{"id":14983,"date":"2023-11-30T12:00:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T12:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/lteonline\/?p=14983"},"modified":"2023-11-30T11:22:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T11:22:17","slug":"blackboard-ultra-ally-3-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/lteonline\/2023\/11\/30\/blackboard-ultra-ally-3-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Enhancing Accessible Learning: Exploring Blackboard Ally\u2019s Alternative Formats"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is Ally?<\/h2>\n

Ally is a tool available on all Blackboard modules that aims to automate the “accessibility process” in order to ensure that the content being uploaded to your Blackboard module is inclusive for all learners.<\/p>\n

Ally does two things:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. It takes existing content on Blackboard and automatically reproduces it in several alternative formats<\/strong>. For example, electronic braille for the visually impaired, and audio for learning on the go.<\/li>\n
  2. For accessibility changes that cannot be automated, Ally will flag up accessibility improvements<\/strong> to teaching staff using context-sensitive help and make it as easy as possible for colleagues to make these improvements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Ensuring accessibility in learning materials is fundamental to providing an inclusive education environment. Ally, an innovative tool integrated into Blackboard modules, offers a solution to support students with diverse learning needs.<\/p>\n

    Understanding Alternative Formats<\/h3>\n

    Alternative formats are variations of module content that cater to different learning preferences and accessibility needs. Blackboard Ally automatically generates alternative formats from the original resources uploaded by instructors. These alternative formats a include options such as:<\/p>\n

    Tagged PDFs<\/strong> – Download a PDF with document structure and text recognition\u00a0 applied so they can be read across devices.<\/p>\n

    Electronic braille<\/strong> – Braille\u00a0Ready Format (BRF) text file with formatted braille.<\/p>\n

    MP3 audio<\/strong>\u00a0 – Download audio version to listen to the resource.<\/p>\n

    HTML<\/strong> – Download HTML to view on mobile devices and in a browser.<\/p>\n

    ePub<\/strong> – Download to ebook readers on the iPad and other e-book readers.<\/p>\n

    Beeline Reader<\/strong> – Enables easier and faster reading onscreen.<\/p>\n

    The Immersive Reader<\/strong> – Read aloud the resource. Provides tools for comprehension and focus can customise the background colour and read back settings.\u00a0 Available online only.<\/p>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    How Do Alternative Formats Work?<\/h3>\n

    When an instructor uploads a document or file to the Blackboard system, Ally immediately begins to analyse the content for accessibility and create alternative formats.<\/p>\n

    For instance, a text-heavy document uploaded in the PDF format might be challenging for a student with a visual impairment to access. Blackboard Ally can convert this document into an accessible tagged PDF, allowing screen readers to navigate the content more effectively.<\/p>\n

    Similarly, for students who prefer audio-based learning or have difficulty with text-based material, Ally can transform documents into audio files, providing an auditory alternative to written content.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Why Are Alternative Formats Important?<\/h3>\n

    The provision of alternative formats is crucial for several reasons:<\/p>\n