Q19

Responses to Question 19

Less mess! Easy access. Carry in my bag. Simpler.
I had to use the computer whenever I wanted to study, which I didn’t like. I would much rather to have the info easy to access in a book, just to check things, for example.
Many advantages came with the Cd, I was able to access all my studying resources whenever I want and print it out. For me there was no negative affects.
CDs get scratched
No disadvantages that I can think of.
I found myself losing it several times, however this was a small inconvenence considering that it was a lot easier to move and neater.
My only disadvantage is getting to my computer before the children. I still prefer to have printable matter as a first choice though.
Lees paper to sort through and could just jump to each different section as needed.
Advantages- easiely accessible and if you didn't quite understand somehting you could easily go back and listen as many times as you like.
Sometimes my CD wouldn't work in my drive, but it was probably just my computer's fault. This would annoy me.
The advantages were the links. If you wanted to be somewhere else, all you had to do was click on it. It was more handy than trying to search through the pages of a book to find what you want.
Disadvantage is that you have to be sitting at a computer to access the information. It limits the places that you can study. As an external, you often have to study wherever you can, and having it all on CD limits this.
It only took a small amount of time to navigate through the CD, but once I knew the navigation, the advantages included just popping the cd in hard drive and presto, heres what I'm looking for. Less time then searching through a print version. The only disadvantage is yes weather constraints, when assignments are due and electrical thunderstorms mean I didn't have access to the computer. (Small really-but hey, there just has to be one negative-sorry)
Had the CD not broken they would have been very useful but since the CD cracked it would have been more useful to have the study materials more easily accessible not by CD.
I spent a lot more time confused about my study schedule. I only figured out my priories half-way through the semester. Considering I usually have these organised in the first week, it was a big disadvantage and much more stressful.
Convenient and lightweight - can travel with all your needed study notes is the best thing. This gave me more independence.
The advantages, I discussed earlier, being the easy transportability of the module. The only disadvantage I could see, is if there were malfunctions in equipment that didn’t allow me to view the CD, but this was not the case, so I did not have any disadvantages
I took awhile to get used to a CD and not having a text, but once I was used to the CD it is much better than books.
Overall everything was much easier to access and this way I could just print off what I wanted to read, again making it more simple to find things. Plus, on an already cluttered desk it takes up a lot less room!
AS above, disadvantages: computer is distraction. I found that I could not focus properly on things. When I printed stuff out and went to my room, it was always hard to keep the paper in order, so it would have been much easier if it was in a book. Also because of this distracted feeling, I think that I felt a little bit rushed.
If I had used the CD, I would have had to have gone back and forth all the time to my computer and then the study books (text books, etc). I would have had to have kept the computer on all the time or switch it on and off a lot. I learned a lot better by having the material in printed form in front of me and able to read it at my own pace without having to go to the computer.
Advantages, were visual learning was enhanced, power points, other learning material, easily set up, can print out learning material or what is needed, easy to use.
Disadvantages, if computer isn’t working, cannot operate cd. Printing out can become costly, although printing out only what is needed can alter this, or if printer breaks down cannot print learning material.
Did not find any disadvantages
Didn’t affect learning
I have no disadvantages in using the CD.
Having the study materials supplied on CD made the work seem more interactive. It is hard, as an external student, to sit down with all the text books, study book and selected readings and just blindly read through all the work. The CD mixed it up a bit and therefore made it more interesting.
Was good to have audio- that helped at times. I find learning from written easier than screen.
I find it difficult to read long sections of text on a computer screen. Also you need to use the computer as the only way of accessing the materials. Links made it easy to access related material.
The CD was excellent when I had access to the computer, however, I prefer to be able to study wherever and whenever I can, therefore having the printed version as well was more convenient for me.
Learning of the course was much easier with PowerPoint with audio.
Advantages: links to various sections quickly. Disadvantages: being stuck to the computer for all the reading, sometimes I like a change of scenery.
