Some assignments are more complex than others.

Assignments that have multiple submissions, especially files that may be quite large, can complicate both the submission process for students and the instructor. The result can be long or seeming slowed upload/download times. This an be further complicated by issues with individual connection speeds or computer issues.

Moreover, if students load files into one assignment area but during different visits, only the latest files will download if you download en masse via a zip file.

In the case of multi-part assignments, you can reduce students confusion and speed up the process by breaking up the assignment into different sub-assignments.

For example, in a research methods course students may have coding sheets, consent forms, and copies of their interview questions, surveys, or other supporting materials in addition to the written assignment. In the case of supporting materials, they may be just verification of work completed.

You can streamline the upload/download process and reduce student confusion and mistakes by creating two submission areas for the assignment. One assignment for the written submission and one for the supporting materials. Grades/points can be distributed or, if the supporting materials are not directly graded (simply must be present), then that submission area can be for zero points.

Moreover, these large supporting material files do not have to be downloaded to be viewed.