Any Canvas user can generate alternative formats using Ally. Creating alternative formats of Canvas content is useful for both students and employees. The main goal of alternative formats is to provide a different way in which users can consume the content. As an example, if you have a Word document in a course, Ally would be able to transform that into a Braille version, an audio version, an ePub version, etc.

How?

Alternative formats are generated on request, by the user simply clicking a button. It usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes to create the new file, depending on the original file's size.

Generate alternative formats anywhere you see the Alternative Formats icon in Canvas.

Screenshot of Ally icon for downloading alternative formats of content in Canvas

Click on the icon and then choose the format in the pop-up window.

Screenshot of alternative format pop-up window in Canvas, where you can choose a format

Types of alternative formats

There are multiple types of alternative formats available.

Benefits of using alternative formats

Enhances the student learning experience:

You can use the ePub version to annotate and make your own notes while reading.
The audio version provides for flexible learning situations.
OCRed PDFs improve the accessibility and searchability of the original document, for example texts that are photocopied.
Students with disabilities such as dyslexia can use assistive technologies such as Immersive Reader and BeeLine Reader to ease learning.

Disable alternative formats

Alternative formats is available for all Canvas content by default. But it is possible to disable alternative formats (help.blackboard.com) for single documents, if necessary.

More information about alternative formats in Ally

Guide for students (help.blackboard.com)
Guide for employees (help.blackboard.com)