I prefer hard copy of the materials as I prefer to have my notes written on paper.
Advantage was for assessment with the power points and diagrams.
I found that I grew tired watching them and that at times it was hard to understand.
I have difficulty remembering information that is displayed on a computer screen but I just printed the information that I needed which I than had a copy that I could read and use to implement my preferred way of learning. The CD reduces the amount of information supplied on paper which is great for the environment and information is easier to access and find on the CD.
Environmentally sound. Good to hear a friendly voice, did not feel as isolated. Made Eleanor more approachable to me. Was really easy to go back and find relevant information when needed.
Kept misplacing the CD!
Advantage = on one small disc allowing for less bulky materials.
Needs a search function
Advantages; easy access to all information at once disadvantages; CD damage causing skips
After having troubles with my printer it was inconvenient when I wanted to take information with me anywhere.
Advantage was that I could find everything I needed in the one place or if not if could tell me exactly where to find what I needed.
I was just a little worried in case I missed anything.
Less paperwork, but not always possible to study if you are not at home to access the computer.
The enormity of the task to reproduce the study materials was not anticipated. Whilst working and studying time management is important. I felt it was difficult to get started in the confidence that I was heading in the right direction, until I had reproduced all the material.
I did not realise at the start the amount of info that was contained on the CD. When I had some spare time to explore the CD I found loads of info I did not realise was there.
Well being in CD, one needs an access to a computer to retrieve the data, which makes it very inconvenient to use.
The major disadvantage is that as I have had computer problems of late I have not been able to access the material. Other than that it is good
The basic advantage of having it on the CD is that everything can be hyperlinked together. Unfortunately, reading off the monitor is more difficult than from a hard copy.
Disadvantages were that you had to be in front of the computer, as a mum of two young children I find I can only do by computer work when they are in bed asleep. Other then that I really enjoyed the cd version of the course.
I had only advantages. I found the audio to be the best. Actually being talked through the PowerPoint felt like I was in a classroom and that was a strong feature.
Since the lecturer was always on hand for assistance (on discussion desk) and with fast helpful responses it worked very well. If the lecturer was not as approachable I don't think it would work as well.
I don’t think it had any disadvantages for me in particular. Because I’m still new to this study and am still finding my way I did experience a few hitches but as I said once I got going it was easy to refer to.
I didn't bother with a lot of it. I read the OVERPRICED texts instead. Seriously, there was nothing in those texts you couldn’t have produced in your study guide. Don't doubt your own abilities; you were given this job because somebody else thinks you are more than capable. I suspect you are too.
This was my first ever study by way of cd. Always been print based which I prefer.
Disadvantages: Having a powerful enough computer to handle the programs needed for the course may be an issue for some students. Before enrolling in this course I had to have a major upgrade of my computer so that it could handle the software for the course.
Additionally, because of where I live our power supply is often inadequate and we experience power outages regularly. If CD was the only media supplied it might present short term intermittent problems.
Advantages: I thought the CD media an excellent choice for study material. The various audio and visual presentations provided variety and a much needed reprieve from the traditional method of reading text cover to cover and it made the learning experience fun.
This is the first time I've had any study material supplied on a CD so at first it was a novelty but I very soon found the quick accessibility of information to be a boon. Also requiring to work at the computer made me more aware of time which focussed me.
I think one of the disadvantages is that you need the appropriate software to open, I did not get this on my computer for a couple of weeks.
I liked the cd it made it easier if you wanted to work on another computer you just had to take the CD not a big book, I think the interactive Cd helped a lot to absorb the info.
As stated before, access is an issue on some computers.
The CD is a link to the university in a special way. How? Well the CD has a lecturer speaking to use. Books are good and very useful; however they can sometimes be dry and rather static. Is not any learning, especially for one's career supposed to be DYNAMIC?
Initially I was daunted by the CD approach as I was used to having hard copy print to highlight and take notes. I did have to change my approach to note taking to avoid excessive printing however the change in approach was easy to adopt and the benefits of PowerPoint presentations out weighted my resistance to change.
I find reading a computer screen very difficult to read after a short while.
Advantages, it's easier to read there's not a lot of paper flicking, Disadvantages, you could loose it quicker.
The major disadvantage was I was stuck in front of a computer to read the material instead of outside enjoying the fresh air.
It took some time to get 'my head around it' after that it was o.k. First overwhelming but gradually became better.
Disadvantage is students cannot highlight the important points they came across on the CD, unlike printed copies who allow for this.
However, materials incorporated along with the schedule in the CD definitely helps to organise our reading time.
Advantage was that I only printed what I needed and that I could make multiple copies
I only use the cd when I needed to refer some info from the modules. Other than that it is just lying in my drawer. It is quite difficult for me to study from the cd as I am used to books.
The advantage that I found most helpful were the PowerPoint presentations. They helped explain things much better
It was hard to do the exercise and also that watching it for too long hurt the eyes.
I perhaps didn't read as much as I should have, however I think it is the first course that I have completed where all of the material is available for you to do well at the course.
Can not think of any disadvantages. The CD was useful for when I was away with work, the disk was able to be used in my notebook when there was no internet available.
The course was excellent except for what I have stated above, but if you want to learn you will learn however the materials are presented.
Well the only disadvantage I had was my PC at home did not have the resources to run the programs on the CD. Half the time I used my work pc to view and print the materials. It would be appropriate to stress that student should have access to computers with the necessary resources to be able in benefit from the materials on CD.
The advantage was I could go step by step by looking at the cd rather than trying to find things in print
The printing can become a little costly. (Only because I preferred to have a hard copy of some of the information)
The advantage is that storage space has significantly decreased, and I can access materials just by a click of the mouse. The disadvantage is having to read the notes in CD is difficult as compared to printed text, and we cannot bring around a CD to read the notes outside unless we have a notebook or we print out personally, and printing out takes time. This doesn't affect my learning much; it's just a matter of personal preferences on printing out or not.
Disadvantage was cost of printing if required. advantages were many- too many to list but the use of cd means that we don't waste paper and money (mailing).
The voice over was sensationally done, it breaks down to the main points and crux of what is required to be absorbed in the learning process.
As mentioned, having PowerPoint presentations were very helpful.
There were no disadvantages.
Sometimes I would prefer to have the printed materials.
I found having both CD and print the most appropriate. When travelling it is not possible to review course notes or make notes with the material (or text) if it is electronic. Sometimes I want to read from a book not from a screen, luminosity can be a concern if looking a screen for hours on end.
It made sections of information more quickly visible and accessible for me
1. CD based materials offered a lot of useful information. 2. The module and the presentation all already in our CD. I can find what I want from the CD. Especially, the PowerPoint’s with the audio, it gives us a clear picture about the whole course/assignment.
Easy and fast, no disadvantage
The disadvantages of the study materials on CD could be because of problems with my computer - or its operator. Advantage was that it was on one disc and I could refer back to it any time I needed.
I would have really had problems if I had to rely on the CD for my study materials.
Advantage - ?? Disadvantage - too much time spent in front of the computer, would have preferred print copy and not have to print myself. Don't think CD based learning adversely affected my learning, have just become aware that I prefer print based material.
It was easy to access information quickly when in the process of study - sometimes going back and forth to other sections were hard to follow
No. Same as above
I always knew where everything was.
I feel that it is just such a time consuming exercise to find things that way.
The only problem for me was that it was right in front of you all the time, and if there was no access to a computer then that’s when it made if had.
I couldn’t access my study materials for a while as I was having trouble with the CD which put me behind in starting my own study. I had to get a new CD from the university.
I TOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA CAUSE EASY TO CARRY AND ACCESS! NEARLY ANYWHERE. AS IM IN THE ARMY SO BY HAVING JUST THE CD I WAS ABLE TO DO SOME WORK IN DOWN TIME I HAVE! ON MY LAPTOP
The advantages were that it was all there and compact in one CD, and accessible with the click of a mouse. The disadvantage was that I couldn't study it in bed before going to sleep of a night.
Nothing bad nor good I guess,
I am use to using study books, so I kept to printable material most of the time
I find it a lot harder to sit at the computer and constantly read as well as taking notes etc. I ended up printing everything off and working from it that way.
Moderate
Disadvantages: I was restricted to learning near a computer, unless I printed pages out (which can become costly in paper and toner). Advantages: I had the option of learning style which proved invaluable if I came to a 'block' that I couldn't get past.
I found the advantages of being able to easily take it to different places without carrying lots of material
No
Refer question 15. The main disadvantage is coming home and spending more time on the computer. I found it a real struggle. At least with paper versions, it is easy to highlight and make notes in the margin. This could not be done with the CD.
Had to print some stuff... cost of printing ink was high...
Advantages: saves paper, compact if you have to take it elsewhere,
Disadvantages: not everyone has a computer or a printer, difficult to navigate between CD and assignment. Some time you have to compare things, more difficult on CD.
Sometimes I would have liked the documents to be more easily accessible. Occasionally I like to study without the computer and found it time consuming to log on, find what I need, print it and then read it. I feel that because of this I did not use the CD to its full potential.
Audio was helpful Illustrated and links were very useful all the information, links etc were all accessible from the one place.
Advantages are less bulk of learning materials, therefore easily portable. quick to access also
Tech. reliability problems- the ever present possibility of them. Books don't malfunction.
I like have the materials on cd as I could keep refereeing to it as I needed.
fantastic way, could take cd anywhere and easy to access information needed. Did not have to look through irrelevant info to get what I needed
Just not having everything in print made a little bit of a difference to me, but I have always been happier to find new ways of learning and approached it with an open mind
I could take my lap top anywhere I went and still accessed the materials, even the park with the kids and camping.
Advantages. Power point presentations like being in class. Can stop and start CD in my own time when suitable. Disadvantages. Nil
What I liked was being able to access the audio presentations whenever I liked.
If the user has the note book computer, the user can navigator a large amount of note. The user does not need to bring the large size of paper note.
Advantages are listed above. No disadvantages.
Study and select Books.
it was harder to find datelines and information that i needed. personally, I'm more well-versed with books.
The convenience of printing only what was required.
With the CD it was too easy to skip sections that were not required for the assignments. I didn't look at some modules. An exam and less assignments would have required me to study all the modules.
The advantage of the CD was that it provided variety in the delivery of the course. The disadvantage was, as I explained in Q18, that it added to eyestrain and the associated problems of using computers for long periods of time.
It was too expensive to print all the materials at home. Great to be able to access lectures at any time not just when on the internet.
Advantages only! Loved not having a print version of the study pack - saved space & trees! Much preferred the 'click of the mouse' compared to leafing through page after page trying to find information. Only found this format an advantage to the learning of materials.
The only disadvantage was needing to use a computer to access materials.
It gives more flexibility to the external student than just having to read. Lighter to carry and less wasted paper that printing out the entire workload.
Easier to access; don't need books spread out all over my desk; CD can bring up as many windows as you like to switch between; the CD is more interactive, etc.
Advantages, Audio, makes the presentation more interesting. CD easy to navigate, ability to quickly access readings, assignment plans etc. Disadvantages Having to turn computer on to look at any information regarding course. Would be handy to have written outline of each module.
ADVANTAGES - COMPACT WAY OF LEARNING - TOO MANY STUDY BOOKS CAN BE CONFUSING - EASY ACCESS OF DISC FROM COMPUTER WITH ALAL THE STUDY MODULES AND LINKS TO RESOURCES ETC.
The only 'disadvantage' is that I prefer to use printed study notes & material as well - in order to extract/highlight/underscore main points. It meant that I needed to go another step to print out the material needed.
