CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory): A delivery medium for CBT (computer-based training)
A.L. Luettgen, F. Kay Houghton, Anya Andrews · University of North Texas Digital Library (University of North Texas) · 1991
Computer-based training (CBT) development has evolved from electronic page turners to a sophisticated instructional environment. The use of numerous large image files, large digital audio files, and complex computer-generated graphics files places great demands on a system's capacity for binary storage (disk space). One solution is the use of compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM). The explosive growth of CD-ROM players in the marketplace makes CD-ROM a viable delivery medium for CBT. Recently, a CBT package for radiation protection technicians at Los Alamos National Laboratory was produced on CD-ROM. The course is delivered on a multimedia system consisting of the following: MS DOS-based computer, CD-ROM player, high-resolution video graphics array monitor, scanned color images with graphic overlays, digital audio, and mouse interface. This paper will allow the reader to assess the appropriateness of CD-ROM for a specific project, report on lessons learned from the RPT project, demonstrate that CD-ROM is within reach of the average CBT developer, and provide guidelines for successfully developing CD-ROM based CBT. This paper can serve as a basic primer on how to adapt CD-ROM as a CBT medium. Some of the technical aspects that are discussed are listed here: CD-ROM basics for CBT development, availability of low-cost development environments, file organization, optimization of CD-ROM response times, effective use of digital audio and still frame graphics, and animation with CD-ROM.