What is an intranet?

First of all, let’s look at what an intranet is. An intranet is a Web site that can be viewed only by an organization’s employees, and not by the general public. An extranet is similarly limited in audience, sometimes it is viewed only by an organization and its suppliers or clients. If your employees do not familiarize themselves with your intranet site, then it is quite possible that it isn’t very effective.

Okay then, how does it differ from an Internet Web site? From a technology perspective, there is no difference. Intranet and Internet sites both use the same media, Web programming and server technology. Where they differ is in their respective goals and the resulting design requirements.

What is a PDF form?

Most people are familiar with PDF files, but did you know that you can also turn a PDF file into a form that can be filled-in online? A PDF form could work the same way as any form that you may have filled-in on the web - just click, type in your info into the fields, and submit.

About Web Applications

Web-based Applications are Web sites that offer more to the user than typical, static Web sites. The difference lies in the way the information is provided to you. The site actually responds to the user, changing to provide the information the user wants to see. The Internet and Web technologies can provide an alternative to traditional desktop software. You can move desktop applications to centralized servers where they can be accessed using a Web browser. This approach, called Web-based Applications or Internet applications, enables organizations to rapidly adapt to changing needs while minimizing costs.

What is eLearning?

eLearning is a human performance improvement initiative that employs electronic technology. By that definition, consulting an Internet-based dictionary to find out the meaning of a word is a form of eLearning. Indeed, learning is occurring, therefore improving performance by the means of an electronic technology. Though it is incidental and informal, it falls within the parameters of eLearning.

One of the pitfalls many encounter when developing an eLearning strategy is ignoring the wide spectrum of eLearning possibilities. They limit their potential by centering their approach around the digitization of content via impressive technology. They forget that, much like in the case of the user consulting the Internet-based dictionary, meaningful learning is personal, context-related and most effective when answering a specific need.