Definition A CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) is an asynchronous too. It is an optical disc that is physically the same as an audio CD but contains data that can only be read from a CD-ROM drive in a computer. 
Key Characteristics A CD-ROM allows for a large amount of storage on an inexpensive, portable medium. It allows for the storage of a variety of content including audio and/or video presentations, animations, simulations, slides, etc. in a compact format. Additionally, it allows all content to be presented consistently to participants. Many of the same things possible on the Web (multimedia, interactivity, performance tracking) are also possible from a CD-ROM. For large files like audio and video, file loading time and playback from a CD-ROM can be superior. An interesting new scheme is that of the Internet/CD-ROM hybrid delivery. Text, small graphics, and external links are made available through the Web; while the rest of the course, particularly audio and video components, resides on a CD-ROM, with that content being viewed from within the Web browser.
CD-ROMs are more useful as self-learning tools rather than as teaching tools. Participants can proceed at their own pace, focusing on areas or skipping material according to their own interest, thus allowing a maximum flexibility to cater to a variety of learning needs. Because CD-ROMs are more portable than textbooks, and can contain more multimedia, they can be used to store a large amount of information – and even databases – relevant to the learning activity. This can include, pictures, cartoons, graphs, live video or audio clippings or original documents. You can use these ready source materials to stimulate enquiry, empathy and imagination during your activity to develop skills like locating, extracting and recognizing information. » Back to top
Our Experience Course teams have used CD-ROMs to provide participants with background information for a learning activity as well as a complete archival record of an activity. Participant feedback indicates that they like to “walk away” with a CD-ROM, which captures all elements of the activity. Such CD-ROMs often contain interviews or presentations with key resource persons; captured highlights of conferences, workshops or events; or converted slide programs with sound. CD-ROMs are a perfect media on which to record case studies featuring background documents, vivid illustrations, interviews with the principles, and relevant statistical information. Viewing these will allow participants to truly experience and understand the various aspects of the case studies. Use it if… - You want to provide a consistent content to your participants.
- You want to provide your participants with a complete record of a learning activity.
Forget it if… - Your participants do not have access to a computer with a CD-ROM drive.
- You cannot take the time to design the CD-ROM and organize the data in a user friendly manner.
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