Array of Portfolio Websites (Kites, also referred to as Webkites)

This term was coined by John Harris to describe the EduKite system of 'kites'. Rather than seeing the portal as a single environment, it can better be described as a collection of individual learning environments. The description and associated logic is simple to understand and manage, therefore increasing engagement.

Cloud (Cloud Computing)

The term ‘cloud’ is used as a metaphor for the Internet. Cloud computing is a style of computing where services are provided over the Internet. Users need not have knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure in the cloud that supports them. Cloud computing services often provide common business applications online that are easily accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers.

Kite Cloud

Kite cloud is used by EduKite to name the collection of portfolio websites at each school, therefore, each school has their own 'cloud'.

E-Learning

In the broadest sense, e-learning refers to the use of computers for learning. More specifically, e-learning is the use of content such as audio or video presentations, downloadable text documents and web courses that are delivered via the Internet. E-learning was pioneered in both the distance learning and the home learning environment, but is now used by schools in conjunction with face-to-face teaching in what is described as a blended learning environment.

Engagement

In a software application context, engagement is the number and extent to which the school community is involved in adopting and using the software system. The level of engagement is determined by the barriers to entry; the relevance to the learning objectives; benefits; usability;,user satisfation; compulsion and motivation.

E-Portfolio

An electronic portfolio, commonly known as an e-portfolio or digital portfolio, is a collection of electronic content on the Internet. Such content may include text, electronic files, images, multimedia, blog entries, and hyperlinks. E-portfolios are both demonstrations of the user's abilities and platforms for self-expression, and, if they are displayed online, they can be maintained dynamically over time. E-portfolios can facilitate students' reflections of their own learning, leading to more awareness of learning strategies and needs. EduKite is a state-of-the-art e-portfolio environment, which also allows and manages communication between students, staff and parents.

Folio Item

A student's e-portfolio might consist of numerous folio items, which in database terminology is a 'record'. A folio item can hold content in a variety of formats including movies, presentations, text documents and images. Each folio item might also contain multiple attachments. Folio items can be transmitted to kites by both teachers and students.

Kites (Webkites)

This term was coined by John Harris to describe the EduKite system of 'kites', which are personal web pages that displays notices, messages, tasks and portfolio items. Each student has their own kite to which he or she can add reflections and portfolio items. The content of these can be controlled by educators who have access to individual kites.

Kite Master

Each school using EduKite must nominate a member of staff to act as a mentor and facilitator. This person (the Kite Master) oversees the EduKite system trial and helps staff integrate EduKite into their day. The Kite Master may be any member of staff, as no specific IT skills are required.

Portal

A portal is simply a website that provides you with information based on who you are. To access the portal you need a user name and password. School portals disseminate information and learning resources to its community of teachers, parents and students. Portals can have varying levels of privileges that allow people to edit content. The EduKite portal differs from conventional portals as it does not have a generic homepage. All content is directed to an audience (individuals within the community) who receive transmissions on their personal portal, or kite.

Special Tasks

A special task is an edited version of a task – a task that has been modified specifically for an individual or group. For example, a teacher may set an interactive task for his class, and then change certain details for some gifted or special needs students. The special task can be assessed in the same process as the original task.

Task Management

Task management is the process of creating, publishing and assessing homework and project tasks online. EduKite has a unique task management process that allows teachers to view student tasks on a single screen. By clicking from one student to the next, the teacher can view, edit, comment and assess student content. Task management allows the following functions: student assessment, special tasks, summaries and reflections.

Transmission

Transmission is the process of adding content to the kites. In EduKite, the transmission can be directed to an individual kite or to a number of kites. Students can be included and excluded from a transmission at any time. In EduKite, all transmissions are managed using the same simple process.

Usability

The term usability describes the ease with which you can employ a particular tool to achieve a particular goal. In human/computer interaction and computer science, usability usually refers to the elegance and clarity with which the interaction with a computer program or a website is designed.

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 refers to content driven environments that can be accessed via an Internet browser. Web 2.0 (or “web two point zero”) is primarily focused on culture and people. It does not refer to a particular technology, rather, it refers to websites which engage people. The majority of content on web 2.0 websites is generated from the users of the website, such as Wikipedia, YouTube, e-Bay and EduKite. The term "web 2.0" is used in conversation as a general entity, for example, "Web 2.0 is constantly looking for ways to get users involved and feeling like co-developers."