What’s the best way to post files on SPARK?
To minimize confusion (and student emails), we recommend converting Word documents and PowerPoint presentations to PDF before posting on SPARK.
PDFs usually open right in the SPARK browser window, and most students already have a free version of Adobe Reader. In contrast, students must first download Word or PowerPoint files to view them, and they will need to own a compatible version of the software to open them. Moreover, depending on a student’s individual browser settings (in Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari), Word or PowerPoint files might download without opening, leaving the student confused about where the file went.
How can I create PDFs?
- If you own a copy of Acrobat Professional (not free), you can create PDFs right from Word or PowerPoint. Additionally, all OIT-supported computers on campus have Acrobat Professional.
- If you use a PC, look into supplemental PDF creation programs. One such program is CutePDF, downloadable online for free.
- If you use a Mac, you can print or save to PDF without additional software.
What happens when students open PDFs?
PDFs generally open in SPARK’s browser window.* If copyright or ownership issues are a concern, be aware that students can download copies of PDFs from SPARK.
If your students do not have Adobe Reader, they can download it for free from the OIT website:
*This will depend on your students’ browser settings. A quick tip for Firefox users on Macs: install the add-on “Firefox PDF Plugin for Mac OSX” from the Firefox website. This allows PDF to open in the browser window (rather than opening Adobe Reader).