(For File Sizes, That Is)
ITS Training
Technology Learning & Media Center (TLMC)
Contacts
The size of the files you use on the Web is a "huge" issue for several reasons - the larger the file size(s), the longer it takes for visitors to your site to download and see the page content! Another problem with larger file sizes is storage space and demand on the Web server.
File sizes are an even larger issue for students accessing course content via the Blackboard system. Beginning Fall Semester 2006, there is now a course size quota in Blackboard - each course can be no larger than 750 Megabytes (750 Mb). Larger file sizes mean larger course sizes in Blackboard. Larger course sizes place greater demands on the Blackboard servers. These course size limits will help manage the load on the Blackboard servers, improving the Blackboard experience at NDSU for all users.
In this LunchBytes session we'll take a look at several easy-to-use methods to put your files on a "crash diet" without sacrificing quality!
Why Should I Bother?
- Content will open faster - particularly important for those users on slow dial-up connections (and especially students using Blackboard over dial-up!)
- High quality hard disks used on servers aren't as cheap as you think - smaller file sizes make server systems and storage more efficient!
- Computer screens can only deliver 100 ppi resolution or less - if you use images with higher resolutions, it's a waste of time and space!
- Beware the Purge Monster! Don't use the Blackboard server or the Web server for file storage - accidents can happen!
What Makes Files So Large?
- Graphic images - images stored as .tif, .psd, or .bmp formats are space hogs! Use .gif, .jpg, or .png instead
- PowerPoint - presentations with high resolution graphics or audio narration use more space. Use the Compress Pictures option in both PowerPoint and Word to compress graphics. Consider saving your presentations as Adobe PDF files rather than PowerPoint files
- Information Overload! - Are you storing old content (files) you don't use anymore on the Web server or in Blackboard?
- Digital Drop Box (Blackboard) - Are you saving outdated files in the digital drop box, such as old assignments turned in by students? Delete them! (If you might need them for grade disputes, download copies first.)
More information:
(The information in these PDF files is also appropriate for Word documents and/or Web pages outside of Blackboard courses)
Tips for Optimizing Students' PowerPoint Experiences in Blackboard (PDF)
Optimizing Files for Blackboard Delivery (PDF) -
Strategies for reducing the size of Word and PowerPoint files
Saving A PowerPoint Presentation as a Web Page (PDF)
Importing A Web Site Into Blackboard (PDF) - for example, PowerPoint presentations saved as HTML
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