Managing Interactive Media

Managing Interactive Media

Glossary: O (16 entries found)

object-oriented programming
Programming as interaction between self-contained mini-programs or objects.
objective
A precise definition of a result that is wanted, in terms that will allow the result to be measured. Objectives are used particularly in education and training applications where the results of learning need to be stated, and ultimately measured, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the materials. Objectives are often confused with aims. Aims are more general statements of direction rather than measurable statements.
objective evaluation
Evaluation carried out with pre-set criteria that give a measurable indication of the results. See also subjective evaluation, qualitative evaluation and quantitative evaluation.
off the shelf
Used to refer to software that is bought as a pre-existing package. Sometimes also called 'shrinkwrap'.
offline
A multimedia application that works in isolation on a computer and does not need a network connection. A CD-ROM application is an example of offline.
offline editing
Video editing with working copies of the 'real' videotapes (or with low bit-rate versions of the video) and low-quality equipment in order to prepare for online editing.
on-demand services
A method of providing entertainment and other audio-visual material to consumers (and others) whereby they can demand a particular item, such as a film, and it will be sent to them immediately down a communications link. Some early video-on-demand systems even sent MPEG-1 video to consumers down their telephone lines.
online
Applications that operate over a network, particularly the World Wide Web.
online editing
Video editing with the 'real' videotapes on high-quality equipment or using a computerized system but with high-quality digitized audio and video.
open learning centres
Centres usually set up in the workplace where a variety of learning and training materials are gathered for people to use. They can have access to the materials as and when they want. Many use interactive materials as well as videos and books. This approach to learning reflects the need for quick access to training in organizations that are changing faster than ever before.
open plan
An office arrangement that assigns space according to changing need. There are no or few permanent partitions between desks, so that the space can be reorganized efficiently when needed. An extension of this principle allocates desks and even computers to workers as they are needed, and is known as hot desking.
operating system
The lowest level of computer software in a computer. It manages the operation of the hardware and provides the programmer with ways of controlling the machine. Often the term operating system is taken to include the GUI as well.
option bars
Part of a graphic on the screen that provides hot-spots, buttons or icons grouped together for the user to make a choice. Also known as menu bars.
OS
See operating system.
out-bound communication
Information that is distributed to numerous people who are likely to have specific uses for it. Therefore its accuracy is important. Also, in this context, the accuracy of any information translated from another language is essential if its integrity is to be retained.
outline design
The first attempt to define the interactive structure and content of a program. The term comes from interactive training design. The later stage from this discipline is called the detailed design. See also high-level design.