“Ally for Students” is a marketing campaign aimed at reminding students what Blackboard Ally means for them. The campaign runs alongside support for staff, helping them fine-tune skills to improve their content so that all students can use that content in a way that meets their needs and in ways they prefer to access it.
Ally’s alternative versions mean students can go to Learning Edge, access instructor generated content in their Blackboard modules, in a format they want it. Students are often on the go and may require a version of a document that they can listen to.
The audio version means students can download an audio file (MP3), that they can then playback on a mobile device.
The HTML version allows them to access content through a browser and on their mobile device.
ePub files are supported by many e-readers, and compatible software is available for most smartphones, tablets, and computers.
The “Ally for Students” campaign will run for two months beginning March through to May 2019. Students will start to see information about Ally via the Student Portal and digital display screens across campus, explaining what can be downloaded and how they can download it.
Edge Hill University investment in Blackboard Ally is, in part, to help fulfil its obligation and government accessibility requirements in line with level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). GOV.UK Digital inclusion and accessibility.
If you would like any further information about Blackboard Ally, and other learning technologies, please contact your Technologist via Ask LTD.
Martin Baxter
Learning Technology Development Officer