United States.

"TrackStar": A free Internet-based tool which allows people to make collections of websites, and to include annotations or questions associated with each site. To see this tool, visit the "TrackStar" website at: http://trackstar.scrtec.org

"Type to Learn": A very popular typing instruction program, which includes introduction of each keystroke using illustrations of the fingers and keyboard. The program also includes colorful games and practice activities, keeps a record of each student's progress, and can display a student progress report which the student can print out for the teacher.

Ultimate Word Attack: An authorable program featuring five different vocabulary-practice games. It comes with 4000 words, definitions, and words in context. Teachers can then add their own lists of words and definitions for students to practice. Students can print a certificate when they finish each game. Although this program is used at all levels, the graphics are best suited for the elementary grades.

"Where is the World is Carmen Sandiego?": This is a detective mystery/adventure game designed for native speakers. Students must use travel and geographic clues to solve the mystery.

"Wida Authoring Suite": This is a very versatile group of authorable programs which teachers can use to make their own multiple-choice, matching, cloze, and gap-filling exercises, incorporating graphics, sound, and video if they want to.

Word processing: This term refers to the process of creating and editing documents on a computer, using the computer keyboard and word processing software. Word processing programs usually include a number of formatting and editing tools.

Worldware: This term refers to software which is not specifically designed to be educational, but is in general use as a tool. Examples would include word processing programs and Internet browsers.