Why
has the CD-ROM become so Popular?
CD-ROMs
usually have a capacity of 650Mb (Megabytes) which allows them
to store vast amounts of information. Floppy disks hold approximately
1.44 Mb of information. As a result, the CD-ROM can hold about
450 times the amount of information that a floppy disk can.
Placing
this into context, one CD-ROM can hold the equivalent amount of
information as the Encyclopaedia Britannica, along with video,
sound and text. As a result, CD-ROMs can be used for a variety
of purposes - holding reference material, holding programs to
install on your computer and providing multimedia.
When
used for purposes of teaching, this gives a number of advantages:
- Use
of multimedia - sound, text and video allow targeting of different
modes of learning ie. meeting different learning domains.
- Visually
appealing and invigorating in use.
- Allows
explanation of linked events, and use of video, still images
and sound to enhance understanding of subjects.
- Able
to illustrate links between different subjects, disciplines
and events quickly, and allowing instant access to information.
- Allows
saving on resources and storage space as a CD-ROM takes up less
room than the equivalent reference books.
- Portability
- easier to move between classes.
- Saving
on resources by allowing the option to select particular aspects
of information.
- Allows
student directed research.
 Contents:
Using CD-ROMs
Skill
Check: Using CD-ROMs
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