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What is Blackboard Ally?
Blackboard Ally (Ally) integrates seamlessly into Canvas and focuses on making your Canvas course content more accessible for students.
Plymouth Marjon University is committed to providing an inclusive learning and teaching environment for all students. Ally provides students with accessible content inside Blackboard. This means you can choose “alternative formats” that work best for you: HTML and ePubs for improved reading on mobile phones, Electronic Braille for the visually impaired, and Audio for learning on the go.
How do I access alternative formats?
Alternative file formats are available next to the original file or text content in Canvas. Just click on the Alternative Formats icon and choose the file type that works best for you. If you’re struggling to open a PPT file on your phone, try downloading the HTML version instead. Use the audio format to learn on the go.
What alternative formats are available?
The alternative formats generated depend on the original file uploaded, but generally you will be able to choose from these options.
Audio
The audio alternative reads aloud the text in the original file. This also includes alternative descriptions for images, if they are provided. The audio is downloaded as an MP3, which you should be able to play on any computer or mobile device.
Audio might be useful if:
- You prefer to listen than read.
- You’re an auditory learner.
- You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.
- You have a lot of material to read and find your eyes get tired.
- You read on your commute.
- You don’t want to, or can’t, carry print materials for any length of time.
- You have a visual impairment.
Most players allow you to adjust playback speed. For example, Windows Media player, VIC, Audacity, and iTunes.
Electronic Braille
The electronic braille alternative creates a BRF file that can be read on a refreshable Braille display (RBD), other Braille reading devices, or within a Braille software like Duxbury.
Electronic Braille may be useful if:
- You have a visual impairment.
- You are familiar with braille.
- You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.
- You want to better understand the format of text on the page
Visit the Blackboard Ally help pages for more information about Electronic Braille.
ePub
The ePub alternative creates a digital publishing file that can be viewed on mobile devices. ePub files are responsive, this means they will automatically adapt to the screen size of your device. With an ePub you can take notes, adjust the text and background settings and create bookmarks.
Apple users can use iBooks to open ePub files, Android users can use Lithium or Voice Aloud Reader.
ePub might be useful if:
- You want to adjust font size and background color.
- You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages.
- You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
- You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
- You prefer to read.
- You read on your commute.
HTML
The HTML format can be viewed on a browser, and it will automatically adapt to the screen size of the device you are using. It aids screen reader users as it adds structure to documents.
HTML might be useful if:
- You want to adjust font size and background color.
- You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages.
- You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
- You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
- You prefer to read.
- You use a screen reader.
Tagged PDF
A Tagged PDF alternative uses tags and elements—such as blockquote, paragraph, and headings—to add meaning to a page. It aids screen reader users with good content structure.
Tagged PDF might be useful if:
- You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
- You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
- You prefer to read.
- You read on your commute.
- You use a screen reader.
OCR PDF
The OCR (Optical Character Recognition) PDF alternatives are created when the original content is a PDF of an image. OCR technology analyses the content and converts the image into searchable text.
OCR PDF might be useful if:
- You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
- You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
- You prefer to read.
- You read on your commute.
- You use a screen reader.
Beeline Reader
Instead of using plain black text, BeeLine Reader displays your learning materials using a subtle color gradient that helps pull your eye through the content.
Beeline Reader might be useful if:
- You have difficulty with visual tracking or focus.
- You read a lot on screen.
- You experience dyslexia, ADHD, low vision or other visual impairment
Visit the Blackboard Ally pages for more information about Beeline Reader.
