Submission of student assignments on compact discs: exploring the use of audio, images and video in assessment and learning in higher education

This paper explores the use of multimedia in assignments that are submitted on compact discs (CD). The storage capacity of the CD allows students to u se a wide range of memory-intensive sources that could not be incorporated into conventional or web-based formats. The paper examines the sources of m edia available; techniques for editing and incorporating media files; the t echnology of the CD, and copyright. The paper also discusses assessment cri teria, equal opportunity considerations and a range of pedagogical issues i nvolved in the use of the CD for submission of assignments. Today's technol ogy should enable students to incorporate a range of memory-intensive media into their assignments and research reports and this process may be highly beneficial to learning and assessment. Widespread use of this technology, however, is likely to depend on solutions to difficult copyright restrictio ns, adequate training of students and staff as well as access to suitable h ardware.