VCR tapes can only be distributed by mail or retailing network. When distributed via the WWW, video files are extremely large, require long download times, and use substantial memory. Audio files can be downloaded from the Internet. If all the students listen to the same material, then discussion questions or projects can be assigned to generate discussion on the topic, the information will be presented equally as well as using a textbook or related articles. Radio broadcasts can be recorded for later study.
Audio files lack a visual component.
Although much smaller than video files, audio files are quite large and slow to download. Students can learn about what is happening today in the real world pertaining to the course content subject. The guest speaker is able to bring outside resources to the course. The material can be used in a self-paced manner. As with video, material which is not easily adapted to text format can still be covered in the course.