Question:
- What is Ally?
- What is that strange A with a down arrow next to my content in D2L?
Answer:
- Ally is integrated into D2L Brightspace at Metropolitan State University to provide students opportunity to access documents in the format that works best for them.
Introduction to Alternative Formats by Ally
Ally allows students to interact with content in D2L Brightspace in formats that work best for students’ individual needs. Ally can automatically convert content into alternate formats, such as eBooks, electronic braille files, and audio files. Alternate formats have been proven to benefit everyone.
Ally is integrated into D2L Brightspace's Content within courses. The alternative formats icon is found to the right of the topic name in the content area of a course that is utilizing Ally (it is an 'A' with a down arrow next to it):
Ally can also make alternative formats available for module descriptions in content:
Different content file types give you different alternative format types
Based on the document that is within D2L, Ally can provide different alternative formats for download by students.
To download, select the radio button next to the format you wish and select download. Ally will begin to compile and download the file format chosen. (With larger documents that are to convert to mp3, this may take some time.)
A Word Document
A Webpage (HTML)
A PDF Document
BeeLine Reader
BeeLine Reader is another alternative format available through selection. It is HTML-based document specifically designed for reading on a screen. For more information on BeeLine Reader, you can read about the format on their website (BeeLine Reader: making reading on-screen easier and faster) or simply download an alternative format to try it out for yourself.
*New* Immersive Reader
A new option for download introduced Summer 2022 is the Immersive Reader. You can learn more about the Azure Immersive Reader on their webpage. Immersive Reader provides audio and follow along reading prompts. Also, the user can determine size, spacing, font and themes for their immersive feading experience.
Resource
For more information, please refer to the resources on Ally's Alternative Formats.