Frankincense or Frankenstein? Assessing the impact of CD-ROMs on school education

Abstract

CD-ROMs have been heralded as providing an opportunity for great advances in educational technology and learning. However, little attention has been given to date to the notion that, without an appropriate pedagogy, this new technology may fall short of its capabilities. It may, indeed, be more characteristic of a Frankenstein, a construct which is potentially dangerous, than Frankincense, a valuable gift. This paper explores a number of possible limitations in the use of CD-ROMs in school education, and suggests that teachers may need to re-think how some examples of CD-ROMs may be effectively implemented.