Blackboard Ally Alternative Downloads

Ally alternative formats

The Ally alternative formats option in Blackboard enables students to download their course materials in differing formats to meet their individual learning style and needs. For example: your instructor uploads a PDF research article for the class to read. However, you are an auditory learner and learn best when you listen. With Ally you can download the PDF article as an MP3 file to listen to. Or you wish to view the content on your mobile device - simply download the HTML format.

Ally allows students to download alternative formats of PDF, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, OpenOffice/LibreOffice, and uploaded HTML files, as tagged PDFs, mobile-friendly HTML, e-Pub for e-readers and iPads, electronic Braille, MP3 audio, BeeLine easier-to-read versions, and translated versions.

Choosing the right format

• A Tagged PDF is a PDF with added structure for improved use with assistive technology.
  • This may be a good option for you, 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 study on your commute and want to take your study materials with you.
    • You use a screen reader.
• HTML allows for viewing in the browser and on mobile devices.
  • This may be a good option for you, 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.
• ePub is for reading content as an e-book on an iPad or other e-book reader.
  • This may be a good option for you, 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 study on your commute and want to take your study materials with you.
• Electronic Braille creates a BRF file that can be read on a refreshable Braille display, other Braille reading devices, or within Braille software like Duxbury.
  • This may be a good option for you, if:
    • You have a visual impairment.
    • You are familiar with braille.
    • You prefer to read.
    • You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.
• The Audio option reads aloud the text of the original file, including alternative descriptions of images, as an MP3 file.
  • This may be a good option for you, 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 study and find your eyes get tired.You study on your commute and want to take your study materials with you.
    • You don’t want to, or can’t, carry print materials for any length of time.
    • You have a visual impairment.
    • You want to adjust the speed of the audio.
• BeeLine Reader is an enhanced version of the original file, which allows for easier, faster, and more-focused on-screen reading
  • This may be a good option for you, if:
    • You read a lot on screen and wish you could read more easily and quickly.
    • You study on your commute and find reading in this environment difficult.
    • You prefer to read.
    • You have a lot of material to study and find your eyes get tired.
    • You study late at night, when your eyes are tired.
    • You want to be able to read your course material faster.
    • You experience dyslexia, ADHD, or low vision.
    • You have difficulty with visual tracking or focus.
• A Translated Version is a machine-translated version of the original text into one of 50 different languages. It is important to note that the accuracy of the translation depends upon the complexity of the text and the language.
  • This may be a good option for you, if:
    • You are a non-native speaker of English.
    • You are learning a new language.
      
      

Find & download alternative formats

After your instructor uploads an accessible file, Ally will create the alternative formats automatically which can be found with the original file. To download an alternative file:

1. Locate the original file within your Blackboard course, and click on the Alternative Formats download icon, located beside the file name. If you do not see this icon, your instructor has uploaded an inaccessible file.
   
   
   1. If, after clicking the icon, you receive a message stating alternative formats are not available, your instructor has disabled this feature.
      
2. Select the format type which meets your needs: tagged PDF, HTML, ePub, electronic braille, audio, BeeLine reader, or translated version. It is important to note that the formats available change dependent upon the original file type.
   
3. Click download.
   
4. Open and/or save the file as you normally would.