Created to assist teachers in defining various forms of media

1. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
USB Drives
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a small storage device that can be placed in a USB port
on a computer. They are used for the storage of files and can be transferred from one
computer to another, as long as that computer has an USB drive. Information can be written to
the USB disk, as well as removed from the USB disk. It is smaller than a floppy disk. USB drives
are also called: thumb drives, jump drives, pen drives, key drives, and tokens.
Example Image:
Specifications: USB drives come in many shapes and sized, from really tiny to fairly large.
Some have shiny surfaces, varied colors, and designs. Some have a retractable connector, while
others have a top to cover the connector. Some come on a key chain for ease of storage. Some
also have an activity light so that you can see when data is being written to or erased from the
drive.
Storage Capacity:
Music** AudioBook Video+
Storage Photos** Productivity+++
* + +
Capacity
* MP3 Word/ PowerPoin
3MP 5MP 10MP Books mins.
Songs Excel t
4GB* 3,619 2,381 802 760 408 272 3047 609
8GB* 7,238 4,762 1,604 1,520 816 544 6095 1,208
16GB* 14,476 9,524 3,208 3,040 1,632 1,088 12,190 2,438
32GB* 28,952 19,048 6,416 6,080 3,264 2,176 24,379 4,875
12,83
64GB* 57,904 38,096 12,160 6,528 4,352 48,759 9,752
2
115,80 25,66
128GB* 76,192 24,320 13,056 8,704 97,504 19,488
8 4
231,61 152,38 51,32 195,00
256GB* 48,640 26,112 17,408 38,976
6 4 8 8

2. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Drives Comparison
Pros Cons
USB Drive Many storage sized to choose Small and easily misplaced
from
Sturdy
Many Read/Write Cycles
10 yr. data retention
Tapes Fast processing time Used primarily for system
High storage capacity backups
More expensive
Floppy Disks Can boot from a floppy disk Mostly obsolete: many pc’s do
Helpful in working with old not have a floppy drive
PC’s Easily damaged
Optical Media Easily transferred from one PC Can be easily scratched
to another Slow processing time
Comes in different formats Not as easily transported
(Read only, Write,
Read/Write)
Inexpensive
Potential Value in the Library: USB drives are not just useful in the library, but also in the
classroom, and school office. The librarian can use these small storage devices to install an
update and/or file to various computers in different locations because of its ease of transport.
Also, libraries can use this technology to distribute manuals and/or important documents to
certain teachers and can install the files on the teacher’s desktop without interrupting
classroom learning. The cost of USB drives is very low, and many can be purchased to store
different types of data.
Resources:
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/U/usb_flash_drive.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kingston-DataTraveler-DT200-128GB-USB-Flash-Drive-
/250653807529?cmd=ViewItem&pt=PCC_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item3a5c2193a9
http://www.corecomputers.com.au/USBReviewDiagrams.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive

3. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Portable Hard Drives:
A Portable Hard Drive is a device used for the storage of data. It is located outside of the
computer and usually connects to the computer through a USB port. Prior to the creation of an
external hard drive, hard drives were located internally in the computer. This made it difficult
to troubleshoot and/or replace. Consumers can purchase a portable hard drive in addition to
the internal hard drive that comes with their computers. Portable hard drives allow the user to
save and/or store large amounts of data in equipment that can be moved from one location to
another. This type of hardware is also used to store the back up from other computer systems
in case those computers fail.
Example Images:
Specifications: The portable hard drive comes in three main types: SATA (Serial Advanced
Technology Attachment), IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics), SCSI (Small Computer System
Interface). Most come with a USB attachment. More expensive varieties come with multiple
attachments. Some come networked, meaning they can connect to a wired or wireless router
with an Ethernet cable. Portable drives are about the size of a book where external drives can
be considerably larger.
Product Comparison: Seagate Free Agent GO vs. Iomega eGo
Seagate Free Agent GO weighs less than 6 ounces and fits in the palm of the hand. It has a 5
year limited warranty. Price structure: 250GB ($70), 320GB ($80), 500GB ($105), 640GB ($120)
Iomega eGO costs about $80 for 250GB. It has separate PC and Mac versions. The Mac edition
has Firewire 800 & 400 ports. It comes in 3 colors and has drop guard protection when
dropped up to 51”. It comes with virus protection but only has a 3 year warranty. It is still
small in size and weighs 1 pound.

4. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Potential Value in the Library: The portable hard drive would be very useful in a library. The
computers provided by the school district are limited in the amount of data the internal hard
drives can store. The portable hard drive provides additional storage for the librarian. Also,
while school districts backup the data placed on shared drives, most library computers do not
have a method to backup the local drive. Important data can be backed up on to the portable
hard drive. Also, portable hard drives can be transported from the library to home so that the
librarian can access data from a location of his or her convenience. The price is not cost
prohibitive and would be a great asset for the librarian to have.
Resources:
http://www.amazon.com/Iomega-Portable-External-Drive-
34646/dp/B0029D8DGO?SubscriptionId=0K76CZ6RCX2Y05HSNPR2&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creativ
e=165953&creativeASIN=B0029D8DGO&tag=csfstext-20
http://www.consumersearch.com/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives

5. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Zip Disk:
A Zip Disk, also called the “Super Floppy”, is a small storage device similar to a floppy disk but
with a hard outer case. Zip Disks were created to be used with an Iomega Zip Drive. They are
removable disks that can store files. The Iomega drive can read and write files to the Zip Disk
and uses particular software. The software from the drive can catalog the disks and place locks
on the data for security. The Zip Disk can be used for storage and/or backing up of various files,
such as, office application files, music, videos, presentations, and digital photos.
Example Image:
Specifications: This removable disk comes in
three sizes: 100MB, 250MB, and 750MB. The
250MB disk can read and write 100MB disks. The
750MB disk can read all other sized Zip Disks but
can only write 250MB and 750MB disks. The size of a
zip disk is 97mm X 98.5mm X 6mm. It has a
small reflector window on the back that is used by the
drive to recognize this is a zip disk and protects the drive. It cannot be used in other non-zip
drives because of this reflective component.
Product Comparison: Zip Disk vs. Floppy Disk
1 250MB Zip Disk is equivalent to 174 floppy disks as far as the amount of data stored
Zip Disks are faster than floppy disks (up to 2.4MB/Sec compared to 0.06 MB/Sec for floppy)
While Zip Disks contain more data, IT professionals were reluctant to remove the floppy drive
from pc’s due to software and operating systems designed to automatically write to a floppy
drive

6. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Potential Value in the Library: The Zip Disk would be useful to the librarian because of its
sturdiness, and protection of the data it contains. The issue would be locating a special Zip
Drive, as computers do not come with one. This may be an added expense. I’m not sure how
effective and/or efficient it would be to purchase a zip drive for the purpose of backing up data.
Most school districts automatically back up data that is placed on a shared drive. The Zip Disk
is more reliably used for backing up, not for portable storage. Most computers come with USB
ports for portable storage which are easier to move from one place to another because of their
physical size, capacity, and key chain component.
Resources:
http://www.yourdictionary.com/computer/zip-disk
http://www.usbyte.com/common/zip_100_mb.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iomega_Zip_drive

7. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
SuperDisk:
A SuperDisk is a storage device that uses a floptical technology involving a laser to write
information to the drive. It is sometimes called the LS-120 or LS-240. It was created by a
company called Iomega, then 3M, and then created by Panasonic and Mitsubishi. It has a fast
processing speed and can contain a large amount of data. It is rarely used in the United States,
but is still used in Asia and Australia.
Example Image:
Specifications: SuperDisks have up to a 240MB storage capacity. They are primarily used as
an alternative to a floppy disk. SuperDisks are backwards compatible with 1.44 MB and 720 KB
floppies. They have a fast IDE interface. SuperDisks are still used on older servers to store data
and are used to troubleshoot and debug software. Size specifications vary but common size is:
12.7mm high by 96mm wide by 124mm long. These drives operate on low power to save
battery life.
Drives Comparison
Pros Cons
SuperDisk Can contain a large amount of Obsolete in the U.S
data compared to floppies Replaces all data on drive with
Fast Processing time subsequent writes to the disk
Good for debugging software Difficult to replace if broken
if pc did not have a floppy (discontinued technology)
drive Cannot be read on older
Operates on Low Power MacIntosh computers
USB Drive Many storage sized to choose Small and easily misplaced
from

8. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Sturdy
Many Read/Write Cycles
10 yr. data retention
Tapes Fast processing time Used primarily for system
High storage capacity backups
More expensive
Floppy Disks Can boot from a floppy disk Mostly obsolete: many pc’s do
Helpful in working with old not have a floppy drive
PC’s Easily damaged
Optical Media Easily transferred from one PC Can be easily scratched
to another Slow processing time
Comes in different formats Not as easily transported
(Read only, Write,
Read/Write)
Inexpensive
Potential Value in the Library: The SuperDisk is mostly obsolete in the United States because it
has been replaced by drives that are smaller and have a better ability to read and write multiple
times to the disk. The main disadvantage to a SuperDisk is that when you write new
information to the disk it wipes out all the existing data on the disk. Newer drives do not have
that disadvantage. The one value this disk would have to a library is in the use of creating a
backup of a main system. Even keeping that in mind, the SuperDisk is difficult to find in a store
and other storage devices would be more beneficial.
Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SuperDisk
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1997_Oct_15/ai_19857372/

9. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Memory Cards:
Memory cards are electronic flash memory data storage devices. They are primarily used to
store data. Memory cards are used in a variety of electronic equipment, such as, digital
cameras, cell phones, MP3 players, video game consoles and laptop computers. They can
retain data and do not require power to hold the data. The most common type of memory card
is called SD and can contain up to 64 GB of data.
Specifications:
Standards
Card family Varieties Entry date Picture[1] Major features
organizations
Thinner (3.3 mm),
I flash based only, sizes
available up to 128 GB
CompactFlash SanDisk 1994 Thicker (5.0 mm),
older flash based, but
II usually Microdrives,
sizes available up to
128GB
Very thin (45.0 × 37.0
× 0.76 mm thick), no
wear leveling
SmartMedia Toshiba 3.3/5 V 1995
controller, sizes
available up to
128 MB
Thin and small (24 mm
× 32 mm × 1.4 mm),
MMC 1997
sizes available up to
4 GB
Siemens AG,
MultiMediaCard
SanDisk
Compact size (24 mm
RS-
× 18 mm × 1.4 mm),
MMC/MMC 2003/2005
sizes available up to
Mobile
2 GB

10. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Compact size (24 mm
× 32 mm × 1.4 mm),
MMCplus 2005 faster, optional DRM,
sizes available up to 2
GB
Sub compact size
(14 mm × 12 mm ×
MMCmicro 2005
1.1 mm), optional
DRM, 16MB - 1GB
Product Comparison: Memory Card vs. CD’s
slotMusic Compact Disc
Introduced 2008 1982
So small you might run Conveniently hand-
Size it through the laundry by sized, yet incredibly
accident thin
Untold millions of
Music selection 29 albums
albums
Major merchants like Every music store on
Availability
Best Buy and Wal-Mart the planet
Backed by Four major labels Every label
Exactly the same as a
Price About the same as a CD
CD
CD quality “high
Sound CD quality
quality”
DRM None None
Yes, either directly or
Use on your PC? Yes, with an adapter
by ripping
Use with a CD Yes, by transferring Yes, directly

11. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
player music, then burning CD
Yes, by transferring
Yes, by ripping and
Use with an iPod music to PC and then to
synching
iPod
Yes, by ripping and
Use with a phone Yes
transferring
Chances you’ll be
able to play it in 20 Not good Reasonably good
years
Chances your
Alarmingly high Reasonably low
spaniel will eat it
Potential Value in the Library: Memory cards are extremely useful to the school librarian. They
can be used with many different types of equipment that the school librarian may be
responsible for. Digital cameras require them, mp3 players, video game consoles like the WII,
and laptop computers. Each of these equipment types have a purpose in a school library, so a
librarian should have a good stock of available memory cards to use with these devices.
Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_cards
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Class-Memory-SDSDB-8192-
Packaging/dp/B0018BOLIC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1278173543&sr=1-1
http://technologizer.com/2008/09/22/slotmusic-vs-cd-the-ultimate-comparison/

12. Collette Knight
Media Literacy For Educators
Digital Audio Tapes:
The Digital Audio Tape was a signal recording and playback device developed by Sony. It was
introduced in 1987. It looks like a compact audio cassette. The recording is digital and not
analog. It may only be recorded on one side similar to a video cassette. Its primary purpose
was to record music or sound in a studio setting. However, this technology did not catch on
with the general public due to its high cost and its issues with copyright. This type of
technology is still used in studio recording sessions.
Example Image:
Specifications:
The Digital Audio Tape looks like a compact audio cassette. It uses a 4MM magnetic tape in a
protective case. Its size dimensions are: 73mm X 54mm X 10.5mm. One digital audio tape
costs $39.99 on Amazon. It usually comes in a length of 60 minutes.
Product Comparison:
DAT technology is more expensive per hour than Hard Disk recording. Hard Disk recording is
more reliable and the equipment is less expensive to maintain. It is also easier to replace a
Hard Disk recorder than it is to replace DAT, because DAT is no longer being made.
Potential Value in the Library: While it is useful to record events where audio is required, the
cost of this product outweighs its benefits. Also, it is difficult to purchase a digital recorder and
even more difficult to find someone to service digital recorders. It is also difficult to locate
blank DAT tapes. It would be better for a librarian to purchase Flash/Sd memory recorders.
Resources:
http://www.amazon.com/Maxell-DM-60-DAT-
Digital/dp/B001DIKY90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1278175814&sr=1-1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Audio_Tape
http://homerecording.about.com/od/tapingliveconcerts/a/all_about_DAT.htm