As I mentioned earlier, I developed a series of case studies to use in the course which could also serve as a back-up when the equipment failed. Ensuring that students have needed materials also requires forethought. I attempt to stay at least a week and preferably two weeks ahead so that I can mail the course materials, handouts, and assignments to a designated student in the class the week before. Sometimes you can use a fax machine in an emergency, but this requires the student to whom you fax the material to assume the cost of making copies. Our situation is probably different from that of many distance learning sites that have site coordinators.
Students take turns sending and receiving materials.
It took time to get the procedure worked out initially. Its success depends on the efficiency of the professor in preparing and mailing the materials on time. As another approach to the exchange of course materials, we anticipate having all students submit their assignments, etc. In addition to being well prepared ahead of time, it is important when constructing your teaching materials to keep the visual medium in mind. You should not lecture to students for more than fifteen minutes in a distance learning class, or you will lose their attention.