Blackboard Inc. announced the launch of the
File Transformer,
 Powered by Blackboard Ally — a free resource enabling students to
convert their digital course content into a range of alternative
formats to meet their
unique learning needs and preferences as they adjust to digital
teaching and learning modalities.

The new resource allows students to personalize their learning
experience and choose from several different format types designed to
work better with mobile
devices, assistive technologies, and study tools. The temporary, free
resource is designed to ease students’ transition to digital learning
as K12 school
districts and higher education institutions continue moving to fully
remote learning environments over the next several weeks as a result
of COVID-19 contingency
planning.

The File Transformer is an extension of Blackboard Ally, a solution
that helps improve the accessibility of course content and uses
machine learning algorithms
to generate alternative formats of digital content for students. While
Blackboard Ally integrates seamlessly into leading Learning Management
System (LMS)
solutions, the File Transformer is temporarily available to anyone and
can be accessed outside of the LMS via web URL. Students can simply
upload a digital
file from their courses and select their desired file format,
including mobile-friendly HTML, audio MP3, ePub, electronic Braille,
and Beeline Reader.

“Offering students the flexibility to choose how they engage with
course content during this transitional period is critical,” said Nicolaas Matthijs,
product director for Blackboard Ally. “The launch of the File Transformer, Powered by Blackboard Ally builds upon our vision to reduce barriers to accessible
course content for as many students as possible, particularly in light of the education community’s widespread shift to digital teaching and learning modalities.”

The development of the File Transformer was inspired by an increase in usage of alternative formats in the LMS, detailed in the latest whitepaper from
the Blackboard Ally Inclusive Learning Research Series, titled “Choose your Format: Usage of Alternative Formats of Course Content.”
 Analyzing data from over 300 institutions and 7 million alternative format downloads, the study explores alternative format download activity across different types of institutions. Key findings help validate the positive impact of alternative formats on the student learning experience.

To learn more about the full range of Blackboard Ally capabilities and benefits, visit
https://www.blackboard.com/blackboard-ally

For additional free information on ensuring the development of high quality, engaging, and inclusive digital course content during the transition to a fully remote academic environment, see the

Ally accessibility checklist,  for select, easy-to-follow best practices.

Source:  https://www.blackboard.com/resources/accessibility-checklist