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INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN TIPS: Adding Content
Managing file sizes - How do I deal with large file sizes?
With larger files, such as audio/video or PowerPoint, this can be cumbersome
for students with slow Internet connections.
Uploading vs. linking to content
Uploading the file is the best way to handle small files. For large files
that are already on the web, it is better to link to those. Very large files
will slow down the Blackboard server for everyone.
Generally speaking, if you can break a larger file into smaller ones,
this will help. For example, you could have three short video clips,
rather than one long one. If the material has logical breaks, chunking
is a good option.
Another solution is to post these materials into your Condor account, then
link to those files on the web. Here is more information on how
to setup and send files to your Condor account.
Video/Audio
ITD has equipment in our faculty labs for editing and capturing audio
and video. In addition, we have purchased a special new server
specifically for streaming audio and video. This server will lessen
the load on Blackboard and allow instructors to deliver high-quality
video and audio with shorter download times for students.
Streaming allows the file to download as it is playing, rather than
waiting for the entire file. It also adjusts for people with slower
connections by lowering the resolution. Streaming video and audio is
the best solution for reasonable download times with audio and video.
If you'd like to use this service, visit our faculty labs.
PowerPoint
For PowerPoint files, consider limiting the amount of graphics and animations. These add a
lot of file size. If your concept can be expressed without the use of clipart or animation,
it's best to remove it for web presentation. Of course, your in class presentations can remain snazzy.
Try making two versions - one for in-class presentation and a scaled-down version for web delivery. In the web
version, include little or no animations and only the images that are essential to get the point across.
Another way to handle large PowerPoint files is to chunk. If you can break up a large presentation into smaller
chunks, that will help with download times.
PDF
For very large PDF files, submit the file to the Library E-Reserves and
link to it. Large PDFs will slow down the Blackboard server for everyone.
The library has this dedicated resource for these files. The library will
also get copyright clearance for you, saving you the extra step. To request
an E-Reserve, go to the
Library E-Reserves Request Page
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Handling large file sizes