eCampus Ally Alternative Formats
- Shana Blackshire
Ally is an integrated tool in eCampus that checks accessibility and generates alternative formats of content items so you can access the version that works best for you. When your instructor shares a file in eCampus, the Ally icon will be available to create alternative formats for PDF, Word, PowerPoint, OpenOffice, or HTML and eCampus text content. The alternative formats available will depend on the document’s original format. Learn more about the Ally tool from Blackboard’s help center.
Download Alternative Formats
Click the Ally alternative formats icon to choose an alternative format to download.
On the Download alternative formats menu, choose your format and click the Download button.
Alternate Formats Include
Tagged PDF - a structured PDF document that can be used with a screen reader or text-to-speech software. Tags identify different parts of the document such as the titles, subtitles, paragraphs, and include alt text for images. Learn more about accessible PDFs from Adobe.
HTML - a responsive web page version of the file, which can be comfortably displayed on any size screen (phone or tablet, split-screen on computer) without zooming and resizing.
ePub - a digital publishing file for e-book reader software or devices; e-book readers may include options for text-to-speech reading, searchability, bookmarking, and display adjustments (color, font, line spacing).
Electronic Braille - a BRF file for use with an electronic braille display that allows students to read online content in Braille or listen via text-to-speech translation.
Audio - an MP3 file that students can listen to; includes tags outlining document structure, like a screen reader. This allows students to alter the play speed, go back to repeat content or skip ahead. Listen while you commute or exercise or do chores.
BeeLine reader - an enhanced print copy for use with the BeeLine speed reading tool for easier on-screen reading. BeeLine uses progressively changing colored text to help your eye move along lines of content.
Immersive Reader - Microsoft’s learning and reading comprehension tool. It works with Office files (such as Word) and includes text-to-speech functionality, voice options, and the ability to change text and background font, size, or color. It can also separate syllables in words or highlight different parts of speech with color or markers, focus on only a few lines at a time, or translate to a different language.
Translated version - an HTML translated version of the file, created by Amazon’s translation software in the student’s selected language.
Not Available for All Files
Certain kinds of content, such as spreadsheets, cannot be converted to alternative formats. Instructors can also disable the alternative formats for individual files if it is important for academic reasons. Examples might include translating a document in a language class or presenting equations or formulas in a math or science class.