After implementation and trial, this solution was deemed unacceptable. A successful solution to this problem arose from experimentation by various students and faculty. PDF files are commonly used in business to share print quality information via the Internet. The software program to view and print PDF files is free via the Internet. Professors can create PDF files from previously used computer files, or if they develop new class materials, they can create the PDF files as easily as printing paper copies of the materials.
Students can also create print quality PDF files with the same ease.
PDF files work effectively as e-mail attachments. The size of the PDF file is often less than ten percent of the size of the original computer document. PDF files submitted by students can easily be electronically annotated by professors and then e-mailed to students providing timely feedback to the student. Summary After experimenting with various electronic techniques to exchange student-professor information within a distance education environment, a practical solution was embraced. It was jointly determined, by both faculty and students, that the PDF computer file format provides a cost-effective solution to many course process problems inherent in distance education settings.