In today's diverse college classrooms, providing students with options for how they engage with course materials is not just a convenience - it's a critical component of effective teaching. By proactively incorporating alternative formats that support diverse learning needs, we can create a more inclusive environment that fosters success for all students.

Leverage Ally's Alternative Formats

An effective tool for utilizing alternative formats is Anthology Ally, available in Blackboard, which automatically transforms course content into a variety of accessible formats. By using Ally, instructors can provide students with the power to choose the format that best suits their learning style, device, or situation. 

Ally can generate alternative versions of PDFs, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files, and even content created within the learning management system's editor. These alternative formats include:

• Audio (MP3): Great for students who learn best by listening, or those who want to review content while commuting or performing other tasks.
• Mobile-Friendly HTML and ePub: Perfect for students accessing content on a smartphone or tablet, as the text adapts to the screen size, eliminating the need to zoom in and out.
• Immersive Reader and BeeLine Reader: These formats use features like color gradients and improved spacing to enhance focus and readability, which can be a game-changer for students with dyslexia, have other reading-related challenges, or want to reduce eye fatigue.

Three Ways to Integrate Ally into Your Course

1. Let Students Know This Option Exists

Many students are unaware of the alternative formats available to them. Make it a point to highlight this feature early and often.

• Syllabus Statement: Include a brief section in your syllabus explaining what Ally is and how to access its features. Include a tutorial video or student guide.
• Course Announcement: Post an announcement at the beginning of the term and periodically remind students about the options, especially before heavy reading weeks.
• Point it Out: When uploading files, make a note in the description to draw attention to the Ally "A" icon, helping students make a visual connection to the tool.
  

2. Connect Formats to Learning Needs

In addition to pointing out Ally to your students, explain how different formats can support different learning styles. For example, suggest the audio format for auditory learners or highlight the HTML version for students who prefer to read on their phone. This helps students recognize how these options can benefit their preferred learning styles.

3. Encourage Students to Choose for Their Situation 

Frame alternative formats as a flexible tool for everyone, not just for those with official accommodations. A student might choose to listen to an audio file while preparing dinner, or they might prefer a mobile-friendly version for reading on the bus. This approach helps destigmatize the use of accessibility features and reinforces the idea that learning is not a one-size-fits-all process.

DoIT and Student Disability Services hosted a "Candid Conversation on Enhancing Accessibility" on March 15th. The session highlighted ways that course accessibility benefits all students and results in inclusive learning and working environments. Student Disability Services and DoIT's Instructional Technology team collaborate to provide resources and support to enhance course accessibility. Proactively designing and teaching a course with accessibility in mind not only supports students with documented accommodations, but also supports Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and best practices in course design. In the session panelists shared several key recommendations and resources that are available:

Key recommendations for course design and delivery

• Use Blackboard Ally to check the accessibility of course content, get guidance on remediating content, and to access alternative formats of course materials.

• Videos about Ally

• Alternative Formats in Bb Ally 

• Which Alternative Format is Best to Use? 

• Student FAQ - How do I download an alt format file generated by Ally? 

• Use live captioning in online course meetings, either with Webex or Google Chrome browser live captioning enabled.
• Caption video recordings with automatic captions in Panopto or VoiceThread.
• Upload a Video to Panopto
• Add time limit and due date accommodations in Blackboard.

Accessibility Resources

In addition to the tools noted above, the following resources also support accessibility:

• Create accessible documents with Office 365.
• Review the Google Workspace guide to accessibility.
• Explore SDS assistive technology resources.
• Review assistive technology resources available at the AOK Library.
• Review SDS Information for Faculty.

Technology Highlight: Class

UMBC will be piloting Class, a synchronous web conferencing platform built on Zoom's infrastructure. Class provides support for the following:

• Live transcription. All students in a Class session can view captions.
• Multiple video displays while sharing content, including support for sign language interpreters with a dedicated Sign Language Camera.
• Notes, an upcoming Class feature, will allow students to highlight text from the meeting transcript and add notes.
• Screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation.