Multimedia CD Project

The OAS-funded Multimedia CD Project utilizes the same principles as, and the technology and skills acquired in, the previous OAS-funded Just-In-Time Lectures (JITL) Project. Under the JITL Project, a number of staff members were trained in the creation and production of CDs containing lectures in audio/video and PowerPointTM formats, and the equipment/hardware and associated software were acquired and installed at the three UWIDEC offices. The aim of the Multimedia CD Project is to utilize the technology and skills in the actual production of ten (10) multi-media CDs to complement the UWIDEC’s print-based and web-based delivery of ten (10) courses commencing September 2005.

The technology fosters learner autonomy, is cost-effective and more robust and scalable than the existing audio-network, which forces limitations on the UWIDEC course delivery processes. Thus, the advantages of the technology include:

  • More flexibility (than teleconferencing sessions can offer) to learners in that contact sessions are not time and place-bound;
  • Reduced, distributed and/or optimal use of the network
  • Low-cost;
  • More information can be disseminated than is possible now;
  • Equity in instruction can be achieved in that every student, irrespective of where he or she is, is provided with uniform instructional experience. Also, experts or authorities on the subjects within and from outside the Region can be captured on CDs, and this will certainly add value to the courses and enrich student experience as they are exposed to different perspectives;
  • When CDs are used in combination with face-to-face/teleconference sessions, time can be spent more on such activities as decision-making, problem-solving, etc., than on mere information dissemination;
  • When CDs are used with print materials, learners can have a synchronized learning experience. For instance, unlike the current practice of reading the materials and then awaiting oral instruction, reading and listening can be combined. Print materials will then be produced in such a way as to indicate to learners where they can stop reading and reach for CDs.