Facilitator: The online course instructor who aids learning in the online, student-centered environment.

False-starter: A person who registers for but does not complete an e-learning course.

FAQ (frequently asked questions): An informational list, in question and answer format, of common inquiries from users about a topic or application and standard responses. FAQs appear on Websites and discussion boards and within desktop applications.

Fax (facsimile): (noun) The print-out of information transmitted via text and/or graphic images over standard telephone lines. (verb) To transmit information via text and/or graphic images over standard telephone lines.

Feedback: Communication between the instructor or system and the learner resulting from an action or process.

Fiber-optic cable: Glass fiber used for laser transmission of video, audio, and/or data. Fiber-optic cable has a much greater bandwidth capacity than conventional cable or copper wire.

File server: A computer on a network with the primary task of storing files that can be shared by network users.

Firewall: A technology that gives users’ access to the Internet while retaining internal network security.

FireWire: Apple Computer's trademarked name for its high-speed serial bus supporting the IEEE 1394 data transfer standard. FireWire enables the connection of up to 63 devices and transfers data at a speed of up to 400 mbps.

Floppy disk (floppy diskette): A data storage medium used with a personal computer. Current floppy disks can store up to 1.44 MB of data and are usually 3 1/2 inches in size. Older floppy disks were 5 and ¼ inches. Also spelled as floppy disc.

Footprint: 1) The regions to which a communications satellite can transmit. 2) The floor or desk surface space occupied by a piece of computer equipment.

Frequency: The space between waves in a signal; the amount of time between waves passing a stationary point.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A protocol that enables a user to move files from a distant computer to a local computer using a network like the Internet.

Full-motion video: A signal that allows the transmission of the complete action taking place at the origination site.

Fully interactive video (two-way interactive video): Two sites interacting with audio and video as if they were collocated.