I find it easy to print out what is needed and it easy to have the learning materials open on the computer while writing the assignments
Advantages: could refer back quickly to a module. Disadvantages: Needed a computer to study
I think the cd is a good idea but once again i have nothing to compare it to. I did love the powerpoint and audio features they were definitely an advantage for this course.
LESS PAPER AND BOOKS TO STORE. EASY TO FIND WHERE YOU LEFT OFF. EASY ACCESS. FAST ACCESS. COMPACT. GOOD TO HEAR AUDIOS WHILE STUDING EXT.
Sometimes it was a pain to have to use the CD to access information, but I knew exactly where the information was, and didn't have to try and find it in a book.
On CD is convenient and easily transportable. If one likes electronic representation can view etc using notebook computer anywhere without having to carry bulky books. To ensure effective use of time needed to print materials. Also be able to annotate materials electronically requires material to be able to 'written' too. This may require the use of non-standard software which students may or may not have access too.
I was able to easily navigate to the section I needed to study or review, they only draw back was when my computer crashed I was unable to access the study schedule and other materials required.
The CD adds to the depth of instruction provided by the course materials. I think it helped me.
Cd's are easier for storage on a computer, though at times you need to print information off to take with you when you are not with the computer.
disadvantaged as seems wasteful to print so much information off. Study guides allow for convenient perusal at any time of day, where as a printing sessions would otherwise be planed in advance..... I honestly in a rush at time wasted so much paper having not selected the pdf file that prints documents in a different format....
ADS: Power point presentations excellent. Referencing exercises were terrific. Access to all info from one source. Disads: For my personal learning style, a study booklet may have helped. Found cd a little challenging to navigate - worked it out but lots of trial and error.
It was good having resources like the sample report accessible for viewing as an example to go on when the time came around to actually do the report.
It helped me return to it for referencing.
As I said flicking from screen to screen and waiting for it to change to what i want to much fluffing around
Learning how to navigate the CD and then using it effectively
I found a disadvantage in not having all of my materials pre-printed and bound into one book. Honestly it saved tress but I do prefer to have hard copies in front of me.
CD is convenient to carry around and viewable wherever there is a computer. Can't say how it affected me though, I refer to it only when necessary (which is not often).
ADVANTAGES IS THAT IS SO EASY TO CARRY AROUND AND ABLE TO ACCESS ANYTIME, AND ANYWHERE I GO. DISADVANTAGES WAS THAT THE POWER POINT IS TOO SMALL,
I felt that my study was more interactive with CMS1000 and I cannot stress how much the PP/Audio helped me. Distance students do not have the luxury of participating in lectures and are at a real disadvantage in that regard. Having a lecturer go through a presentation of each module with examples and explanations was a real help. Print/SB can be quite literal, but a lecture provide a more human approach and flexibility.
After the initial time spent familiarising myself with the CD, I found it was fairly straightforward to use. Everything was logically sequenced and understandable, You just had to work your way though it.
The advantage: it is very space saving to have a CD instead of book(s). The disadvantage: I must have a computer in order to read the modules. In general, it has not effected my learning of the materials.
It was advantageous as it was convenient and could easily navigate learning materials. Its only disadvantages was printing large materials like a section from the study book as it was expensive with ink and paper.
I found that the cd material allowed me to be more organised with the coarse material and less overwhelmed with information to read.
The advantage of CD study materials for me is it makes me focus once I am sitting at the computer. Having said that it is good to then reinforce the lesson with reading the printed out material rather than on the screen.
I generally found the CD excellent, however I like to highlight information and have access to information when I am not using computer. I printed out modules myself for this purpose.
You can print off what you want and save a few trees.
It is difficult to access the contents in the CD especially you do not possess a laptop or have access to the CD at anytime. Printing the selected pages were tedious the page numbers didn't seem to match those programmed by the computer and hence, it failed to print the selected pages.