End of the Floppy disk
Sony has announced that it will cease Japanese sale of the 3.5 floppy disk in March 2011. Market specialists suggest this signals the end for the venerable storage medium. It is becoming increasingly difficult to source this media for use within the University and in time will not be possible at all . http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8643844.stm
In the light of this issue, we would like to encourage Staff who still use floppy disks for coursework submission or personal use to look into other methods for data transfer for both themselves and their students.
We are aware that your time is valuable so we have included a brief outline of some of the other options available within the University and where you can go to find out more.
Portable storage:
ITP(Campus Computer Shop) currently stock CDs, DVDs and USB storage devices, ITP also have
access to a wide range of other portable storage media which can be used for both personal storage
and direct submission of coursework. To find out more email ITP on
ITP@bath.ac.uk or by phone on Ext 6112
Online methods of submitting coursework:
All SAMIS units automatically have corresponding courses on Moodle. Within this, the
Assignment activity allows for students to submit coursework online, and if desirable, the
functionality to provide feedback on these submissions. Files up to 100MB in size can be uploaded,
which is 69 times the capacity of a floppy disk. This method of submission is straightforward to
set up and makes the process easier for both the student and the lecturer. For more information on
this functionality, please take a look at the relevant section in the Moodle FAQs database,
http://go.bath.ac.uk/iefh. Alternatively, please contact
the e-Learning team at
e-learning@bath.ac.uk
If you would like more advice on the best media for use please do not hesitate to contact the BUCS service desk in person or via our Online Help Form
By: BUCS Information Manager
Date:14 May 2010