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Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms you'll meet across the site. When a term links to a lesson, that's where to learn more.
Getting started
| Cloud / cloud storage | Saving files online (Google Drive, OneDrive) so they auto-save and open from any device. |
| HDMI | The common cable that sends your screen and sound to a projector or TV. |
| Casting / mirroring | Showing your device's screen wirelessly on a bigger display. |
| Two-factor authentication (2FA) | A second step at login (a code or prompt) that keeps your account secure. |
AI
| AI assistant / chatbot | A tool (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) that generates text from a prompt. See AI Tools. |
| Prompt | The instructions you give an AI. Better prompts give better results — see Lesson planning with AI. |
| Hallucination | When AI states something false but sounds confident. Always verify — see AI literacy. |
Maker & hardware
| Filament | The plastic "ink" a 3D printer melts to build objects. PLA is the school default. See Filament & materials. |
| Slicer | Software that converts a 3D model into printer instructions (G-code). See Slicer settings. |
| G-code | The step-by-step instructions a 3D printer follows to build a print. |
| Infill | How solid the inside of a 3D print is (15-20% is a good classroom default). |
| micro:bit | A pocket-sized, school-friendly programmable board. See Classroom electronics. |
| Computational thinking | Breaking problems into steps, spotting patterns, and debugging. See Block coding. |
Teaching, assessment & access
| Formative assessment | Quick checks during learning that guide your next move (vs. a final "summative" grade). See Assessment. |
| Rubric | A scoring guide describing what each level of quality looks like. See Rubrics. |
| LMS | Learning Management System — your online class hub (Google Classroom, Canvas). See Organization & LMS. |
| UDL | Universal Design for Learning — building in options so every student can access learning. See Accessibility & Inclusion. |
| Text-to-speech (TTS) | Technology that reads text aloud. See Read-aloud. |
| Captions | On-screen text of spoken words — essential for some students, helpful for all. See Captions & translation. |
Engagement & citizenship
| Backchannel | A side channel for questions/comments during a lesson. See Polls & backchannels. |
| Screencast | A recording of your screen with narration. See Screencasting. |
| Digital citizenship | Using technology safely, kindly, and wisely. See Digital Citizenship. |
| Digital footprint | The trail of data and posts a person leaves online. See Online safety & privacy. |
| SIFT | A 4-step routine (Stop, Investigate, Find, Trace) for judging online sources. See Spotting misinformation. |