An advantage of using attachments is that all formatting is maintained. Unfortunately, PINE will not allow attachments in its current configuration. Using these forums can provide a wealth of information for you as well as your students. Assignments can take many forms based upon the level of your students. For novice students, introducing the concept of how mailing lists and newsgroups function can be translated into resources for both their professional and personal lives.
Many disciplines have mailing lists specific for students in the discipline.
This provides a forum for students all over the world to discuss the trials and rigors of professional study as well as share ideas related to courses, study aids, resources, etc. More advanced students may use a professional mailing list or news group to post a question seeking more information or to gather data for a research project. Questions should be worded in a clear manner that reflect professional intent and prior research. Students should not ask for information on a topic that is readily available in a web or library search. By now you should have lots of ideas of how you can integrate these tools into some of your courses.