Overview
Learn Your Own Way with Ally
Ally can convert some course files into multiple alternative formats that are easier to use by all students. Ally works within your D2L course so it's available right where you need it.
Ally is an accessibility tool that creates a more engaging and user-friendly experience by allowing you to select the alternate formats (e.g., electronic braille, PDFs, audio/MP3, etc.) that best support your specific learning needs and all from within your D2L course site.
Some instructors may choose not to use Ally in their D2L course sites.
Understanding Alternative Formats in Ally
What is meant by 'alternative formats'?
Ally allows you to access some course materials in your D2L course site in a way that is comfortable for you. For example, let’s say you have a lot of lecture material to read up on and a long commute. Download an audio version (MP3) of your instructor's lecture and listen to it during the drive. If you prefer to read the lecture on a mobile device or tablet, download an ePub version.
What alternative formats are available?
- OCR’d PDF
- Unlike image-only PDFs, OCR’d versions can be searched by text making them more user-friendly for a lot of readers. They also allow those individuals who use text-to-speech or screen reading applications to listen to their readings.
- Tagged PDF
- Tagged or Structured PDFs improved upon OCR’d versions by adding markup for tables, headings, table of contents, links, etc. These additions are very beneficial to users of assistive technology. Tagged PDFs also allow users to reflow the document content to improve readability.
- HTML
- For viewing in a web browser and on mobile devices
- ePub
- For reading as an e-book on an iPad or other reading device
- If you want to try out a different ePub Reader than that found on your device, try Thorium Reader. Though not an OCC-supported solution, it is a popular ePub Reader application.
- Electronic Braille
- BRF version for consumption on electronic braille displays
- Audio
- MP3 version for listening
- BeeLine Reader
- Enhanced version for easier and faster on-screen reading
- Immersive Reader
- Read Aloud experience to help with understanding
For more detail regarding the alternate formats available and what would work best for you, visit Ally for Students – Alternative Formats*.
Note: The “Translated Version” is not available at this time.
FAQs
Ally Student FAQs