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This Week's Topic E-mail Attachments Learn about the formats and methods suitable for sending files as e-mail attachments, as well as the pros and cons of accepting files from students. For a quick reference, check out the file attachment checklist in the Download Depot. This Week's Tips JPG Format (Monday) Take advantage of the JPG format’s small file size and compatibility when e-mailing graphics to your students. This format can be opened and printed using any graphics-capable Internet browser, is available with all graphics programs, and allows you to place your images on a Web site for distribution and/or in-class lecture.
PDF Format (Tuesday) Use the PDF format to distribute lengthy documents. Adobe Acrobat software converts your files to PDF from your word-processing or graphics program. Check with your school bookstore or your department for this software. The benefits of using the PDF format include: If you set up the document properly, your students will be able to read, print, but not copy (i.e., cut and paste) or edit a PDF document. Because the PDF reader can be dowloaded for free, there are no compatibility issues: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html. Zipping Files (Wednesday) Avoid file size problems when e-mailing large or several files to your students by “zipping up” the files. Winzip software compacts and collects files together in preparation for sending them by e-mail or other methods. Select “self-executing” when zipping your files, so your students will not need any software to “unzip” them. A free “evaluation” version of Winzip is available for educational purposes at http://www.winzip.com/. Sending Files to Students via E-mail (Thursday) Depending on your course, using e-mail to distribute your materials may prove helpful. Before sending materials to your students on a consistent basis consider the following issues: Make sure you have a reliable e-mail account and Internet access. Find out if your students have reliable access to e-mail, and also a computer and printer installed with software that is compatible with the files you'll be sending. Plan on maintaining an updated list of student e-mail addresses. Accepting Files from Students via E-mail (Friday) Accepting student files as e-mail attachments is convenient for you and your students. Here are some issues to keep in mind if you decide to accept files on a regular basis: Use anti-virus software for e-mail virus protection. Make sure you have daily access to your e-mail account, computer, and printer. State in your syllabus whether you accept files via e-mail or not. |
